By 1973, Chevrolet’s Corvette was becoming more sedate and more refined. This was good news for some potential buyers, but it was less so for those who desired a hard-edged sports car. Modern technology means that a buyer could take a car like this 1973 Corvette and shoe-horn something more modern into the engine bay. That way, they can regain most of the earlier models’ performance, but in a refined package that retains that Corvette’s classic looks and aura. That might be the fate of this stalled project, so it could be worth taking a closer look. Located in Lutz, Florida, the seller has listed the Corvette for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $5,800 in this No Reserve auction.
At first glance, the Orange ‘Vette looks pretty tidy. When you get closer, you realize that the paint has scored its share of chips and marks, and there is evidence that it has received a repaint at some point. Below that paint is fiberglass that sports a fair number of cracks, and these will need to be addressed before any repainting work is attempted. The chrome luggage rack doesn’t necessarily thrill me, but it is a practical addition to a car that was never renowned for its storage space. The rear bumpers and the lights look like they are in good condition, while the glass looks excellent.
This was the photo that made my heart sink and made me realize that this is not going to be as straightforward as I initially thought. We can see some advanced rust in this shot, and it isn’t an isolated occurrence. There is also rust present in the radiator core support, which will need to be repaired or replaced. Parts are readily available through several suppliers, and they aren’t expensive. However, the cost of the parts is the tip of the iceberg. The killer hear is going to be the cost of labor. If the buyer can complete the work themselves, that won’t be an issue. If they need to pay someone, that’s where the back pocket will start to hurt. Seeing this rust does place a question mark over the state of the birdcage. I believe that potential buyers should probably arrange an in-person inspection to ascertain how bad it is.
At some point during this Corvette’s life, someone has made some significant changes to its interior. The Trim Tag shows code 418, which equates to an interior of Dark Saddle vinyl. However, everything is now Black, and the seats look like they are upholstered in leather. It actually looks pretty respectable, and unless the buyer desires a showroom stock appearance, I can’t see any compelling reason why it would need to be changed. None of the upholstered surfaces show significant deterioration, while the dash and carpet remain respectable. Some of the smaller pieces of brightwork are showing their age, so it appears that it will only require some minor details to have the interior presenting at its best. The car comes equipped with an aftermarket stereo, while the only visible factory option is power windows.
The Corvette comes equipped with a 350ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. It isn’t clear whether this is a numbers-matching classic, but it’s when you look at the specifications and performance figures that you begin to realize just how emission regulations were biting into the ‘Vette’s performance potential. This 350 would be producing 190hp and would have pushed the car through the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds. In 1971, the base 350 would have completed the journey in 15.6 seconds, while the entry-level 327 of 1968 would have produced a neat 15-second ET. This 350 hasn’t fired into life for more than a year, but it does turn freely. Its health is unclear, but it might not take a lot of work to coax it back to life. The other alternative would be to source a newer crate engine because it should produce more power and restore some of the lost performance.
Getting this 1973 Corvette to a mechanically roadworthy and structurally sound state will not be something that will be achieved in a single weekend. It will take some time, and it could cost some money. I floated the idea of an engine transplant, but I would urge a note of caution before potential buyers go wandering blindly down that path. The most pressing question in that situation revolves around financial viability. The harsh reality is that if you go out into the market today with $20,000 in your pocket, you can take your pick of tidy, roadworthy Corvettes that are equipped the same as this one. Throw an extra $5,000 and a bit of patience into the mix, and you can find some real pearls. With those thoughts in mind, what would you do with this one?
I love the ’73, the last year before the ugly rear-end treatments!
Kudos to the seller for posting a zillion pictures of this ‘vette…lots of close ups…looks like the interior was dyed black…and lots of orange overspray…the rust looks like the tip of the iceberg…
Kudos to the seller for the zillion pictures in the ad…lots of closeups… looks like the interior was dyed black…the rust looks like it is just the tip of the iceberg…
Kudos to the seller for the zillion pictures in the ad…lots of closeups… looks like the interior was dyed black…lots of orange over spray…the rust looks like it is just the tip of the iceberg…
At best this is a frame off restoration, and the issues you’ll find underneath are not to be underestimated. It looks like the front passenger fender sustained some serious damage. Like flmikey said, tip of the iceberg. My first impression is that it was a tired old Vette(which is fine) that’s been tarted up.
