When you delve into American automotive history, several models jump off the pages as being instantly recognizable across the globe. These include the 1st Generation Mustang and the C3 Corvette. Both have managed to remain desirable, and the right cars can command some impressive values. This 1973 Corvette Convertible might not be the most valuable example, but it would be ideal for a buyer who wants to slip behind the wheel and immediately enjoy the classic car ownership experience. It is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has pushed on to $22,100, but the reserve hasn’t been met. For those that want to bypass the auction experience, there is a BIN option of $25,995.
There’s a lot to like about this Elkhart Green Corvette. It has received a repaint in its original color, and it appears to present superbly. If there are any defects in the paint, they are too tiny to show in the supplied photos. The fiberglass looks flawless, with no signs of any cracks or issues. The 1973 model year marked the first where the C3 Corvette didn’t feature a chrome front bumper. The new 5mph bumper was not to everyone’s taste, but the Corvette managed to carry the new requirement better than most. The key to its success was the color-coded urethane cover, which integrated it into the rest of the body. It was a far more elegant solution than some of the bulky bumpers that became the hallmarks of some models from this era. Making this an even more attractive proposition is that this package includes both a factory hardtop and the Corvette’s original soft-top. The owner doesn’t indicate any rust issues with the vehicle, and the lack of visible surface corrosion in the supplied photos is reassuring. The Rally wheels and their trim rings look impressively clean, as does all of the exterior trim and chrome. There are no problems with the glass, and when you look across this classic, it could hold its head high in any company.
Powering the Corvette is the base L48 version of the 350ci V8. The original owner also chose to order the car with a 3-speed automatic transmission and power steering. The 1973 model year saw the Corvette hit with a “double whammy” when it came to performance figures. Not only did the base 350 lose 10hp with the new model year, but the car also copped a 100lb weight increase due to the new front bumper and other engineering changes. That meant that this Corvette would have covered the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds, versus 15.9 for its predecessor. The seller is the Corvette’s second owner, and he has maintained the car’s originality. This includes retaining all of the emission equipment and the smog pump. The engine bay presents nicely for a vehicle of this age, although this is a car that is about more than just good looks. It is said to run and drive perfectly and is ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.
The originality of the Corvette extends to the interior, which is upholstered in Black vinyl. Once again, the condition is above average, with no significant faults or issues to report. It looks like there might be a slight seam separation beginning to form in the driver’s seat base, but the buyer could address this fairly easily and cheaply. The carpet is also showing some typical levels of fading, and if the next owner isn’t too fussed about spotless originality, they could spend $280 on a complete carpet set to address this problem. Otherwise, it is an interior that needs nothing. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, although a factory AM/FM radio is a nice touch.
The early chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes are vehicles that command some significant sale prices, while cars built from 1973 aren’t quite as coveted. However, the 1973 Corvette does offer potential buyers a reasonable compromise. They still manage to retain most of the original good looks, especially around the car’s rear, but they also deliver a more refined package than earlier cars thanks to suspension and engineering changes introduced in that model year. They generally aren’t as hard-edged as their predecessors, but they compensate by being a more relaxed and civilized cruiser on the road. That makes me think that someone will probably snap this one up fairly quickly. Could that person be you?
Even with an auto I don’t see much to
not like here; ‘cept perhaps the price.
I’d better get used to that, and soon.
When the TOP goes down, the price goes up
Like the car but that color looks like stuff that grows on the bottom of my fish pond
Elkhart Green. I remember when the 73’s came out, that color was generally hated by just about everyone. I had a friend who was shopping for a new 73 Corvette. His only priorities were a coupe with the 454, a 4 speed, air and a saddle leather interior. He was also in a hurry to buy one and didn’t want to wait on an ordered car. The only 73 he could find that had everything he wanted was an Elkhart Green one. He bought it and immediately had it repainted a darker green, more like British Racing Green.
This looks like a nice car, but to me, I don’t know if that the color looks any better today, then it did 48 ago?
IMO, this green color pops & is MUCH better than 95% of the “colors” on modern “cars” today – i am sick of seeing the same old 4 doors all over.
That GM LOOP pile carpeting must be very susceptible to fade even in the garage or shade, considering the rest of the car looks perfect.
The darker black CUT pile carpet on ’74 birds(& vettes?) is much much less likely to fade – even on a 240k mile car.
Good thing they didn’t clearcoat back then – that might be peeling by now.
Y’all seem to be very forgiving in your evaluations. The interior and under the hood do not match the condition of the paint. Yes the carpets show signs of fading. Is the ‘slight seam separation’ a code for the seats need to be rebuilt?
All in all I have few complaints about BF but there are times when a critical eye’s opinion should be stated in the write up and not in the comments.
A.G. So because the paint looks (disproportionally?) better than the interior and under the hood, and since its not pointed out as such, you question the write up?
Plus, what makes you think “slight seam separation” is an intended code for something else? Really?
Bottom line: Nice car. Good write up.
A.G., the engine compartment and interior, may not be detailed to the same level as the exterior, but I see that as a plus.
