This 1973 Chevrolet Corvette ticks many of the right boxes for those seeking a project candidate. It recently emerged from long-term storage and is a car that represents a promising restoration project. The first owner equipped it with a range of desirable options, including the L82 version of Chevrolet’s small-block V8. If you are becoming tempted, the seller’s decision to list the vehicle with No Reserve might be all the motivation you need to pursue this Corvette further. You will find it here on eBay in New London, Wisconsin. The bidding sits at $5,101 at the time of writing, which should see this classic head to a new home in a few days.
Chevrolet evolved the C3 Corvette during its production life to comply with legislative requirements. The 1973 model year marked the end of the chrome-front bumper, with the company adopting a relatively heavy replacement that utilized a polyurethane cover. This car is missing the cover, and close inspection of the supplied images reveals a selection of chips and marks on its Elkhart Green paint. It is a prime candidate for a refresh, and with no visible significant fiberglass problems, the process should be quite straightforward. The underside shots expose surface corrosion on the frame, but the Inspection Report included in the image gallery states that there is no penetrating rust. The original glass is in good condition, and the aluminum wheels are the first in a range of factory options that increase this classic’s desirability.
Chevrolet offered 1973 Corvette buyers a choice between two versions of its 350ci V8, with this car’s first owner selecting the more potent L82 option. It should send 250hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The first owner continued to wield their pen on the Order Form, equipping the car with power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller states that they believe that the odometer reading of 42,000 miles could be genuine, although they admit that they don’t hold verifying evidence. The car has been in storage since the 1990s, making the claim seem plausible. It has been revived, with this YouTube video showing it in action. It will probably require some work to be considered mechanically roadworthy, and the seller confirms that the ancient tires require replacement.
The first owner kept a firm grip on their pen when ordering this Corvette, selecting air conditioning, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio to provide a comfortable motoring experience. This is further emphasized by the Dark Saddle leather trim, which is in surprisingly good condition for its age. The first port of call for the new owner will be to treat this interior to a deep clean. That will determine whether the carpet is merely dirty or if it is stained and should be replaced. Some of the faux woodgrain items are well beyond their best, including those on the passenger door trim and around the shifter. With those minor issues addressed, the presentation should be quite acceptable for a driver-grade classic.
The listing statistics tell the story of this 1973 Corvette, indicating that it has generated considerable interest since hitting the market. The 28 bids are just the tip of the iceberg, because it has attracted over 900 views in the past day alone, and the Watch List tally of 149 is equally impressive. The No Reserve factor guarantees that it is only days away from finding a new home. If a C3 Corvette has been on your Wish List, could this 1973 example be a strong contender?
Imagine this one as new? I had a friend back in the day who gave me a ride in his new ’76. Beautiful car.
Nice car. That tan interior color sets the bar. What fun this will be to make it a car to be seen in. How how will the bids go?
Seems like a good deal. It’s a 4-speed Vette with A/C and last of the rear chrome bumper no front chrome bumper year!
My first Vette was a ’73 that had sat a long time. Great looking car that was repainted in pearl white, good tires, wheels, and a real head turner. Had to put in a new engine wiring harness after spending money trying to fix the old one, seals and bearings in rear half shafts, new heater core as the old one leaked, redo the A/C system, weather stripping, vacuum pods for headlights. Went through starters like crazy because they would overheat (I live in Vegas). Replaced distributor as gear for tach was broken and HEI was much better, new carb, and on and on and on. Will never buy one that has been sitting again.
Not the best year for a C3 Corvette, but it is one of the least common colors and the price isn’t bad.
Nice!
Something doesn’t look right on the front end. Missing piece, wrong
piece?
It is missing the rubber bumper cover.
I’m not a C3 fan. That being said I really like the color and as stated above, the tan interior really compliments the exterior. The price is climbing quickly I believe because of the color AND the 4 speed.
Bidding is at $9,500 and it’s green ~ yuck.
Last yr of C3 I liked. I was seven when the ‘74s came out with no duck tail rear-end. I was seriously upset.
The ’72 was the last year for chrome bumpers at both ends of the car, the Federal “Battering Ram” 5 mph bumpers were added to the front in ’73 and both ends of the car in ’74. Unleaded gas and catalytic converters came in ’75, and the last year for the C3 was in 1983, after a fourteen (14) year run. The C4 came out in late 1983 for the 1984 model year.
A good solid driver, with room for some refreshing and upgrades. How come no pictures with the T-Tops off the car, though? One of the first items I’d address besides the bumper cover and some engine work to restore the lost ponies the EPA took away, is new weatherstripping for the T-Tops, to make sure that they don’t leak and get that leather upholstery wet! Moldy leather is a bear to clean, and the stink seems to stay forever! A convertible would be better, but the T-Tops are a nice compromise, not as good as a Targa roof, but better than a sunroof/moonroof, lighter to remove and easier to store.
The bidding is up to $9512. GLWTS!
67 on back was the best looking. I never liked the 68 up and could of bought a few local cheap but passed The older ones still sticks in my mind for looks
Pretty original! Still has the AIR pump on the motor. Usually that is the first thing to get taken off. Nice car all in all.
SOLD for $22,100.
Hi, it’s nice some people have a garage. I had some hot ones! I didn’t pay attention in 68′..just looked out to main st. all the new cars! I would draw Corvettes in class. 73′ was the last for chrome rear bumper. I miss the times, my cars. miss kicking ass! There was a sheriff in 75′ he let me drive his orange 75′ Vette. rumor had it he would race…if he lost..you got a ticket! you can’t smell heavy rubber any more !