1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Details

The Chevrolet Motor Car Company was founded in Detroit, USA in 1911. The company was merged into General Motors in 1917 and subsequently became a Division of that company. Chevrolet is an iconic American brand that is well known the world over.  The 1950’s and 1960’s were a time of great change in America and the automobile played a significant part in the American way of life at that time. Chevrolet is recognised as producing the great American family car, however, Chevys have enjoyed much success in motor racing, the small block V8 is considered by many to be one of the greatest engines of all time and the Corvette is perhaps the company’s crowning achievement.

The Chevrolet Corvette is without doubt America’s most popular sports car. Born in 1953, the Corvette has gone through many iterations and is an ‘automotive icon’ recognised throughout the world. The first generation or C1 series cars were produced from 1953 to 1962 and are often referred to as the ‘straight axel’ cars because independent rear suspension was not introduced until 1963 on the second generation or C2 series cars. 1962 was an important year for the Corvette. Not only was it the last year of the C1 series cars as noted above, it was the first year of the legendary 327 cubic inch engine. The third generation of Corvette, the C3, was introduced in 1969 and production ran for an astonishing 14 years confirming the popularity of this model. Whilst the engine and chassis of the C3 cars were essentially the same as its predecessor, this car had completely new body styling and interior. Some sixty four years after the first C1 Corvette rolled off the production line Chevrolet is still building the Corvette today (which is designated C7).

The early Corvettes are becoming sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike and finding original, unmolested and unrestored cars is becoming difficult.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer a 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible.

This particular car was acquired in the USA and imported into Australia (Queensland) in 2005 and there is a Queensland compliance plate dated 1 July 2005 fixed to the car. At that time the car carried the Queensland registration plate VET 074. The car was then sold to an enthusiast in Melbourne in December 2015 who travelled 1,264 miles in the car in his two years of ownership. A growing family resulted in him selling the car in December 2017.

This C3 Corvette Convertible ticks all the boxes. It is extensively an original and unmolested example. The car has its original ‘matching numbers’ 350 cubic inch / 250 hp engine, it has the sought after manual transmission and remains in its very desirable original colour scheme of silver with a black interior. It is also left hand drive. The wheels and steering wheel are understood to be from a slightly later model car. The car has all its tags and original stickers intact, including: the ‘Recommended Tire Pressure’ sticker and the ‘General Motors Manufacturers’ sticker (that has the chassis number and manufacture date) in the door jam and the ‘Engine Starting Procedure’ sticker on the driver’s sun visor. The paint and trim code ID tag is also in place. All of the above confirm this car as a November 1973 build.

The overall condition of the car is ‘very good’. It has clearly been well cared for by its previous owners. The car just had a new soft top fitted and in March 2016 had the cooling system overhauled, which included the fitting of a new radiator core.

Today this Corvette presents and drives beautifully. The silver paint is vibrant with the odd stone chip, imperfection or blemish evident. The exterior chrome, trim, badges and the glass are all in very good condition. The interior looks to be extensively original. The seats show some wear with a few small splits and damaged seams evident. That said they are still very presentable and usable. The door cards remain in very good condition. Similarly the dash, instruments and controls are also in very good condition and everything looks to be in working order. The car is fitted with the desirable adjustable steering column. The engine bay is clean and it is noted that after market Moroso cam covers are fitted.

Turn the key and the engine starts easily and soon settles into an idle. It is evident that the car has a mild cam. Out on the open road the car drives beautifully. The gearbox is firm and the car pulls strongly through the rev range. It also handles and stops as it should. The odometer reads 24,937 miles.

Not our usual fare (but pretty cool!), so competitively priced for a quick sale.

 

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