SOLD on Jun 26, 2026

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1973 Chevrolet Corvette

$17,997 $19,997

Vehicle Details

Make

Chevrolet

Model

Corvette

Year

1973

Mileage

52,568 miles

VIN

1Z37J3S430881

Body Type

Coupe

Transmission

Automatic

Engine

L48 350 V8

Description

1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe Why This Car Is Special The 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe stands as a pivotal model in the Corvette lineup, fusing classic American muscle with notable advancements in design and engineering. This particular model is remarkable not just for its striking visual appeal but also for the historical significance of its features. As Chevrolet's response to evolving safety standards, the 1973 model year introduced new design elements, including the iconic body-colored urethane front bumper, which marked a shift in styling for future generations.

Coupled with its powerful engine and features designed for driver comfort, this Corvette offers a compelling ride that marries performance with luxury. Features List Number matching L48 350 cubic-inch V8 engine 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission Power steering Ice cold AC Four-barrel carburetor T-Top removable roof panels Body-colored urethane front bumper Chrome split-rear bumper Dual exhaust system Pop-up headlights Stingray fender badging Four-wheel independent suspension Power disc brakes Positraction rear axle High-backed bucket seats Three-spoke steering wheel Astro Ventilation system Soft-Ray tinted glass Driver-focused instrumentation with 160 mph speedometer and tachometer Center-mounted auxiliary gauges Mechanical At the heart of the 1973 Corvette Stingray is the revered L48 350 cubic-inch V8 engine, a powerplant that boasts impressive torque and horsepower for its time. The engine is coupled with a 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, ensuring seamless shifting.

This combination not only delivers exhilarating acceleration but also enhances overall drivability. Additionally, the vehicle features power steering, making it easier to navigate, especially at lower speeds or in tight parking situations. The dual exhaust system enhances performance while providing that classic V8 growl that enthusiasts cherish.

Interior The interior of this Corvette is as inviting as it is functional. The high-backed bucket seats are upholstered in leather and provide excellent support, whether on a leisurely drive or during spirited acceleration. A three-spoke steering wheel enhances the driver's connection with the vehicle, while the driver-focused instrumentation features a clear 160 mph speedometer and tachometer.

The vehicle also includes center-mounted auxiliary gauges for monitoring fuel, temperature, oil pressure, and battery status. The Astro Ventilation system, combined with ice-cold AC, ensures a comfortable driving experience, regardless of the weather outside. Soft-Ray tinted glass not only adds to the aesthetics but also helps to reduce glare.

Exterior Dressed in a bold yellow exterior, this Corvette makes a statement wherever it goes. The vibrant color is complemented by T-Top removable roof panels that allow for open-air driving when desired. The body-colored urethane front bumper is particularly notable, as it was the first year for this stylistic feature, while the chrome split-rear bumper is a classic touch, marking the final year for this style in 1973.

Other exterior details, such as pop-up headlights and Stingray fender badging, further emphasize this car's classic appeal. Four-wheel independent suspension provides both comfort and stability, making this vehicle handle beautifully on the road. Conclusion The 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe is not just a collector's item; it's a symbol of American engineering excellence and style.

With a perfect blend of heritage and innovation, this Corvette stands as a prestigious addition to any enthusiast's garage. Whether you appreciate its storied past, its impressive features, or simply the joy of driving a classic American sports car, this vehicle is sure to impress. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.

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Classic Chevrolet Corvette Buyer's Guide

Full guide

Mike Sullivan

Muscle Cars

1953–1982

~6 min read

Updated Apr 2026

Complete buyer's guide for classic Chevrolet Corvette C1, C2 and C3 (1953-1982). Birdcage rust, frame inspection, engine code identification, and current market pricing for split-windows, L88s and LT-1s.

This guide covers

✓ 10-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 5 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full Corvette Buyer's Guide

Chevrolet Corvette Market Overview

Based on 616 Chevrolet Corvette listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

616

Listed Now

$39,933

Avg. Asking Price

1953–1999

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Average Range

This car: $17,997

Low: $4,000 High: $299,995

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 47% ◄

Manual 37%

Condition Distribution

Excellent 13%

Good 12%

Fair 5%

Poor 0%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 616 listings →

Classic Chevrolet Corvette Buyer's Guide

The Chevrolet Corvette has been America's sports car for over seventy years, but the classic Corvette market splits into three distinct generations, each with its own buyer profile and its own pitfalls. The C1 (1953-1962), C2 mid-year (1963-1967), and C3 shark (1968-1982) cover three decades of evolution from solid-axle straight-six convertibles to small-block legends to LT-1-powered chrome-bumper cars. Knowing which Corvette is yours — and what it actually is versus what the seller claims — is the difference between a sound investment and an expensive lesson.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Verify dashboard VIN against trim tag and engine partial VIN — All three must agree. Engine partial VIN is on driver-side block deck near cylinder head.

✓

Demand original tank sticker for any car over $60K — Glued inside top of gas tank. Lists all original options. Gold standard for premium Corvette verification.

✓

Order NCRS Shipping Data Report ($50) — Available from National Corvette Restorers Society. Confirms original equipment from GM records.

✓

Inspect birdcage at door frames and cowl — Pull door panels, lift carpet at windshield base. Perforation = $8,000-$25,000 structural repair.

