1973 Corvette Stingray 4 Speed Convertible

1973 Chevrolet Corvette Description

Greetings! I have decided to sell my beautiful 1973 Corvette 4-speed convertible. I have invested thousands of dollars in the car as I planned to keep it through my retirement years. However, after retiring several years ago, I have downsized significantly and storage is now an issue. I purchased the car approximately 5 years ago when living in Los Angeles as I wanted a "California rust-free car" to cruise around in on the weekends. One of the photos shows the car parked near the ocean in Malibu. The photo shows how nice the car was before I had it redone. I was gently hit in the rear during stop and go traffic on the 405 and although no structural (frame damage) was incurred, the fiberglass was cracked on the rear valence. I leaned heavily on the other drivers insurance company as it was his fault, the paint would never be matched correctly and thus was able to obtain close to $18K for a complete body restoration. (All receipts included in sale.) I also added $6K of my own money to have additional things done including replacement of rubber nose with a perfectly fitting fiberglass version, new windshield, new gas tank, right front fender as very old accident damage was revealed when car was stripped so it was replaced in order to have all the gaps perfect. The body as well as all mechanical work done throughout my ownership was performed by the renown LA corvette shop "J&D Corvette". I was able to contact the previous owner who stated she and her husband purchased the car in 1978 and kept it until I purchased it through a dealer in Anaheim. She stated the car was put away for many years and the Anaheim dealer had to pull it out of her garage and get it basically roadworthy. (I have all the receipts for this work as well.) By the looks of it, the car was always owned by mature, caring people. The engine is a 350 but it is not the original block, she didn't know about the history of the original block. The current block is from a 1979 so it is period correct and everything remains stock. (With one exception- I prefer and therefore had a 1972 nose badge installed instead of the 1973 round badge.) I used NOS parts whenever possible. The correct milage is unknown and since the dropdown forces the seller to enter a numerical value I inserted 100,000 miles.
The car can be driven anywhere-in preparation for the sale I had a new right rear caliper installed and a new clutch installed ($2,900) as there was some chatter and the throw out bearing was somewhat noisy. (Receipt included.)I had these replaced when the transmission was rebuilt by J&D but for some reason they installed a clutch kit that was somewhat inferior. (My only complaint with J&D!) I just had all 4 wheels balanced and rotated. Only remaining issues: the convertible top, although in great condition, has shrunk somewhat and its an effort to get the pins seated. (See picture.) I hardly ever drive with the top up (maybe 5-6 times in 5 years) and I don't force the rear down-I just fasten the front to the windshield and drive it as pictured; the radio does not work, the emergency brake light sometimes comes on even though brake handle is off (I had NOS power window switches installed last year and I am sure the mechanic caused this-an easy fix; gauge lights sometimes come on and sometimes don't-headlight switch? (headlights work perfectly). The car came without the a/c compressor, all other components are present. I never had the system gone through as it is very expensive and works marginal at best-besides, its a convertible! Its a 45 year old car so they'll be other minor niggly things that will, of course, come up, but if you want a beautiful, well sorted 1973 convertible, this is your car. I believe all of the receipts total in excess of $30K but I don't have the courage to add them all up! Please contact me with any questions or if further information is desired. Please ask questions!! I did not list all of the mechanical work done but it is significant and I have all the receipts. I believe Hagerty values this car with these options in this condition at $26,000 so that's what the Buy It Now price will be. Shipping will need to be handled by the buyer of course but I will be happy to assist at the time of pickup by auto transporter. The Corvette is located in Stuart, Florida which is about 40 minutes north of West Palm Beach. Thank You!