Often called "America's Only True Sports Car," Chevrolet's Corvette has captured the hearts and minds of millions of enthusiasts since its introduction back in 1953, almost 62 years ago. Has it really been that long?
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Presently in its 7th generation, the Corvette has now irreversibly morphed into a high-tech supercar, angular, admittedly very fast, but a far cry from the red-blooded American icon of the olden days.
Which proud American wants their country's sports car icon to imitate the efficiency of a product from the Far East or the nimbleness of an European design?
Not us, thank you very much . . .
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Back in the fall of 1967, when the second major re-design of the Corvette, now commonly called C3, was launched, the excitement was boundless. Chief designer Bill Mitchell's masterpiece, looking every bit like his 1965 Mako Shark dream car, the C3 Corvette is still one of the most sensational shapes ever devised for a production automobile.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
The 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible prominently featured here, VIN *1Z67J3S415111*, is special in more ways than one. For starters, as a transitional model, it features a one-year-only body, with flex nose yet chrome rear bumpers. Secondly, it's a convertible, one of just 4,943 manufactured, less than 17% of total 1973 Corvette production. Finally, the car was owned by our very own dentist, who pampered it like a favorite child and always attended to its needs with an open checkbook. It's one of the finest Corvettes of its kind we've ever seen.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Originally purchased on March 2nd, 1973 in Omaha, Neb., the Corvette subsequently headed West, to Orange County, Calif. with its original Lady owner, who passed away in 2000. Our dentist became the car's second owner in 2001, paying $18,500.00 for the car, which had been driven just 80,000 miles in 28 years.
He subsequently invested another $21,687.45 to refurbish and update the car. A thick folder containing more than two dozen chronologically ordered receipts for maintenance and repairs documents every single expense.
Also included with the sale are the original owner's manual, 1973 Chevrolet new vehicle warranty booklet, passenger car maintenance schedule, consumer information brochure, emission control systems warranty, a 1973 Corvette assembly manual, and three full sets of keys.
 |
Let's now inspect this fabulous Vette in more detail, starting with the undercarriage. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
|
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
Above photos show the undercarriage in more detail. Check out that beautiful aluminized dual exhaust system, fabricated by Jerry Glover of Higgins Muffler and Brake in Santa Barbara, featuring a set of Doug's custom headers and Borla mufflers.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Four decades after it was made, you'll be hard pressed to find a fiberglass body that hasn't developed any stress cracks, and Corvettes of the '50s to '70s are notorious for this. Hence, you'll really appreciate that this particular car's body is crack free and accident free.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
The brand new white pinpoint vinyl convertible top was lovingly installed by Hector Larios of Canoga Park.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
What would be a better color for a dentist's car than white?
Having been refinished in its original Classic White color (paint code 910) back in 2013, the Corvette's coachwork looks stunning. There are no scratches, chips, tears, bubbles, or other imperfections that would cause even a fussy Corvette collector sleepless nights. The car's brightwork and weatherstripping is in excellent condition as well.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Looking sharp: chromed Corvette C3 aluminum wheels, shod with the iconic B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A tires. Incidentally, 1973 was the first year Corvettes came factory-equipped with radial tires.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Engine compartment appears toothbrush clean. In 2002, Street Machines in Hemet installed a brand new 350 H.O. ZZ4 crate engine ahead of the bullet-proof TH400 auto tranny.
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
In the 12 years since, the 'Vette was driven just 15,000 miles; in 2013, Corvette wizard Helmut Haupt -- crew chief of our Bonneville racing team, with 17 land speed records under his belt -- installed an Edelbrock Performer manifold, 850cfm Holley carb, and fresh air induction, then fine-tuned the engine on the Westech Performance chassis dyno in Mira Loma. The dyno sheets are included with the purchase. Needless to day, the end result is one seriously quick and fast '73, a far cry from its initial, emissions-strangled 190 factory hp.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
This particular Corvette came from the factory fairly loaded, with the optional A/C (yes, it works!), tilt and telescopic steering column, power brakes, power steering, power windows, and AM/FM stereo.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Hallmark of a prime survivor -- always garaged, away from harmful UV radiation -- the car's interior remains in an outstanding state of preservation. There is not a single hairline crack on the original dash!
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
Gauges and Console look flawless. Stereo has been tastefully upgraded, without disturbing the console's integrity.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Dark Red cockpit beautifully complements the white exterior. Every last detail remains in superb condition.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Nicely carpeted cargo space behind the seats. Note 6-disc CD changer.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Let's go for a drive!
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Wednesday, November 26th, turned out to be another fabulous autumn day here on the Pacific Coast. With mild temperatures in the 70s, the open-air Corvette was just what the doctor ordered.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Stingray starts promptly with one turn of the key. In city traffic, it's loafing along, almost at idle, propelled solely by its generous 323ft.-lbs. of torque. No rattling or shaking diminishes the pleasure; the steering is precise, the front suspension tight. Transmission shifts almost imperceptibly, 4-wheel disc brakes anchor the car with the authority of a CanAm racer.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Acceleration is brisk, to put it mildly, however, the car is very docile, with no ill manners at all, no smoke, no oil leaks, no overheating. For peace of mind, the radiator, heater core, and all hoses and belts have been replaced. It's truly a fun-to-drive vintage sports car.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Returning home, we have nothing but highest praise for this convertible. It starts, runs, drives, handles, and brakes absolutely perfect and effortless, and is so phenomenally well-sorted that we would not hesitate to jump in and drive it across the continent, smiling all the way.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Rarely, if ever, will you find another '73 Corvette convertible that's as attractive as this pampered, 2-owner example. Not a barn find, project, or mere "driver," this car has always been maintained to the highest standards, regardless of cost. Cosmetically as well as mechanically, it remains in outstanding condition.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Our dentist's rare, one-year-only model is the most enjoyable Corvette we've ever driven!
Addendum:
We sold this fabulous Corvette late in 2014.
Back to Californiaclassix' Hall of Fame or Home.