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I have found a 1973 coupe that I'm interested in, but would like to get the boards opinion on the price. This is my first Vette, so I'm still learning. The current asking price is $15,000. Here is what I know.
The seller got the car from his dad who passed away recently. His dad purchased it in 1991 and he believes he purchased it from the original owner. For the past 4 years the car has been in a storage unit. The seller brought it out of storage and cleaned it up to sell.
Details:
59,000 original miles
Number matching engine/transmission
350 cc with auto transmission
Never seen rain
Orange with Medium Saddle interior
The bad:
Headlights don't pop up
A/C installed but not working
Trouble idling with in drive and stopped (original carburetor)
Radio not working (not original but says Corvette)
Battery box corroded with visibility to the ground
Some nicks and dings, but more extensive damage under rear bumper.
The good:
Taken out of storage to a mechanic to get it running.
New tires.
New brakes and maybe brake lines/ caliper. He know something was replaced due to leaks.
New gas tank.
No water leaks at t-tops
The car is a couple hours away, so I haven't seen it yet. The seller seems to be honest and was trying to point out all he could, considering he is not mechanical and doesn't know anything about Corvettes. I believe I can get the price down a little, but wanted your opinion on whether this sounds close to a good deal. My goal is to get a driver, not a show car. I'm not looking for perfect, but I want it to look good, drive well, and be reliable. I'm mechanical enough to do the majority of the work to it, aside from paint and body.
Here are some images of it when it came out of storage and then after it was cleaned up.
I would consider this car a project to some extent. Using the app CorvetteDNA I come up with a value of $9,000. Where are the pictures to prove it's matching numbers and rust free?
I would look further, drivers door gap at back way out, could be rust issues or from the rear collision. But a price....$8,000 - $10,000.00 if you have to buy it. Mark
For comparison, here he a '72 with the asking price of $15K. Seller claims it runs great, all original and has no major body damage. Price is prolly a little high for a coupe...
Hig116,
Having owned a few '73's I can tell you this looks like it could be a very nice car with some work. But I completely agree with the others here that the asking price of $15K is much too high for the car's present condition. The history is good and the car is optioned nicely. If I had to have this one I'd want to be south of $10K for the initial buy in. It's good that the seller is forthcoming with the car's needs but once running and on the road, you'll find more. ie; front/rear suspension, etc. $8-9K is a realistic price for the car's current condition. No one will pay more when compared to what else is available at $15K.
Good luck whichever way you decide to go.
Greg
Everyone's feedback has been consistent and is very valuable. Thank you all for your time and help.
I've never owned a Corvette but have always had the dream. I'm finally able to purchase one, but am in no rush. My goal is to find a 68-72 model that's a driver in great condition, with PS, PB, and A/C, for under $20K. Also would like to find one in the South, so that it's not too far away to see and drive home. I am considering a 73, if I find the right deal. Being new to the hunt, this seemed to be that deal.
I'm so glad I asked everyone and will continue to seek your opinions/advice when I find the next potential purchase.
A 73 falls more into the genre of 74 to 82 Corvettes than it does the 68 to 72 chrome bumper era. It's also priced more like the 74 to82 rubber baby buggy bumper Corvette which is about $10,000 less than a 68 to 72 in similar condition. That's a starting point. When the car starts to get special it can go up from there sometimes way up.
hmmmm?
I would respectfully disagree with with my Corvette brother derekderek on that valuation estimate.
I'm sure there are opininions both ways on this one.
While the '73 can be seen as a bit if a bastard-child. I would tend to lump it in with the '68-'72 body style rather than the later body style. Prices for the '73's seem to hold more in line with the earlier C3's albiet at the lower end of that scale. Of course I am excluding the rarer and ultra hi perf. cars in this estimate. A decent example of the '74-'77 body style can be had, currently for much less. On another note, if one could turn up that one elusive Charteuse on Black '77, I think it could bring as much as any decent '68-'73.
Greg
I know that the 73 falls more into the 74 to 77 body style, with the exception of the rear chrome bumper. I really prefer the all chrome 68-72 models, but might settle for a 73 since it is a unique year and still has some chrome. I'm also considering the engine and would like to stay in the lower years to get the higher performance.
So I'll keep my eyes open to the sites and wait for the right one to surface. Anyone have any suggestions on the best places to look? I always watch this site, craigslist (cautiously) and Autotrader. Are there better sites? I also try to avoid dealers or people flipping cars. Would like to find someone who has loved the car and knows the history.
I also wanted a 68-72 and ended up purchasing my 73 big block because I was able to get a much nicer car for my money.
Think of it this way.
Many don't care for the 73 because it has the rubber front bumper, however the style was only produced one year.
Some day it could be worth much more than a 68-72 because there are fewer around.
Here in California, anything produced before 1976 (1975 and older) is smog exempt which adds additional value to anything built before 1976.
Depending on what Alabama smog regulations are and what you want to do to a Corvette, could add value to a car you are interested in no matter what the year.
12-03-2018, 05:53 PM
Is this 1973 priced right?
