1973 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

With all the hype surrounding skyrocketing Corvette prices, it's no surprise that a lot of people forget that there are a lot of wonderful 'Vettes out there that still deliver Corvette fun for a reasonable price. This 1973 coupe is a perfect example: a matching-numbers small block, loads of factory options like A/C and leather seats, plus a gorgeous color combination that will never go out of style. If you're looking for first-class fun at a very reasonable price, this Corvette is your ticket.

Chevrolet called paint code 980 "Orange" but it's actually a very attractive bronze, with just enough metallic in it to make things interesting. It is also this car's original color, which purists will appreciate. The bodywork was restored to a very good standard, too, with great gaps and fantastic surface prep that makes the bronze paint really pop and emphasize the Corvette's seductive shape. 1973 was a great year because it combined the new urethane nose with the classic kamm-back styling and delicate chrome bumpers to create a new look that was 100% Corvette. Other details like a bullet-shaped taillights, oval exhaust tips, new lenses, and a few shaved emblems give it a crisp, fresh look that will have people giving it a close look to try to figure out why it looks so great. Add in a set of lift-off T-tops for open-air motoring, and you have a recipe for summertime fun that's pretty hard to beat.

Of course, nothing goes with that gorgeous bronze paint like a black leather bucket seat interior, and the upholstery in this car has been fully restored with new components throughout. Originally code 416 Saddle, the black is never going to go out of style, and armed with this information, you know that if it's black, it's brand new. The seats are as comfortable as they look with fresh covers and firm foam underneath, a new set of black door panels with woodgrained inserts, and that cool console with the integrated climate controls and shifter for the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission underneath. The gauges appear original and are in great condition showing only slight signs of aging and the tilt steering column makes it easy to get comfortable. The A/C has been recently serviced and blows cold, while the original radio has been replaced by a new digital AM/FM head unit that fits neatly in the original slot.

Power comes from the original, numbers-matching 350 cubic inch V8, dressed for success in a coat of Chevy Orange with chrome dress-up pieces like the valve covers, oil filler cap, and air cleaner. Tidy and clean, it's perfect for a Corvette you're going to drive and show on weekends, and there's simply nothing as reliable (or as fun) as a small block Chevy in a Corvette. Upgrades include a cleverly camouflaged Edelbrock intake manifold and matching 4-barrel carburetor, which surely add a few horsepower. It's backed by a heavy-duty TH400 3-speed automatic driving the stock Corvette rear end, which has highway-friendly gears inside that make this Corvette an easy cruiser. The underside is shockingly clean, with new suspension hardware throughout as well as a brand new exhaust system that sounds amazing with a great small-block snarl. The brakes are firm and confidence-inspiring, and it rolls on a set of always-handsome Torque Thrust wheels and 255/60/15 blackwall radials.

If you never thought you could afford an early Corvette, guess again. This one is welcome at any car show and, more importantly, any Corvette event in the country. Find out for yourself how much fun owning a Corvette can be. Call today!