The world of the Chevrolet Corvette is full of statistics and solid record-keeping, making it generally pretty easy to determine how many cars from almost any year featured a specific option. However, Chevrolet dropped the ball for several years when it failed to retain records on paint color totals. That was the case in 1973, making it virtually impossible to determine whether the seller’s claim that this Corvette wears a rare paint shade is valid. It underwent restoration a few years ago, presenting well as a high-end driver-grade classic. The seller feels it is time for it to move on, listing it here on eBay in New Baltimore, Michigan. Bidding has soared to $20,750 off the back of intense action in a No Reserve auction.
Code 945 Blue-Green was a one-year-only paint shade within the Corvette range, and it is the color gracing the panels of our feature car. The seller states they were told under four hundred buyers selected the shade, but neither they nor I have been able to locate supporting evidence. It is possible, and it will be interesting to see if our readers can shed further light on the subject. The vehicle was restored approximately eight years ago and presents well as a high-end driver. The paint shines nicely, while the fiberglass shows no signs of significant cracks or fatigue. The seller says a close inspection will reveal flaws and imperfections, but nothing requires attention. This underside shot confirms the frame is solid, and the lack of corrosion across the entire vehicle makes me optimistic that there are no birdcage issues. With spotless trim, glass, and Rally wheels, the Corvette has no immediate needs but should turn heads wherever it goes.
The original owner sought a performance edge with their new Corvette, ordering it with the optional 454ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. The power output of 275hp may sound disappointing for a Chevrolet big-block, but it is worth noting that the industry had transitioned from quoting Gross to SAE Net power outputs from 1972. To place that figure into perspective, Chevrolet claimed the LS5 version of the 454 pumped out 365hp in 1971, but the SAE Net figure was actually 285hp. A few ponies were lost to emission requirements between then and when our feature car rolled off the line. However, the impact was not as profound as the numbers initially suggest. The situation would deteriorate as the decade progressed, but buyers still received respectable performance from a ’73 ‘Vette. New safety standards had added weight by the time this car emerged, although it could still cover the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds. Purists will be disappointed to learn this classic is no longer numbers-matching, but, on the positive side, it is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives perfectly and should be considered a turnkey proposition. The seller supplies this YouTube video with a walkaround and an opportunity to hear that V8 running. The motor sounds crisp and clean, without evidence of vices or problems.
The previously-mentioned restoration of this Corvette included an interior retrim, and the passing years haven’t been marked by significant deterioration. The Saddle leather seatcovers show no signs of wear or stains, while the carpet and dash are excellent. There is no evidence of abuse or UV damage, and the only aftermarket addition is a Hurst shifter. I don’t like the appearance of this as much as the original, and I would probably spend $260 on a reproduction replacement if I couldn’t locate an original. It isn’t loaded with interior options, but the tilt/telescopic wheel and factory AM/FM radio are desirable features.
This 1973 Corvette ticks many of the right boxes for potential buyers courtesy of its overall condition and desirable mechanical configuration. The question remains regarding the rarity of its paint shade, and I won’t be surprised if our readers can add some clarity to the situation. The fact it is no longer numbers-matching could impact its ultimate value, but it hasn’t discouraged eighteen people from submitting an impressive fifty-one bids. Are you tempted to add to that total, or will you remain an interested spectator?
That engine still had muscle since in 1973 we weren’t quite into the “malaise” era of emissions and safety obsession yet. What’s not to like about this car? Nice color, nice interior, big block and a 4-speed! This was the last year of the handsome tail on this generation..in ’74 it would get a urethane rear bumper that was far less attractive.
At least they could put a matching set of tires on it.
Are you feeling Ok?
Sorry, upon further inspection, you’re correct! Lol.
I don’t have mine handy but I’d check the Corvette Black Book by Mike Antonick for some possible numbers on the colors as well as any other data.
Worth every penny, Main performance factor in these old vettes is believe it or not “Bushings” specifically the Large Donut sized ones on either side & all the reg 1s I’d replace all corners w/upgrades shocks springs brakes & rear main springs.
Engine is easy Pulled Bored .30 over slap a Whipple charger on it cuz compression ratios are just right add EFI & a 150 shot of NOS
Fat Tires & side pipes
Biker stache & gold neck medallion w/open button silk shirt & 70s bell bottom denim jeans 👖 and a peace sign bumper sticker
So let’s see here….I’m sure many enthusiasts besides myself see two colors in the interior….we have zero info on the engine build, are the trans & rear original at least?…the color is no big deal either…..a guy I knew had one that color with saddle interior (at least it matched) and I personally saw many 73’s that very color……the Hurst shifter is a huge upgrade over the factory one, which were terrible….so anyway, not with my money you don’t…….
Joe, it looks like the seat covers are leather but the door panels are vinyl, or am I just seeing things?
The color is probably the rarest of 1973. I owned one and was a member of a Corvette club in the early 80s and participated in many club events in the US and Canada, but I don’t remember ever seeing another blue-green ’73 (a one year only color). This is anecdotal evidence, but do a search for ’73 Corvettes for sale and see how many blue-greens you find. There are a few, but not many.
Yeah, there are no hard numbers for Corvette colors in 1973. If you search the forums there are people who have taken guesses based on word of mouth.
Seller would have been better off emphasizing the one year only color – it is nice.
Color looks very similar to Bridgehampton blue
Maybe in these pictures, but in person, there’s no mistaking this color for anything but green, despite its name Blue/Green Metallic.
So there were no trim tags listing the paint and interior codes on the driver’s side door jamb in 1973?
Frank, I’m sure that there was a trim tag, but like other years, Chevrolet did not keep the numbers of what Corvettes were painted in what colors.
Got it. Another quirk of car collectors. Rarity is in the eye of the beholder. Nice looking car.
Not sure why, but the rear end has been modified. The key cylinder for the alarm system is missing and 1973 Corvettes had rectangular exhaust outlets, not round. Collision repair?
My first corvette was this color and a fellow I worked had one this color. Can’t be too rare. I still love the color.
Interesting note: The body work on my car was so bad, the dealer repainted it before I even saw it. This was a car I ordered so it wasn’t in dealer inventory. Paid $5350 OTD with my GM discount.
Anyone remember what year the alarm became standard equipment instead of an option?
I believe it was ’72.
I know it was an option in ’70. Mine had it and it was considered a rare option.
Mark You are correct those are 68-69 exhaust ports, but it’s been sold, so someone else can figure that out.
I looked up the color codes in the “Black book”, and for 1973/1974 there are no color quantities until 1975 model year. But color quantities are listed for 1972. So not much help there.
The worst three words you should never put in a listing !! “I WAS TOLD “
No color breakdown for 73. I own a silver 73 coupe code 914. This beautiful blue green is 945.
Not the original hood on this one and I wonder why they put the L88 long version on here. I like the windshield wiper door on mine. Its kind of a cool feature and not all that hard to make work. I switched mine over to electric and not looked back. Cool car, and as I own a C3, I hope it goes for a lot.
’73s were the first C3s without the wiper door. Back in the day, people did lots of mods to these cars. Hoods, sidepipes, C2 back windows, wagon conversions, etc.
Code 945 was used on the 72s but was called Bryar Blue..same color.
Despite the code number, the colors are not the same. Bryar Blue has much more blue in it than green, more of a teal. Google images of Bryar Blue vs Blue/Green and you can clearly see the difference. The 1973 Corvette brochure indicates Blue/Green to be a “New” color. No idea why GM used the same paint code – dumb decision.