1973 Chevrolet Corvette

- 350ci V8
- 5 Speed Manual Transmission
- 22k Miles Shown
- Red Over Black Interior
- Cragar Wheels

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 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 190 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: GKM.com)

“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 Mille Miglia Red (code 976) over black is a 1973 Corvette Stingray T-top coupe. The car's odometer shows just 22,525 miles, or fewer than 500 miles on average per-year since new. The outstanding condition of the car reflects responsible-ownership, respectful use, careful upgrades, and low mileage-accumulation care through the years.

The non-metallic red exterior paint retains an even finish with excellent gloss across the car's fiberglass body, including the front-and-rear fender flares and cowl-induction, high-rise hood. This paint shade dates to the first Corvette and was offered yearly since then. Rear chrome split-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 light wear. (To best assess the quality of the paint and trim finishes, be sure to view the close-up photographs of the car in the accompanying gallery.) The twin front black lower grilles stand out nicely against the red 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 rear badge, “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. A custom, side-exit, Laker-style chrome exhaust system is mounted. The rear fascia includes the lock for the factory-installed theft-prevention system. Classic-style, chrome, Cragar® S/S-branded, 5-spoke, 15-inch wheels are mounted with raised-white-letter BFGoodrich® Radial T/A 255/60 raised-white-letter tires.

The car's interior has been maintained well. Black upholstery with textured, vertically pleated center inserts covers the bucket seats and center armrest. Black door panels include twist-knobs for the door locks, window cranks, and chrome door-release handles include the crossed-flags emblem. The factory sport steering wheel with crossed-flags emblem frames the large 160-mph speedometer and 5,300-rpm-redline tachometer. Five engine-monitoring gauges occupy the center stack above a JVC® audio head unit in place of the factory radio. The center console hosts the shifter for the 5-speed manual transmission, an engine-data plate, and the handbrake lever. Storage pockets on the dash face the passenger. (Please view the close-up photography in the gallery to assess the condition of the Corvette's various interior surfaces.)

Under the front-hinged hood, the 350-cubic-inch small-block, V8 (with correct Chevrolet-orange engine-block paint) is the center of a clean engine bay. A brushed-metal, embossed air-cleaner cover, matching brushed-metal valve covers (with crossed-flags embossing), and sundry other bright trim (including steel-wrapped coolant lines and an aluminum radiator) add flair and functionality. Viewed from below, the car's chassis is clean, 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 custom exhaust headers, side-exit exhaust, and clean lower sides of the engine are focal points. (To best evaluate the condition of undercarriage surfaces, please review the gallery photos shot from below.)

The car's factory-mounted build and identification tags remain mounted

While the more than 190 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this '73 Corvette 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 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. In this red '73 Coupe, with engine music through the side exhaust, that “special joy” will include memories to last a lifetime.