1973 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

As the door slammed on the muscle car era, new regulations for 5-mph front bumpers led to a color-keyed urethane front end treatment for the 1973 Chevrolet Corvette, replacing the previous years’ chrome bumper. It added only 35 pounds (and about two inches to the Stingray's nose), and the rear bumper remained chrome for another year. 

Performance options included the base L48 350/190 hp V8, the L82 350/250 hp small-block, and the LS4 454/275 hp big-block. Chevrolet engineers used sound deadening material that cut interior sound noise in the C3 by a claimed 40 percent. Rubber pads were fitted between the body and chassis, steel beams were installed in the doors as crash protection, a cold-air induction hood was introduced, and radial tires were now standard. 

Prices increased slightly to $5,561.50 ($39,431 today) for the base coupe and $5,398.50 ($38,275) for the convertible. In total, 30,464 Corvettes were produced for the 1973 model year, representing an increase of 3,460 over the 1972 Vette. Only 4,943 (16 percent) were convertibles like this one. 

Highlights 

• C3 Corvette finished in Dark Blue Metallic (927) paint over black vinyl (400) interior with a white convertible top 

• Upgrades by a previous owner include: 

  • GM 350 cu-in V8 crate replacement engine with Edelbrock 600 cfm carburetor 

  • New fuel tank 

  • New HEI ignition system 

  • New upholstery and carpet 

  • New BFGoodrich Radial T/A P225/70R15 tires 

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (1Z67J3S400893) decodes as: 

  • 1 – Chevrolet 

  • Z – Corvette 

  • 67 – Convertible 

  • J – 350 cu-in 190 hp V8 engine 

  • 3 – 1973 model year 

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant 

  • 400893 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Two-door, rear-wheel-drive convertible 

• Curved Coca-Cola bottle design 

• Stingray fender emblems 

• Pop-up headlights 

• Dual exhaust  

• Final year of chrome rear bumper 

• Dual exterior rearview mirrors 

• Faux wood paneling on doors 

• 15-inch Corvette wheels 

• Astro Ventilation 

• Power steering 

• Power brakes 

• Four-wheel independent suspension 

• Three-spoke steering wheel with center horn 

• Driver-focused instrumentation: 

  • 160 mph speedometer 

  • Tachometer 

• Center-mounted instrumentation: 

  • Fuel level  

  • Water temperature 

  • Analog clock 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Battery 

• Pioneer AM/FM/Cassette stereo 

• Lap seatbelts 

• Storage compartments and courtesy lights behind the seats 

Known Imperfections 

• Side windows do not line up properly with the convertible top 

• Radio has power, but it is not working

• Air conditioner does not work 

• Fuel gauge is not accurate 

• Horn works sporadically  

• Light bulb for right turn signal is out and needs to be replaced 

• Kept original oil tube and dipstick when the engine was replaced, so the dipstick inaccurately shows that the oil level is too full, even when it is not 

• Door cards and window felts are worn 

• Paint chips up front 

• Front bumper near passenger headlight is cracked and finish is peeling 

• Convertible top has several holes due to wear 

• Paint chips on underside of convertible top and light rust on brackets 

• Wear on paint where the top seals with the body 

• Tear in top of driver’s seat upholstery  

• Two tears on edge of passenger door upholstery 

• Rust on underside of rear bumper 

Included 

• Corvette floor mats 

• White Line Firestone GR70-15 Radial Tubeless spare tire (may be original to the car) 

• Jack 

• Owner’s manual 

• New inside door locks and door pulls 

Ownership History 

The consignor of this 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible bought it in April 2023 with a goal to make it “a solid daily driver” while “keeping it a sports car, not a race car.”