For Sale: 1973 Chevrolet Corvette in Ft Worth, Texas

It's easy to get hung up on pedigrees and numbers and paperwork but cars like this 1973 Corvette convertible are where the action really is. With a strong-running crate small block, factory air, and a removable hardtop and softop, all at a very reasonable price, you can have a lot of fun without spending five years' worth of mortgage payments to own it.

The '73s are popular because they're the last Corvettes with chrome bumpers, and we can't argue with the fact that a dash of chrome makes all the difference on a C3. Of course, bright yellow paint doesn't hurt either, and if you're going to drive a Corvette roadster, it may as well be high-visibility. This one was originally code 953 Sunflower Yellow, and the respray is very high quality and only a few minor imperfections can be found just because it's been driven after all. During the restoration, it also got all its gaps lined up just right, and if there were ever any cracks around the headlights, they've been thoroughly excised. The urethane nose cone is in good condition too and unlike original cars, it's actually the same color as the rest of the body. In back, the familiar chrome bumper is probably original and still holds a great shine and looks very sharp.

The black interior is mostly new, including the leather seat covers, carpets, and dash pad, so it feels fresh when you slide behind the wheel. This car is an automatic 'Vette, which was what the overwhelming majority of Corvettes were in 1973, and the shifter falls easily to hand and feels instantly familiar. The gauges are likely original and in great condition, as is the rest of the dash, and it appears that everything is working except the horn and the A/C that needs to be serviced. A retro-style AM/FM/iPod compatible stereo radio provides the entertainment, but we're guessing that once you peel the top back and unwind the 350 through the gears, you'll decide that you don't need it. Both the hard top and the soft top seal up rather well and it doesn't have the usual squeaks and rattles you'd expect of a vintage Corvette. Some of that is due to the tight-fitting black convertible top, and it gets even better with the removable hardtop in place, a desirable option.

The 350 cubic inch V8 is a newer crate engine, so you know it runs well. A set of finned valve covers give it a unique look and it's been upgraded nicely with aluminum heads, an aluminum intake, and a Holley 670CFM 4-barrel carburetor. It cranks right up thanks to an HEI ignition system and Accel wire, so you won't hesitate to get in, turn the key, and have some fun. The TH400 automatic transmission spins the stock rear end and there's a great-sounding Magnaflow dual exhaust system with correct rectangular tips out back. The undercarriage is quite clean with no signs this car has been neglected or abused and with factory Rally wheels and fat 255/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials, it looks great and sits right.

A bulk of the Corvette hobby is made up of cars just like this, and with a very reasonable sticker price, a top that goes down, and a high-powered motor, there aren't many that are more fun. Call today!