Original 454: 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The 1973 model year marked one of change for the C3 Corvette. The chrome front bumper made way for a required five mph unit, while radial tires and other changes took the hard edge off these classics. Buyers could still order their new ‘Vette with a big-block under the hood, which is what the original owner of this tidy survivor did. They also chose a few additional options, increasing the desirability of this Stingray. It needs a new home, so you will find it in Springfield, Ohio, and listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set their BIN at $39,900, although there is the option to submit an offer. Barn Finder Larry D has once again demonstrated the ability to spot some fantastic cars for us, so thank you so much for that, Larry.
If the engineering updates didn’t meet with approval from enthusiasts, it didn’t show in the sales figures. They climbed by more than 10% in 1973 compared to the previous model year and would continue to do so through the remaining years of the 1970s. Our feature car wears Mille Miglia Red paint, which shines beautifully, with no apparent flaws or defects. It coats panels that appear excellent. I can’t spot any cracks or spiderwebbing, and no issues around the bonding strips. The underside shots confirm that this ‘Vette is structurally sound, with the frame wearing a consistent undercoat and no signs of penetrating rust. The trim and glass look good, and it is refreshing to find this classic wearing its factory wheels and stainless covers. It is common for owners to ditch these in favor of alloy wheels, whether they select OEM items or aftermarket.
While most buyers elected to retain a small block under their Corvette’s hood, 4,412 decided to spend the additional $250 to slot in the LS4 version of the mighty 454ci V8. The original owner backed their big-block with a three-speed automatic transmission, also spending the extra for power steering and power brakes. The changes made by Chevrolet impacted vehicle performance by 1973, although this beauty should still storm the ¼ mile in 14.9 seconds. The seller indicates that this gem is numbers-matching and that it runs and drives perfectly. They claim it has a genuine 49,800 miles showing on its odometer. They don’t mention supporting evidence, but it may be hidden amongst the comprehensive collection of documentation. The buyer receives the Original Sales Brochure, Dealer Invoice, handwritten Bill of Sale, and a pile of service receipts.
If you’re impressed by the Corvette so far, its interior condition and optional extras should continue those feelings. This classic rolled off the line complete with black leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. These features remain intact, and there are no aftermarket additions. The seats show no wear but carry the wrinkles that form part of the character of aging leather. The remaining upholstered surfaces, dash, and plastic components are also excellent. The photos suggest that this interior needs nothing.
The seller’s BIN for this 1973 Corvette Stingray is hardly pocket change, but its overall condition, originality, and included options justify the price in the current market. For potential buyers, the included documentation is the icing on the cake. I don’t know whether they will achieve their price, but I won’t be surprised if they need to accept an offer. What would you be prepared to pay if you were considering buying this classic?
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Comments
Tough call on this one. Beautiful car and Mershon’s has been selling Corvettes for over 30 years, but will it ever be driven?
With premium fuel selling for $9.52 a U.S. gallon in the Toronto area today, why wouldn’t it be driven much?
This will be the summer of our discontent.
First off it’s a 73, it has 8.25:1 pistons, it will happily run on whatever kind of garbage gas you care to put in it. It will likely only get 10-14 MPG, but it will gladly do it on regular.
This is a pretty typical 70-74 big block Corvette. These tend to be loaded with most, if not all available options. Big block buyers from this era were good at going down the order form and ticking every box, making it rare not to find one with PS, PB, PW, Tilt, AC, Leather and usually an automatic.
This looks like a pretty nice car. The only real deviation from stock I see is the automatic shift knob and non braided plug wires. Price is a little strong, but probably about right for a car from a dealer.
I will defer to gbvette62’s ruling on this:
Would this car not have been built with A.I.R. (smog pump) as part of emissions? I have seen other ’73 454 cars being shown at NCRS events with OE smog pumps. I am aware that some C3s had other types of emission control.
I know “everybody” removed smog pumps back in the day, which makes finding cars with them intact somewhat rare.
I attended a NCRS presentation specifically on emission controls, and some of the original, date-coded A.I.R. pumps and related components can be very rare and trade hands for thousand$. The repro/replacement components typically not identical to OE, and can cost judging points.
I am aware of some people buying otherwise mint Corvettes being surprised the first time the car is judged by NCRS standards, losing points for wrong/missing emission controls. This can cost several thousand to put right.
“I am aware of some people buying otherwise mint Corvettes being surprised the first time the car is judged by NCRS standards, losing points for wrong/missing emission controls. This can cost several thousand to put right.”
If someone buys a Corvette at this price AND takes it for judging without spending $50 to join NCRS and an additional $100 for the Technical Information Manual/Judging Guide and the Operations Manual they made an expensive mistake.
Good points gbvette62, but owners of classic cars don’t run premium gas exclusively for the higher octane. They don’t want any ethanol in their fuel systems that you are going to get by running the garbage gas.
That is exactly why I run premium in my 72 454 4 speed. Last week it was $5.70 for 91 octane with no ethanol around here. Car gets 9 in the city and 13 or so on the highway at 55. At 65 it drops to 11-12. Ouch!
Premium does not necessarily equate to non ethanol blended gasoline.
Non ethanol fuels are commonly on a separate dispenser and marketed at marine, outdoor power and vintage automotive fuel customers. Filling stations near recreational lakes will often have non ethanol.
I own a 73 coupe, 350, 4 speed. I use ONLY non ethanol gas. Regular gas, even Shell V Power has ethanol. It destroyed my carburetor accelerator pump twice. Luckily, I live only 20 miles from a large boating area, and there is a Sunoco station that sells 90 octane ethanol free. Filled the car up last Sunday, $5.80 a gallon. Use it my other older cars as well, and take along four 5 gallon containers and fill them too, for the lawn mowers, etc. 90 octane is more than enough for 73 low compression engines. And yes, this car should have an A.I.R. system. I have an NOS GM smog pump still in the box in my stash. A complete, correct system today is about $4,500 when you can find them. A guy was selling an NOS diverter valve on eBay and asked $1,200. Don’t know what became of it. And Mershon’s sells Corvettes for high retail. While I as a 73 owner am happy to see prices going up, he is about $10,000 over what this car is worth. Let’s be real.