1973 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray Convertible

Highlights

Entirely original, unrestored and beautifully preserved
Exceedingly rare - as one of just 43 LS4-engined C3s officially imported to Canada and believed to be the very last of this specification in existence
Comprehensive service and vehicle health check carried out by a leading specialist August 2023, prior to UK import
UK road registered and exempt from road tax/MOT testing

The Appeal

Famously leased to Apollo astronauts for the princely sum of a dollar per year, the Chevrolet C3 Corvette ‘Stingray’ was the car to be seen in during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Half a century on, in today’s age of sensible motoring, there’s something rather refreshing about a car that exists purely to put a smile on your face, making this 1973 Stingray Convertible as appealing as ever.

After consulting the factory in Bowlan Green Kentucky, the vendor has discovered that just 208 of this model were made for Canadian import, of which just 43 had the range-topping LS4 package. Here’s the really special bit: only one example is known to have survived - and you’re looking at it.

Offered in entirely original, unrestored condition and impeccably preserved for its age, this truly is an unrepeatable opportunity. The vendor acquired the car while living in Canada and imported it to the UK when they relocated. Before crossing the Atlantic, the car was entrusted to a leading specialist, Western Corvette, who carried out a thorough vehicle health check and comprehensive service. They even went so far as to investigate the likelihood of the mileage being genuine - which they found to be very probable.

It’s impossible to overstate how special this car is. Superlatively rare, utterly original and in fantastic condition, this truly is as good as it gets. UK road registered since November 2023 and exempt from road tax and MOT testing, it’s ready to be enjoyed.

The History and Paperwork

UK road registered
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
Age-appropriate ‘L’ suffix number plate assigned
Left-hand drive import from Alberta, Canada
The vendor contacted GM to ascertain the provenance of the car
Official records show that just 400 C3 Convertibles were made in total for the USA and Canada
Just 208 C3s were officially imported to Canada, of which 43 had the LS4 package and this is the only registered example left
Canadian registration documentation present
The vendor also tracked down a copy of the original build sheet
build date: 11th November 1972
81,565 miles indicated and an Alberta-based Corvette specialist has written a letter to state they believe this figure to be accurate based on the car’s condition
The car has also been confirmed as entirely original
Serviced in August 2023 and used sparingly ever since

The Condition

The factory paintwork is still in fantastic order and just lightly patinated
The original folding convertible roof is still in very good condition and operates correctly
Inside, the original upholstery is complete and in great shape
Excellent chromework and original badging
OEM Corvette wheels have been retained and are fitted with period-correct BF Goodrich white-lettered tyres

Rarity aside, it wouldn’t matter if this Corvette were one of thousands, it’s still likely the most original example you’d find among them. The factory paintwork and upholstery still look brilliant and have accrued a gentle patina over the years.

The vendor was advised by leading specialists not to carry out any form of restoration work, so while there’s naturally some localised wear and tear, that’s exactly what collectors are looking for stateside and it’s been left well alone. There’s no evidence of any modifications and we understand everything to be working exactly as intended 51 years ago.

The Mechanics

Range-topping LS4 package: 454 cu in (7.4-litre) V8
Automatic gearbox
Comprehensively serviced by Canada-based Western Corvette in August 2023

With a fire-breathing 454 cu in (7.4-litre) V8 nestled under the “hood”, this car is not short of performance and that immense power is delivered most dramatically when you bury your right foot into the carpet.

Before importing the car to the UK, the vendor entrusted it to Western Corvette in August 2023, who carried out a full vehicle health check and service, replacing all the fluids and filters before tuning the mechanicals to perfection. Very few miles have been covered since, meaning this car is ready to go for its next lucky owner.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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