✓

Probe frame at kick-up and rear cross-member — Solid steel resists; rotten metal flakes. Frame replacement is $15,000-$30,000 if needed.

✓

Examine fiberglass under raking light — Stress cracks at body mounts, headlight buckets, rear panel. Deep cracks = impact damage or chassis flex.

✓

Check T-top seals and headliner (C3) — Water staining indicates failed seals. Leaks rot birdcage from inside.

✓

Verify Big Block valvetrain on cold start — Solid-lifter L72/L78/L88/ZL1 should tick and subside with oil pressure. Continuous noise = valve adjustment or worn lifters.

✓

Compression test all eight cylinders — Should read 145-185 PSI uniformly across the bank. Variance >15% = head gasket or ring problem.

✓

Test all electrical and pop-up headlights (C3) — Vacuum-actuated headlights commonly fail. Hidden leaks in vacuum lines drop the lights at speed.

Common Issues

Corvette "birdcage" rust is the structural killer for C2 and C3 cars. The birdcage is the steel inner structure that supports the fiberglass body — windshield frame, A-pillars, doglegs, and roof. When the birdcage rots, the body flexes, glass cracks, and door alignment goes off. Birdcage repair on a C2 or C3 is $8,000-$25,000 depending on extent. Frame rust on C1 (boxed steel) and C3 (X-frame) Corvettes is the second major concern. The kickup behind the front wheels, the rear suspension mounting points, and the rear cross-member all rot in salt-belt cars. Probe the frame with a screwdriver — solid steel resists, rotten metal flakes. Mechanical issues vary by generation. C1s commonly have weak Powerglide automatics and tired solid-lifter 283 fuelies. C2s have strong drivetrains but the leaf-spring rear suspension wears bushings and the differential carriers crack. C3s suffer from sloppy T-tops that leak, failing radiators, and worn front coil springs that sag the front end. The L88 cars (1967-1969) had aluminum heads that crack from heat cycling — a deal-breaker if not previously addressed.

What to Look For

VIN authentication is the first stop. The C1 and C2 cars used the dashboard VIN plate; the C3 added the windshield-pillar VIN starting in 1968. Cross-reference the VIN against the trim tag (riveted to the body brace under the glovebox or on the firewall depending on year) and against the engine block partial VIN. Big Block cars (1965+ 396, 1966+ 427, 1970+ 454) and Z06/L88/ZL1 specials must have all numbers matching to claim premium prices. For C2 and C3 cars, inspect the birdcage. Pull the door panels and look at the inner door structure. Lift the carpet at the windshield base and look at the inner cowl. Pull the headliner if practical and look at the roof structure on coupes. Surface rust is acceptable; perforation is structural and expensive to repair. For any high-dollar Corvette claim — L71 427/435, L88, ZL1, Z06, LT-1 — demand the original tank sticker (the build sheet that was glued to the inside top of the gas tank). Tank stickers are the gold standard for verification. Cross-reference the tank sticker codes against the VIN and the engine block partial VIN. Fiberglass condition is uniquely Corvette. Look for stress cracks at the body mount points, around the headlight buckets, and at the rear panel where the bumpers attach. Surface gel-coat cracks are cosmetic; deeper structural cracks indicate impact damage or chassis flex.

Price Guide

C1 (1953-1962) Corvettes range from $45,000 for solid 1958-1962 driver-quality 283 V8 cars up to $300,000+ for documented 1957-1962 fuelie cars in concours condition. The 1953 launch year (only 300 built) is a special case — documented original 1953s sell for $200,000-$400,000. C2 (1963-1967) is the most coveted Corvette generation. The 1963 split-window coupe is the icon — $95,000-$200,000 for drivers and survivors, $300,000+ for documented L84 fuelie cars. 1965-1967 396/427 Big Blocks are $85,000-$180,000 for drivers, with documented L71 Tri-Power cars at $140,000-$280,000. The 1967 L88 is the holy grail — only 20 were built — and documented examples bring $2.5M-$5M at auction. C3 (1968-1982) is the bargain entry to Corvette ownership. Driver-quality 1968-1972 small-blocks run $22,000-$42,000. The 1970-1972 LT-1 (small-block, solid-lifter, 350-360 hp) is the underrated gem at $45,000-$85,000 for documented numbers-matching cars. 1973-1977 cars are the bargain era at $15,000-$28,000. 1978 silver anniversary and 1982 Collector Edition cars trade for $22,000-$35,000.

Did You Know?

The Corvette name was suggested by GM PR director Myron Scott — named after the small, fast warship class. GM trademarked "Corvette" in May 1953, just one month before the car's June launch. The 1963 split-window coupe was a Bill Mitchell design that survived for only one model year. Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette's chief engineer, hated the split window because it killed rearward visibility, and he successfully lobbied to remove it for the 1964 model year. The one-year-only design is now the most iconic Corvette body style ever produced. Only 20 L88 Corvettes were built for 1967, and Chevrolet deliberately under-rated the engine at 430 horsepower to keep insurance companies off the buyer's back. The L88 actually produced approximately 540 horsepower in road-going trim and was conceived purely as a homologation special for road racing — Chevrolet refused to install a heater, radio, or AM/FM in any L88, telling buyers to special-order them at the dealer if they actually wanted comfort features.