The year 1973 marked Corvette’s transformation from a muscle to a touring sports car. Chevrolet even advertised that, “We gave it radials, a quieter ride, guard beams, and a nose job.”

A number of detail changes made the 1973 a better, quieter, and more comfortable Corvette than its predecessors. The most noticeable were the front bumpers. Gone was the traditional chrome bumper, now replaced with plastic energy-absorbing structures with body color flexible urethane coverings to meet federal 5-mph accident standards. It was the only year that a “rubber” bumper and chrome rear bumper were used at the same time. The hood was redesigned to eliminate the windshield wiper covers and provide carburetor air from the high-pressure area at the base of the windshield. More important changes were invisible, including improved sound deadening treatment, new body mounts, side impact door beams, and a fixed rear window, which made more luggage space available by eliminating the need for a window storage shelf.

This 1973 Corvette has been refinished in red over a black vinyl interior. According to its trim tag, the original combination was Orange and trimmed with a Dark Saddle interior. The interior presents nicely, though shows some wear from continued use and enjoyment. While the car is believed to have been originally fitted an L-82 engine, it is currently equipped with a standard 190 horsepower V-8 engine, though the manual transmission is correct. Underhood, the engine has been mildly upgraded, including an aftermarket radiator and a K&N air filter for improved air flow.

A nice running and driving example, this Corvette would be ideal for cruising up and down Woodward Avenue in the summer.