1973 Chevrolet Corvette

1973 Chevrolet Corvette - 350ci V8 - 5 Speed Manual Transmission - 23,650 Miles Shown - Red Over Black Interior - Cragar Wheels “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 23,650 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.