The engine compartment appears to be bone stock and completely unmolested. The original A.I.R. pump and associated plumbing, complete ignition shielding and stock air cleaner, are all still in place. The carpet may be faded some, and the seats look like they need new foam, but like the engine, the interior is original right down to the radio and gauge bezel, which often gets cut up by people installing an aftermarket radio.
I much rather find a car in this condition, than one that someone has “restored” the engine with a couple 12oz spray cans. But then, that’s just me.
The seller is mighty proud of the paint job as he should be. I see the attractive paint job as a distraction.
Is the interior really ‘above average?’ From the two provided images I’d say no. Obviously the seats need to be rebuilt. The unseen side of the driver’s seat is most susceptible to wear. Given the overall condition of the seat excessive wear wouldn’t be a surprise. The carpet is faded but that can be expected. What does it look like under the driver’s floor mat? The interior is just befuddling with the uneven wear. Compare the steering wheel with the driver’s seat. Perhaps there has been more of a cosmetic refurbishment than just the paint.
All the OE emissions remaining in place is a good thing. It shows no one has tried to enhance this base model’s performance. Recent maintenance may be an issue. There are signs no one has been hands on for a while. A new owner should consider hardened valve seats and perhaps a rebuild of the engine.
Then there is the unseen original convertible top which is claimed to be in excellent condition after 48 years. Shouldn’t that be worth a picture?
The auction makes no mention of issues which can be common with Corvettes of this or any vintage. According to Hagerty the current bid of $23K values the car closer to excellent ($28K) than good ($16K). The opening bid was $18K. Take away the paint job and the car looks like a well-used, well-worn vehicle with ~78K or more miles. I’m not saying this car is a pig, far from that. Even so the lipstick is driving perceived valuation.
And I love the color.
Back in ’73 a friend of mine bought the identical car for his daughter. The factory paint job was so horrendous that he had to go to war with the dealer and the zone and the factory to get it repainted. Pretty common with that color if memory serves.
It’s a nice car and the color is not a detraction in the least. If I had 22,000 to spend I would take this one home.
Nine times outta ten I’ll absolutely detest green paint. But oddly enough I happen to find beauty in this car. And I’m not necessarily a Corvette guy.
As far as the under hood and interior conditions are concerned, both would take a minimum amount of cash and labor to bring up to the quality of the exterior. And those are the easy challenges that I’ve always enjoyed when purchasing and renewing vintage iron.
Just sayin…
An NCRS decal in the windshield is a good sign. Members are usually enthusiastic about Corvette ownership. Pics seem to indicate the owner was a good caretaker of this car.
This car definitely has an outstanding paint job! I wonder if it looks as good in person as in these pictures.
Not many Corvette owners here noting the comments about the paint. Anyone that owned or knows corvettes knows that the paint jobs were not perfect, If it was flawless, It Ain’t Original.
Nice Car, Not a 4 speed. At todays prices, guess it’s reasonable
In that period of time, SO many Corvettes had to be re-painted when they were new! That was when they were still being built in the old St. Louis plant.
Not just that time period, I had a new ’86 and it also had orange peel. They were built too fast and quality control was not that great.
Wow, does this bring back memories to my 5 year old inner little girl! My dad had this EXACT hideous colored model (loved the car, hated the color) and I had a ball as the passenger on excursions to Sears and going for ice cream at Tanner’s Creamery back home in PA. My mother made him get rid of it when his best friend, who had the same model in red, wrecked his and the entire fiberglass body shattered. That was the end of that fun (mom was great at killing fun). We got a big ol’ brown ’74 ElDorado Caddy after that. Despised that ugly boat.
And sold.
That color is tolerable with a white interior and white convertible top, however a Corvette with no a/c and no power windows is not for me, and besides it’s sold!
A friend who lives 5 miles away has a very original Elkhart Green 73 L82 coupe with 4 Speed and air. All stock. Original paint, but yes almost 50 years old. I own a silver 73 coupe, L48 4 speed. 73 is a unique year and a far better driving car than the 71 big block coupe I owned in 1976. Radial tires debuted. Body mounts not like rocks. No stupid wiper door with vacuum issues. Yeah the urethane bumpers cracks. They all did. I have a fiberglass replacement. Better fit. Won’t shrink. 73s get no respect. I like different and don’t worry about chrome front bumpers. Yesterday, a red 72 coupe with almost the exact engine as an L48, a base 200 hp automatic, sold for more than $46,000 at Mecum. 72s are the last for many things, solid lifters, rock hard tires, removable rear window, but still do not ride as well as my 73. I did not buy my car six years ago to make money. I bought it because I love 73s and to drive it as much as possible. I am 65 and life is short. I love taking out the t tops and zinging through the gears. Probably gonna take it to work today. Nice write up, but not all of us are concerned about values. That is what has ruined our hobby.
Awesome and honest assessment George, thank you for your excellent and interesting point of view.
Have a ’75 Red on Black L48 Auto Roadster and it is a beauty! Everyone LOVES it! The C3 lines are the sexist !
Ended:Mar 18, 2021 , 9:37PM
Winning bid:
US $24,800.00
[ 21 bids ]