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This 1973 Corvette is a factory L82 4-speed model that that’s worth a close look. It offers the one-year-only transitional Corvette styling in a great color along with a fairly rare drivetrain package. And while it’s a real eye catcher with its Stingray lines, silver paint, and Rally wheels, it is also a very fun car to drive.
According to the included NCRS shipping report, it was built on 5-31-73 and delivered to Capital Chevrolet in Salem, OR. A reproduction window sticker is also included. This example received a repaint in its original silver color which looks so good on the C3 body. Other trim, emblems, lenses, and seals were also replaced. The front bumper piece is in excellent condition without any cracking, while the chrome rear bumpers have been replaced. The correct 1973 exhaust tips are also present along with an aftermarket luggage rack. Wheels are 15” Rallys with BF Goodrich tires.
1973 was the first year for the L82 small block. They built 5,710 such cars, all designated by a “T” in the fifth digit of the VIN and wearing L82 badges on the hood. The original engine has been replaced with a 3970010 casting with a few performance parts including an aluminum Edelbrock Performer intake topped by a factory style Quadrajet carburetor. There are also headers feeding the dual exhaust which has a great sound, much like a chambered system but with mufflers. Note this model year is the last Corvette without catalytic converters.
The 4-speed transmission really makes this car. The driving experience is so different than that of an automatic! You will also find factory power steering and power disc brakes. The vacuum headlight doors also work very smoothly (which isn’t always the case on the C3 cars). Adjustable rear camber struts have also been installed so you don’t have to deal with worn eccentric bolts that won’t stay tight.
Now any car looks great in silver, but when you add a black interior it becomes even better. The seats have been recovered in simulated leather and are in excellent condition, looking so much better than most Corvette seats of this era. Note the shoulder belts are still place; we often see these removed. The door panels have been replaced and the dash is in good shape. All gauges and instruments work properly except for the clock. The horn, wipers, heater/defroster, interior lights, parking brake, and aftermarket radio all work properly.
There are plenty of C3 models out there, but there are not many L82 4-speed cars. Still, while this is a fairly rare Corvette, it remains much more affordable than so many others. It’s an investment that will not only look good in your garage but will also have you smiling as you run through the gears with the T-tops off, listening to that great exhaust note.
