1973 Chevrolet Corvette C3

Highlights

Unique 1973 model with body-coloured front bumper and chrome rear bumper
Only 5,800 miles covered since 2016
Deluxe interior with walnut vinyl accents and luxurious carpets
Matching numbers vehicle
Stored under cover in a dry, secure location

The Appeal

Perhaps one of the most iconic cars in history, the Chevrolet C3 Corvette 'Stingray' was a masterclass in retro-futurism, with Coke Bottle styling and a sleek, swept-back stance that looked fast when it was stood still. The flowing lines, the pop-up lights and the distinctly aeronautic-like cabin were all a huge contributor into why this remarkable piece of Muscle Car heritage became a true style icon.

This particular Stingray, finished in Medium Blue Metallic, is truly captivating, and offers an incredible paperwork file. Having spent the vast majority of its life in the United Kingdom, this matching-numbers vehicle is adjoined by over 30 invoices, plenty of MOT certificates and lots of original booklets and brochures piled up in the car's folder.

This beautiful, slicked-back muscle car boasts a deluxe interior featuring walnut vinyl accents, luxurious carpets, and leather seats, which only make this car more evocative and impressive - it really is quite the package, and if you've ever wanted a stylish, evocative and utterly iconic American muscle car, this is a particularly fine example.

History and Paperwork

First registered in the USA in October 1973, imported into the UK in 1980
7th owner since import in 1980
Original handbook
30+ invoices for various parts
MOT certificate - 2015 - PASS - no advisories - 99,355 miles
MOT certificate - 2016 - PASS - no advisories - 99,402 miles
MOT certificate - 2017 - PASS - no advisories - 1,386 miles (101,386 miles)
No MOT certificates needed past this point as it is MOT exempt
Servicing: differential fluid replaced with correct AC Delco additive added, automatic transmission fluid replaced, regular oil changes, spark plugs replaced, and the whole car regularly checked by an American car specialist
Mileage is 105,280 - it has only done around 5,800 since purchase in 2016
Lots of original Corvette brochures
Purchased from a Corvette specialist dealer in Kent
Stored under cover in a dry, secure location with other classic cars

The Condition

There are a few patches of surface corrosion on the underside, as expected from a car that is 51 years old
The body is straight and solid
A few small stone chips are visible on the paintwork, but these do not detract from the overall appearance
The fibreglass body means these won't lead to any corrosion
Tyres look as new with plenty of tread, having only done 5,800 miles in 8 years
Car comes with a deluxe interior with walnut vinyl accents on the door cards and centre console and luxurious carpets
Leather seats
Retractable seat belts
New storage containers
New handbrake console

The vendor highlighted features:

Medium Blue Metallic (code 922) paintwork
Deluxe interior with walnut vinyl accents on the door cards and centre console and luxurious carpets
Leather seats
Centre arm rest
Floor mats with Corvette emblem
Retractable seat belts
Corvette AM/FM radio with cassette player (including a cassette Bluetooth adapter)
Storage containers with new hinges, locks, and carpets
Removable Targa roof panels with protective storage covers
Personalised number plate RIG 5773 (57 for 5.7 litre, 73 for 1973)
x5 BF Goodrich tyres (includes x1 spare wheel)
Comes with a bespoke car cover

The vendor also notes:

The speedometer recently stopped working, likely a faulty connection
Some interior lights on the dashboard do not work (e.g., clock illumination and oil pressure gauge)
Door cards show signs of wear and tear but are original
Engine bay could benefit from some detailing

The Mechanics

5.7 litre/350 cubic inch V8 Engine
Automatic transmission with 3 gears
Performance cam fitted prior to purchase
No automatic choke, removed prior to purchase as it wasn't needed

Key features:

Matching numbers
Left-hand drive
Electronic Ignition
Power steering
Power brakes
Automatic transmission TH400
Holley 4 barrel carburettor
Tilt/Telescopic steering wheel
Electric windows with original window glass showing the Astro Ventilation logo

Work done since ownership:

New brake callipers, pads, and hoses
Replaced the power steering cylinder ram
Rebuilt the Holley 4 barrel carburettor
Replaced the u joints on the prop shaft and painted to protect from rust
Replaced the half shafts and painted to protect from rust
Replaced the rear leaf spring bushings
New heater hoses re-routed correctly
Distributor converted to Mallory electronic ignition
New drive belts
New wiper motor
New thermostat
New lower hose with internal spring
We understand the car to be in fine mechanical condition
We've no reports of any specific faults or issues
The car has been recently serviced and we understand it's driving well

BEFORE YOU BUY

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