Description
Vehicle in France Magnificent 1973 Chevrolet Corvette coupé equipped with its original LS4 Big Block 454 ci engine - Matching Numbers - and its Turbo Hydra 400 automatic gearbox. PAINT & BODYWORK Deep black paint in exceptional condition, it is rich, presents no apparent defects, the nose and bonnet of the car were repainted less than 6 months ago to ensure the overall bodywork condition remains close to showroom quality, the paint has recently received polishing. The depth of shine is impressive with a perfect "mirror" effect. No paint runs or orange peel apparent. All chrome, badges and emblems are new or recent, all seals (windows, doors, T-Top) are new or recent. The bodywork panels (doors, bonnet, T-Tops, front and rear fascias) are aligned with great precision, which is rare on fibreglass C3 Corvettes. It should be noted that the original colour was red. MECHANICAL: Matching numbers engine. Engine completely reconditioned with upgrades (high-volume water pump, aluminium radiator, new alternator, Holley Brawler 750 cfm 4-barrel carburettor, Edelbrock aluminium intake manifold). High-performance MSD electronic ignition system and new distributor (2018). It's impossible to say better than that all the parts under the bonnet of this car have been replaced. They have been replaced with original or superior quality parts. A rack-and-pinion power steering (modern driving precision) replaces the original, it was recently installed to increase driving comfort. The transmission was reconditioned in 2025 by a specialist. 2-inch dual outlet exhaust line with Flowmaster silencers. With the parts upgrades, power is estimated around 330 bhp. It should be noted that there has been no modification to the camshaft, cylinder head or pistons. The engine bay is extremely well maintained. Hoses, clamps and wiring neatly organised with no bodges or loose wires. The engine block repainted in Chevy Orange tone contrasts perfectly with the chromed air filter and sanded aluminium Edelbrock intake manifold. INTERIOR: Oxblood finish completely renovated. New imitation leather seats, new carpets and mats (2026). New rear window (2026). This gives a very nice interior quality that could be judged as excellent condition, the rest of the interior was renovated in 2004 and shows minimal traces of normal wear. The dashboard cap, centre console and instrument panel are very clean, not sun-cracked. CHASSIS & WHEELS: Chassis in perfect condition, showing traces of normal wear, no rust, no deformation, no impact damage. Original wheels in very good condition with new tyres (2026). STARTING AND DRIVING: Cold starting is performed without hesitation (primes very well on the Holley carburettor) and the engine quickly finds its stable idle, with no suspicious smoke from the exhaust. When warm, oil pressure is excellent and the cooling system (aluminium radiator) maintains perfect engine temperature, even at standstill. On the road, the 454 ci's rev rise is sharp, linear and with no flat spots on acceleration, accompanied by an enchanting sound but without unpleasant resonance in the cabin. The Turbo Hydra 400 gearbox clicks through and downshifts its ratios smoothly and firmly, without jerks or clunks. Thanks to the recent rack-and-pinion power steering, the road behaviour is transformed: driving is precise, with no vagueness in the steering wheel, and the vehicle holds its line perfectly. The suspensions absorb imperfections well without parasitic noises. The power braking is powerful, bites well and remains perfectly in line. No abnormal leaks observed under the vehicle before and after driving. Oil pressure when cold is 60psi and approximately 30psi when warm at idle. HISTORY & SERVICE: Detailed history since 2004 with over $40, 000 in parts invoices and photos of the last complete paint and bodywork restoration carried out on the car. This owner has replaced almost everything over the years on this vehicle since 2004 and has maintained it to a high standard of care. The parts used are original or superior quality to the original. Full service completed in May 2026, all fluids are new, suspension rubbers (bushings) have been replaced. Duplicate keys. OPTIONS: Electric windows Power steering Power braking Rear demister Shoulder belts Air conditioning OTHER INFORMATION There were 4, 412 Corvettes produced with the 454 LS4 engine out of a total production run of 30, 464 units. The deep black livery combined with the Oxblood interior (blood red/ burgundy) is visually spectacular. Even though this is a colour change from the original (red), this...
