For Sale: 1973 Chevrolet Corvette in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1973 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

"They ride better and don't nibble and dart over road irregularities as did last year's bias belted tires. Altogether, they must be acknowledged as an unalloyed improvement. Which is the way it is with the latest Corvette. Because it looks pretty much the same on the surface as it did six model years ago, there is a tendency to think the same car exists beneath. It doesn't. Zora Arkus-Duntov has been concentrating on the details. And when he says he knows what is best for the customers, believe him." Car and Driver, Dec. 1, 1972

For consignment, a 1973 Chevrolet Corvette convertible with a title verified 83,232 actual miles and a numbers matching drivetrain.Of the 30,000 plus Corvettes built in 1973, only 4,943 of them were convertibles and it's anyone's guess how many are still on the road. This one comes with the accessory hard top along with the typical soft top.

Exterior
Let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, the headlights are not working correctly with the left one not going down and right one not going up. There is one of the more common issues with Vette's and of course, there are experts and resources out there to correct it. Meanwhile, our sleek steed is dressed in Classic White which by any measure, is a great color for a Corvette and a nod to the '53. In later years, the tail would be rounded off, but the '73 retains the vertical tail light panel and subtle rear wing that ultimately complements the coke bottle shaped profile. Fender ducts are seamlessly carved into the front fenders and the door handle sits flush on the horizontal shoulder, all each an epic design feature. Both the hardtop and canvas top are in great shape with some typical graying of the white canvas. The fiberglass and emblems are great on the car with paint imperfections noted as areas of crackling, chips, scratches, touches up areas, and paint thinned to the primer on the decklid.

Interior
A handsome match with the white is the Medium Saddle interior beginning on the door panels that sport woodgrain inserts and integrated armrests. The handles and insert surround show a bit of patina but the doors are otherwise in good condition. Saddle leather bucket seats are thin by today's standards and they both show some wear but are fully intact. Finger grooves line the black steering wheel for grip while the texture plastic around the two main gauges shows some age. All gauges are in great shape and the black faceplate in the center stack shows some typical chips and is situated above the AM/FM/Cassette radio. Woodgrain frames the A/C panel and the chrome knobbed shifter, all in decent condition. The saddle carpet shows some age and discoloration, especially in the cargo area where it is now several different colors. Fortunately, the Corvette aftermarket is one of the most robust around.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a clean version of the numbers matching 350ci L82 V8, rated at 250 horsepower and fueled via a 4-barrel carburetor. It is mated to the numbers matching Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission and power is routed to 3.55 gears with Positraction in the rear axle.

Undercarriage
Conditions are found to be driver quality underneath with some surface rust, oil on the rear differential, some grease build up, and some flaking paint. But everything is in order and the dual exhaust are heat wrapped for part of their journey, the encounter FlowMaster mufflers just before exiting via square tips that fit the contoured valance. Disc brakes are utilized at all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs up front and the Vette's complex rear independent, race inspired suspension that includes tubular axle drive shafts, transverse strut rods, torque control arms, and a transverse leaf spring.

Drive-Ability
The original 350 starts quick and emits a healthy growl but also with a touch of bottom end noise on cold start up. We roll the 15-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels and their 70 series tires onto the test loop where the car expresses its inner sports car and exudes decent power. We note quickly that although the brake pedal feels firm, the brakes are weak and struggling a bit, so we keep things to near school zone speeds. Handling is as expected and excellent and other than the previously noted headlight issue, we find the wipers, speedometer/odometer, and A/C not working. All other functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Numbers matching is a big deal around here, and although this two topped Vette might need a little TLC, it's got all the bones of a highly desirable collectable as C3's a beginning their slow but steady upsurge in collectability. Years from now, it will be the numbers matching examples that will demand attention and this Classic White model will float to the top like the foam on your mocha soy latte.

1Z67T3S420986

1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
67-Convertible
T-350ci 4bbl 250hp L82 V8
3-1973
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
420986-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

I18-April 18th
TRIM 416-Medium Saddle Leather
PAINT 910-Classic White

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!