The seller took a lot of pics…..a lot of pics……a lot of pics. Yes. But he should have taken as much time by looking on CL if that is still a thing or FB for a set of original wheels. The 1980’s wheels on the car do nothing then to date it to when most likely the work was done to it.
Reminds me when I attended car shows in the 1990’s and see the fresh built cars all with the billet wheels and pastel or bright colors. Then NEVER change anything. Funny those builds still show up and are certainly not hard to spot.
This is an example. With the rust it isn’t something I would want to touch. With what is showing better bet there is more buried in all that fiberglass.
The 73’s Corvettes have always been unique. Usually only for the guys who owned them and were quick to brag about it being a one year. Truth is just the manufactures doing the bare minimum required for safety. The Corvette wasn’t the only car made with only absorbing bumpers in front and standard on the rear.
1973 Gremlin and Hornets come to mind and the Ford Torino. Sure there are others.
The one things that’s worse than a dated trend if the week build, is someone that tries to update that build with other trendy parts. Three spoke and most directional wheel, just like pastel colors and stripes will never look good, but cars that were were well thought out and didn’t go overboard with their modifications tend to eventually come to be appreciated because they represent a point in time.
Steve R
Dejavu for me. I went through this exact situation – I bought a yellow 73 for similar money that looked just like this – unfortunately including the frame. I did all the work myself and swapped the frame with a southern rust free one. In the end, it still took me a couple years to do myself in my spare time and even with all my own labor, was completely underwater in the end of it – way better off to have bought a good car to begin with – particularly when talking about a base 73 auto.
I might feel ambitious and do a frame off on my 74, any issues I should be on the lookout for?
To be honest, I don’t even know where to start. It is a huge and time consuming job (and I had the setup, tools/equipment, and space for it). If you have the time, and love the car, then it might be something you want to do for sentimental value or other reasons. But if the car just isn’t what you want condition wise, and it isn’t a particularly valuable model, you aren’t attached to it, and if you have frame rust (probably bird cage too), you may be better off selling it and buying something in better condition. I certainly would have (and my car looked pretty good at first glance!) Aside from the frame, take a look at other components first before disassembly to get a better idea of what you have. Pull off all the t-top frame / top windshield / pillar trim and see how the top of the bird cage looks. Also the kick panels to inspect the cage at body mounts 2. And also the inspection panels in the rear wheel wells for mounts 3. These areas will help you gauge the birdcage condition which can be a giant job in itself not even factoring in the frame condition (weak spots are typically rear corners – like pictured in this listing) and also the rear kickups/trailing arm pockets.
Always wanted the yellow 73. Sorry to hear it was a money hole.
I had always wanted a C3 as well. Had some sentimental reasons for a 73. But the amount of work and money in the end made me hate the car to the point where I didn’t enjoy even looking at it in the garage. In the end, it turned out very nice, I saved the car, and I’m sure the new owner is probably enjoying it, but it burned me in the process and even though I lost my shirt, the day it left made me feel just as good as the day I bought it – maybe better! If I had to do it all over again, I’d have spent top dollar (up to what I could afford) on a ready to go, cleaner example. Maybe I’d still have it and be enjoying it.
As with most of these old Vettes, if you can’t do the work yourself then you’ll go broke paying for it.
Bidding should have stopped at $800.00
Looked like a nice one.
Until I started reading ….
I have a friend who used to own a body shop years ago. They once got a ‘53 ‘Vette in for a complete restoration. It took him 2 years to find an original radio to replace the original one that was stolen.
After the body was removed, he discovered the frame was a factory truck frame. Apparently to handle the motor torque. I’m not sure if this is true or not as I’m not a ‘Vette X-pert.
I do know rust NEVER sleeps and this frame appears to be “Toast.”
All things being fully covered by Adam, I add my sentiment on liking the luggage rack.
I think that was a factory option?? Saw lots of them “Back in the Day.”
Always wanted a 73. But after reading that the 350only made 190hp I guess I’ll just keep my 04 v6 mustang convertible and 03 PT cruiser GT Turbo both making 190+hp.
That is the easiest thing to remedy on this car!
I had a 73 Vette, it was Daytona Yellow with the 190 hp. it had a 4 speed, which help my car insurance and when i took on a trip got around 24 miles per gallon. I wish I still had today. The only thing I dislike about it would draw Bumble Bees the insects ones
Hopefully no front-end damage…….