The 1973 Corvette may best be remembered as being the last of that generation to have chrome rear bumpers. Plastic (or Endura) coverings, like the front bumpers, would emerge in 1974 as the Feds were tightening safety requirements. This 1973 Stingray coupe is an unfinished but running project that has a more powerful 350 cubic inch V8 than the one in the car originally. The interior may be nice, and the exterior has been prepped in some places for new paint. Would you be up for taking this one across the finishing line?
Thanks to detuning for engines to run on low-lead fuels, the horsepower ratings for Corvette powerplants were down in 1973. And the rating system has been changed to SAE net which was more conservative. The standard L48 350 was rated at 190 hp, the optional L82 350 was at 250, and the beastly LS4 454 only advertised 270 horses (the latter would soon be gone altogether). From the seller’s description, this ‘Vette must have come with the L48 off the assembly line. All-in-all, more than 30,000 Corvettes were sold in 1973 and 84% of those were coupes (the convertible was dying a slow death).
If I were to buy a vintage Corvette, I’d go with the dark green paint like this one with the tan leather interior. The seller is unaware of the car’s actual mileage, nor do we know how much use the 1969 Corvette 350 V8 has seen that’s in the car now. The seller took care of that installation and a little of the bodywork, leaving the ignition wiring for the buyer to take care of.
We’re told the seller bought this as a restoration project but has either tired of it or something else has caught his/her eye. From a garage in Florissant, Missouri, this version of “America’s Sports Car” is available here on eBay where $3,250 is as far as the bidding has gotten. Since it’s already a strong running machine, maybe you can get it back on the road after a few weekends.
It’s a mess, it doesn’t run, needs work on the paint, body, interior and wiring, at a minimum. I’d also want to confirm the engines origins due to the EGR valve on the intake.
Decent mid-70’s Corvettes don’t seem to sell for a lot of money, a patience and persistent potential buyer should be able to do better.
Steve R
By the looks of the patching at the bottom of the roof pillars at the top of the rear quarters you’ve allowed for a very liberal interpretation of “paint prep”
Got to love spray painting wheels on car,lug nuts, grease cap and all.
Wonder if he has the drivers side T top?
Would be a nice project for a hands on guy 6k is the right price this car well worth restoring
Just saying why does a 73 have the 75 and later nose? Note the rubber bumpers each side of the license plate. Must have had a little body work at some time.
Entirely wrong front clip on that car. Costly to correct. My as well convert it to a chrome bumper front clip at that point since 73s aren’t worth anything really (and I owned a 73/restored it/sold it/lost my shirt so I can say that)
Hey Nicholas. I hear ya. Just sold my 73 coupe for $12,500. A 12,000 mile original 454 coupe just sold this week for $33,000. The good documented cars still bring good money. Two big problems here with this one. Why the ugly 75 to 79 front bumper and EGR intake, which first appeared on the 73s. If this a 69 engine why put this intake on it?
Did AI write the listing and a 5 year old take the pictures?
Horrible presentation.