1973 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

- 350 V8
- Automatic Transmission
- Paint Code 953 Yellow Metallic
- New Black Interior
- Power Windows
- Build Sheet

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 155 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: Garage Kept Motors.)

“Is the new (1973) 'Vette the best one ever?” – Car and Driver, December 1972

Here's the magazine's answer to their headline question: “With the 1973 model the Corvette enters its third decade of production and now, as in the beginning in 1953, it is America's only sports car. Considering his present stature, it is surprising to find that (Zora) Duntov was not a part of the original Corvette project. However, he was soon drawn into it and he is certainly the architect of its performance image that began to emerge with the 1956 models. Since then, his influence has grown to the point where he is known worldwide as the Father of the Corvette…. So it follows, then, that if you are to understand the Corvette you must not only drive it with an open mind, but also hear of it from Duntov.”

The Car and Driver writers went on to explain their meetings with Duntov in late-summer, 1972 discussing the then-about-to-be-launched 1973 model: “He wanted us to know about his new Corvette. No, it wasn't to be the mid-engine car that was widely rumored for 1973 introduction,… the Corvette Duntov has been measuring in his mind for at least 10 years. The bumper and safety laws have delayed that model. Instead, Duntov's new car would look much like last year's...but it would be improved. It would be quieter, much quieter, and would meet the bumper laws with only a small increase in weight. Nor would performance suffer to any great degree — to offset the power losses caused by tightened emission control requirements a cold air hood would be standard. Handling in normal traffic situations would be better too because of new radial ply tires and light-alloy wheels. Duntov was pleased. He reckoned that the new Corvette was the best ever and if we wanted to test one, or several, he would help in any way we asked.”

Offered here in Yellow Metallic over black (under a black fabric soft top) is a 1973 Corvette Stingray Convertible. The car's odometer shows 57,167 miles, or fewer than 1,200 miles on average per-year since new. The outstanding condition of the car reflects responsible-owner care, respectful use, careful upgrades, and low mileage-accumulation through the years.

The rare (code 953) Yellow Metallic exterior color is original; the paint retains an even finish with excellent gloss across the car's fiberglass body, including the front-and-rear fender flares and cowl-induction hood. The color was an excellent choice to highlight the car's body lines. The black fabric soft top is free of damage. Rear chrome bumpers (their final model year) and the Endura-clad, painted front bumper are both in excellent condition, as are the chrome windshield trim and side-view mirror. Door handles show expected light wear from use. (To best assess the quality of the paint and chrome finishes, be sure to view the close-up photographs of the car in the accompanying gallery.) The twin front black lower front grilles stand out nicely against the yellow body, as do the front-fender brake-cooling vents. Original-tint cabin glass and lighting lenses—including on the pop-up headlights—are clear and undamaged. Factory badging—including circular crossed-flags-on-red front emblem, simple crossed-flags badge on the fuel-filler panel, “Stingray” script on the front fenders, and C-o-r-v-e-t-t-e lettering on the rear—is all properly located and mounted. The rear fascia includes the lock for the factory-installed theft-prevention system. Factory rally-style, 15-inch steel wheels with turbine-look “Chevrolet Motor Division” hubcaps, are mounted with GoodYear® 225/70 Eagle GTII raised-white-letter tires.

The car's interior has been beautifully maintained and properly refreshed. Re-upholstered with original-style black vinyl (with perforated center inserts), the bucket seats appear brand-new. Black door panels include woodgrain upper trim and carpeted lower inserts; console-mounted buttons operate the power windows, and chrome door-release handles include the crossed-flags emblem. The factory, leather-rim, sport steering wheel with crossed-flags emblem frames the large 160-mph speedometer and 5,300-rpm-redline tachometer. Four engine-monitoring gauges and an analog clock occupy the center stack above the original push-button AM-FM radio. The black center console hosts the shift lever for the automatic manual transmission, an engine data plate, and the handbrake lever. Black cabin carpets are protected by crossed-flags-embroidered carpet mats. Leather storage pockets on the dash face the passenger. Overall, cabin surfaces are in well-maintained condition with only light normal wear; graphic markings on instruments and control surfaces are crisp and undamaged.

Under the front-hinged, cold-air-induction hood (the underside of which is pristine), the 350-cubic-inch V8 (with correct Chevrolet-orange engine-block paint) is the center of a perfectly clean engine bay. A chrome air-cleaner cover, chrome valve covers, and other bright trim add flair. Viewed from below, the car's chassis is straight, complete, and undamaged. In particular, there is no compression damage to any component (as would be the case if the car had been subjected to overly aggressive driving styles or track use). The full-length dual exhaust and lower sides of the engine are visual focal points. Minimal surface rust is present on some untreated metal.

The car's factory-mounted build and identification tags remain mounted. The car's original build sheet is also included in the sale.

While the more than 155 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this '73 Corvette Convertible in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.

A top-down, music-turned-up, open-air drive in a vintage Corvette on twisty roads during the fall-color season, or along a beachfront road under a summer sunset are special joys everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. For the next owner of this '73 drop-top Stingray, however, we're pretty sure once won't be nearly enough.