Big Block w/ a 4-Speed, Rebuilt & Built Up 454 V8, Factory Colors, T-Tops

Description

With all the hype surrounding skyrocketing Corvette prices, it's no surprise that a lot of people forget that there are a lot of wonderful 'Vettes out there that still deliver Corvette fun for a reasonable price. This 1973 Chevrolet Corvette coupe is a perfect example: a pro-built big block, a quick-shifting 4-speed, plus a great color combination that will never go out of style. If you're looking for first-class fun at a reasonable price, this Corvette is your ticket.... Chevrolet called paint code 980 "Orange Metallic" and that certainly fits. It was how the high-impact Corvettes were represented, and it is also this car's original color, which purists will appreciate. The bodywork was repainted a few years back, with good gaps and proper surface prep that give the orange paint a nice shine and emphasize the Corvette's seductive shape. There are a few of the usual signs of age, and a professional detail would certainly restore some old glory, but nothing that will stop you from having some fun behind the wheel. 1973 was a great year because it combined the new urethane nose (the nose on this car was replaced during the resto) with the classic kamm-back styling and delicate chrome bumpers to create a new look that was 100% Corvette. Other details like a chin spoiler, shiny trim and brightwork, and a set of lift-off T-tops for open-air motoring, make this Corvette a fun car that's pretty hard to beat. Of course, nothing goes with that bright orange paint like the code 422 Dark Saddle interior, which appears to be a mixture of original and restored pieces. The seats have been recovered in a lighter shade and are as comfortable as they look with nice covers that have a comfortable, lived-in look. The door panels are in good order, and that cool console with the integrated climate controls and shifter for the 4-speed transmission underneath. The gauges appear original and are in great condition showing only slight signs of aging and the tilt steering column makes it easy to get comfortable. The factory A/C is missing components and needs to be serviced but is a nice option once it's up and running, while the original radio has been replaced by a new Pioneer AM/FM/CD/iPod compatible head unit that fits neatly in the original slot. The dash is in great shape, carpets are a bit older but still plush, and all-in-all, the interior has been well-cared for during its use through the years. Power comes from a bruising 454 cubic inch V8 that's been built to pack a punch, and it's considerably stronger than the original smog motor. This Corvette was originally built with a 454, and although the block has been decked and we can't make out the VIN because of that, the casting and date decode to a '73 big block, and we believe the engine to be original, although we cannot 100% prove numbers matching. It's also dressed for success in a coat of Chevy Orange with dress-up pieces like the chrome valve covers, mesh air cleaner, and a blacked-out firewall. It's in excellent order for a Corvette you're going to drive on weekends, and there's simply nothing as fun as a big block Chevy in a Corvette. The block's been bored 0.60 over, rebuilt with roller rockers and high-performance heads, and is now reported to have 400HP. It's backed by a quick-shifting 4-speed manual driving the stock Corvette rear end, which has highway-friendly gears inside that make this coupe an easy cruiser. The underside is clean, with some new hardware as well as a recent dual exhaust system that sounds amazing with a great big-block snarl. The brakes are firm and confidence-inspiring, and it rolls on a set of always-handsome chrome Rallys wheels and 235/60/15 front and 295/50/15 rear BFGoodrich white-letter radials. If you never thought you could afford an early Corvette, guess again. This one is welcome at any car show and, more importantly, any Corvette event in the country. Find out for yourself how much fun owning a Corvette can be. Call today!