SOLD - 1973 Corvette Stingray

Letank

CCCUK Member
Well optioned matching numbers L48 350 small block auto in red with side pipes and American Racing wheels.

A stunning example of this one year only C3 model - the last year of the chrome bumper Corvette. The 1973 model is the only one to have a chrome rear bumper and the urethane front bumper, which was introduced in 73 to satisfy new 5mph crash regulations.

Imported to UK from Florida by Gavin Roe at EMC Performance in 2019. It has had thousands of dollars/pounds spent in the last few years by the last US owner, Gavin and myself.

VIN 1Z37J3S411485
1 - Chevrolet
Z - Corvette
37 - Coupe
J - Base engine (L48)
3 - 1973
S - St Louis plant

411485 - Sequence number, which tallies up with 9th January 1973

Build code is F09 - 9th January 1973
Trim number is 400 - Black vinyl
Paint number is 980 - Orange (Now 973 Mille Miglia Red)

Engine number
CLA411485 - Numbers matching L48

The car has the following options:
A31 - Power windows
A85 - Shoulder belts
C60 - Air Conditioning
J50 - Power Brakes
M40 - Turbo Hydro-matic TH400 Auto transmission
N37 - Tilt/Tele steering column
U69 - AM-FM Radio

Parts added/replaced immediately prior to coming into the UK in 2019:
  • New 15x8 American Racing Torq Thrust II alloy wheels and 235/60R15 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tyres
  • New chrome Side Pipes with Heat shields
  • New ceramic exhaust headers
  • New Edelbrock Performer Carburettor
  • New Edelbrock Performer Intake manifold
  • New black and red ‘Chevrolet’ Valve covers
  • New black and red ‘Chevrolet’ Air Cleaner kit
  • New Rear Chrome bumpers
  • New carpets
  • New ‘Corvette’ speaker bar
  • New interior door panels
  • New door weather seals
  • New A pillar weather seals
  • New B pillar weather seals
  • New parking brake console
  • New parking brake cable
  • New brake discs and pads
  • New rear spring
  • New rear spring hanger kit
  • New front suspension anti-roll bar link kit
Parts replaced by EMC Performance once in UK:
  • New power steering cylinder
  • New vacuum system components and headlight actuators
  • New seat foams and covers
  • New rear compartment main/individual frames
  • New interior rear quarter trim panels
  • New ignition lock/barrel
  • New tail light lenses
  • New rear exhaust panel (to remove the holes where the exhaust tailpipes would normally be - due to side pipes)
Parts replaced/restored during my ownership:
  • New rear wheel bearings
  • New rear trailing arm bushes
  • New rear control arm bushes
  • Partial engine overhaul by a SBC engine specialist
  • New Comp Cams street performance camshaft
  • New hydraulic lifters and pushrods
  • New uprated timing chain and sprockets
  • New harmonic balancer
  • New tachometer cable
  • LSD service with new oil and additive
  • New driver and passenger side mirrors
  • New rear view mirror
  • New front spoiler
  • New number plates from States Plates
  • New aerial antenna
  • New T-Top weather strips
  • New T-Top latch bolts
  • New fuel flap emblem
  • New fuel cap
  • New rear compartment liner
  • New flex plate cover
  • Restored front grilles and turn signal lenses
  • New headlamp switch and bezel
  • Restored wiper switch and A/C vent housing
  • New centre A/C vents
  • Restored shifter plate
  • New Auto shifter seal
  • New heater control panel and dials
  • New ashtray
  • New ashtray lid guide seals
  • New engine data plate
  • New parking brake seal
  • Restored Spare wheel carrier
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Puncture repair kit and air compressor

Since arriving in the UK, the car has been garage stored and generally never driven in the wet, and never driven when salt on the road.

The panel gaps are very good for a C3. Chassis, birdcage and underfloor components are totally solid. Some surface oxidation can be seen on the frame but as to be expected with a nice driver vehicle like this.

The car was originally painted ‘980 Orange’ and I would say it was resprayed probably about 5-7 years ago. The paint looks superb from a couple of feet (and I do mean just a couple of feet, not 20 feet like many C3’s out there!) and I get so many people commenting on how nice the paint is. However, as someone who is picky about details, I know that up close there are some small scratches, chips, orange peel, micro blistering and the odd run inside the door shuts. It really doesn’t detract from the car overall and probably nothing a mop and some cutting compound couldn’t improve.

The vacuum headlamps work perfectly with both sides raising and lowering quickly and simultaneously (again, unlike many C3’s).

The power windows work well (and fast) but the passenger side A-pillar seal could probably do with being adjusted a little so the window goes up better when the door is shut.

The power brakes are exceptional for such an old car. The discs and pads have loads of life in them and I’m guessing the calipers have been refurbished at some point as they have been painted red too.

The Air Conditioning has been disconnected so I don’t know if it works, but assume not. The hardware is all there but the belt is missing.

All the gauges work except for the clock (standard!).

Unfortunately the US history is a little thin, barring a couple of invoices. However, every receipt has been kept during my ownership.

Additionally, I have been able to source a nice condition 73 owners manual and original sales brochure, which will be included with the car.

Car can be sold with the original rally wheels as an alternative to the American Racing wheels.

Genuine reason for sale. Only selling to fund an earlier C3!

Serious enquiries only please.

P.S. I shall be at the Nationals on Sunday, so the car can be viewed there for anyone who might be interested.

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Chuffer

CCCUK regional rep
Having seen your car in the flesh it should sell well . A real beauty and someone will be a real lucky C3 owner . Good luck with sourcing your new dream car .
 
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