sgb

I am looking to buy a C3 for weekend driving, just for kicks. I have always liked the C3s the best and am at a point that I intend to buy one. (Never owned a Corvette). I just can't quite weigh out the larger design and mechanical differences in those years. Any advice from you guys?
Thanks

MelWff

The main difference is 72 had chrome bumpers front and rear while 73 switched to the plastic bumper in the front. Mechanically not much different. Do you have any more specific questions?

sgb

Why is it that the 72s seem to be bringing more than the 73s?
Is it the classic look of the chrome bumper and the crate grills? I get that and that is what really draws me to the 72s and 71s.

Easy Mike

Check eBay and other places for a Corvette Buyer's Guide. Michael Antonnick has one.

This one is good, but is out of print. It is supposed to be available in ebook format.



This is reasonably good, but is not a buyer's guide. It covers all C3s.


Good luck.

MelWff

Anytime you run into a last of something, chrome bumpers in this case, the price would be higher.

Redwing01

If your decision is based on the amount you want to spend , i found that the price jumps quite a bit from the 73 to the 72.
Best thing you can do is your homework , best of luck.

Sully1882

mechanically not a lot of diff btw 71-73. The 71-72 are almost exact same with the 72 not having the fiber optic light monitoring system as earlier models did. 73 had a redesign in the front cross member of the frame to accommodate the vacuum reservoir and the molded front bumper along with a change in the side quarter panel vents and removal of the wiper door with a new design of an extended hood. Most of the rest of the car is the same. 71-72 will cost more than a 73. But I'd love to get a hold of a 73 vert with a big block. I love my 72 coupe also.

Educate yourself about these cars and their problems and then set a price you want and get the best possible one you can within those limits.

Sully

joewill

you can buy a better condition 73 for the same money as a lesser condition 72..

does not really matter.. just do your research and don't overpay. a 72 may appreciate a little faster than a 73, given equal condition.. but it certainly won't put thousands extra in your pocket. if you restrict yourself to a particular year then you are restricting the number of cars you will find.

loup68

1972 coupe has a removable rear window. The 1973 does not. Lou.

MCMLXI

And that is a cool option-my coupe always had the rear window removed.

Jeffery73

Do you like working on cars (or paying someone to do it)? These are old cars and require a lot of upkeep.

Redwing01

Well said !

Blue73Shark

They differ in style. Compare photos of the two;
http://www.corvetteimages.com/

I'm partial to the 73's.

Chinaski

lvmyvt76

you can always add a removable rear window to a 73.

7T1vette

IMO, the best money spent would be on the '73. They are less expensive than the 70-72 cars, but you still have the same basic body design (same rear end). The '73 stands to gain more value in the future, as that body style is more desirable to the Corvette community and the '73 is gaining in its appreciation by the general public.

But, if you want chrome bumpers on both ends, your best choice is the '71 or '72. If money is no object, the '70 model year would be my first choice.

24695bob

Say what...YEP the 73 is a one year only variation BUT to say it is, or will be more desirable to the corvette community is not exactly the way I perceive the actions of the Corvette community to be heading..

It may appreciate a hair faster then the already higher priced chrome bumper cars but I do not think the 73 will ever go higher then the bumper cars...

Bottom line from the drivers seat you can't tell the difference .. I own a 72 but actually like the one year wonder 1973's

...its a shame that the one year wonder (63 coupe) with a window that Unfortunately was a royal PIA to look out of is prized and valued much more the other C2's whereas the other one year wonder (73) is not prized and valued more then the 68-72's..

BobG.
64 72 and 98 Convertibles
76 79 and a 88 35th Anniv Coupes

STL Zombie Hunter

This was a huge selling point on my '72. With the tops out & the rear glass out, its awesome! Deals are out there. At one time this summer, there were (2) 1972's on St. Louis Craigslist for a few months. One sold for $9500 (owned by Barbi Twins) & the other sold for $8500 (mine), both in excellent drivable condition.

5mph front bumpers became mandatory starting with the '73s and rears became mandatory a year later.

BTW, didn't the '73s and up start putting smog / emission devices on there?

gerry72

While I have a '72, I favor the look of the '73. The front end from profile has a more complete, integrated look.

Easy Mike

California cars had smog/emissions equipment as early as 1966.

Your 72 had smog/emissions equipment on it when new.