Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for this submission! This yellow 1973 Corvette is listed for sale here on craigslist and is located in Danbury, North Carolina. While it’s in need of a few parts, it does have the all-important accessory for a C3: the luggage rack! And with an L82 and a four-speed manual it’s in what is generally considered the most desirable configuration as well.
Yup, there it is, the luggage rack. Sure, I know it’s practical, but think about it; are any C3s really practical? Long-term Barn Finds readers know I despise the look of these chrome-plated monstrosities when applied to the beautiful lines of an early C3. Okay, Jamie, off your soapbox and back to the car. I do prefer the chrome bumpers in the rear even though this mid-model car should have a body-color nose.
A new fiberglass nose is available here for $219 including shipping. Of course, you’ll have to match the paint as well, but they never seemed to be exactly right anyway when new. I love the deep rally wheels and huge trim rings. Does anyone else know the only foreign car to use the same depth 15″ trim rings as the Corvette? Answer that in the comments if you can.
The interior looks like a nice place to spend some time, and while showing a little wear I wouldn’t change a thing. To me, this is a driving car!
This shot shows the final thing to check all my C3 boxes: air conditioning. So we have the higher output V8, a manual transmission and air conditioning in a color I like, and in a town that’s pretty close to me (and the county seat of the county I grew up in). The seller tells us it’s been parked in a garage for the last 10 years but that it has been started every few months. Of course, you’ll need to go through the hydraulics and other fluids and some other niggling issues like the vacuum operated headlights, but that would almost be fun considering the result. Sure, I’d like this car. I just finished showing it to my wife, who reminded me yet again that we have too many cars (remember, she’s in the hobby with me too, so it’s not someone nagging — she’s right). So not this time. But let us know if one of you buys it!
The ad say has PB but clearly does not have (no booster).
Interesting setup of a Rochester with an aftermarket single plane manifold with heat crossover. Rochesters are great carbs when built properly but not common to see them mated to an aftermarket performance manifold.
Luggage racks are fine on convertibles but coupes do not look good with them.
In 73 GM introduced ‘hydroboost braking’ –The hydro-boost uses the hydraulic pressure from the power steering system to provide the driver assist in applying the brakes as an alternative to the vacuum booster. Perhaps this car has the system?
No- there’s no hydroboost visible.
It’d be worth a visit just to see the seller’s house. C3s are slowly gaining momentum in the collector market albeit on a fairly low level right now. This bodes well for fans of these cars. They may never achieve the values of C1s or midyears, but they seem to be going up.
This is a very nice example despite the front bumper cover and what looks like DIY wiring on the alternator. I can take or leave the color and the rack is a bit much. Price is in the ballpark – maybe make an offer.
Looks to be a great definition of a driver quality car. As mentioned, it has the desirable drivetrain for a driver with a/c, decent miles, and in basically running condition. Not sure it’s quite worth what they are asking but it smells somewhere close for the condition. If the seller is somewhat flexible on the pricing I can’t believe it will last too long.
Favorite year C3. Love the color, lots to like here.
Has it been repainted? I see a bit of yellow 953 on the trim tag. If so it’s the original color but I’d be checking extra carefully for other issues.
Good catch. Looks like some of the satin black under the hood has been resprayed as well including the underside of the hood. Note there’s no chassis or frame pics. As always it’s a buyer’s beware world.
While obviously an AMC fan I do love C2, and early C3 Corvettes. IF money were no object a 1965 365 H.P. coupe and 1970 LT1, along with an SC/RAMBLER with a built 390 and I would be in automotive heaven. Atleast dreams are free.
The C3 still a step kid in desired buyers!
The four speed helps but it’s a 10k at most car .
The usual check the birdcage and dog legs on this baby!
Install emergency pull wire cheats on each latch for hood release where it’s hidden around wipers so when the one release breaks your not stuck prying and getting them dual latches to trip loose.
(been there before👀🤦♂️ and implemented the wire and pull handle hidden workarounds)
How does one actually check the birdcage? If memory serves (Always questionable) there aren’t a lot of places to get a clear view of it.
Okay a quick version as my long answers erased as this site hiccuped 😫
Check door alignment, gaps between door and sagging as it indicates issues with its cage. The windshield area around frame too.
I suggest of course asses the whole car with:
Frame and rear dog legs
Body mounts to frame like under disc canister on firewall etc. or on the passenger side under side plastic kick panel etc
Check radiator supports
Check above bumper metal under fiber which mean hood up and look underneath etc.
These signs tell one it’s a good clean car or a patch car etc.
Here is a good link showing repair to help visualize bird cage etc.
http://corvettec3.ca/rustpics/index.html
Nice. Thanks. Bair’s Corvette in Pennsylvania had a really good video (What’s a “video” Granpa?”) many years ago on pre-purchase inspecting a C3. I need to check their site and see if it has been updated or placed online. (Just checked. 100 points to inspect on a C3 available on DVD for $20.00)
Very simple, i.would start by inspecting the door jams carefully, then i would take the drivee kick panel out, one screw by drivers right foot. If both show no rot and a quick look at the frame ahead of rear wheels shows no rot i would deem it a worthy project.
If seller allows you.can take off the interior trim around the windsheld to be sure….
C3’s like this are going to be harder and harder to find. A serious C3 buyer would find this hard to resist. Price is pretty optimistic in my opinion. I’ll bet there is negotiating room.
How to check birdcase?: Remove the kick panel
Hey Jamie US market Triumph TR6 cars used deep dish aluminum trim rings in a 15″ size.
Excellent!!!!! Ten points for Collins!
I wouldn’t mind this car in my imaginary stable that includes my 57 belair, 67 corvette, 69 z/28, my copo 69 camero oh and I forgot the yenko camero. Let me see did I forget something? Yes I did, I can appreciate all my imaginary cars all up to the off set of Alzheimer’s.