68-72 v. 73
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
A couple of things that were not mentioned.
1973, besides being a one year only body style, had the side impact bars in the doors (safer for the wife) and it was the first year for the rubber body mounts (alot milder ride).
I don't think HP is that much of a concern, but if it is beef it up.
Terry
1973, besides being a one year only body style, had the side impact bars in the doors (safer for the wife) and it was the first year for the rubber body mounts (alot milder ride).
I don't think HP is that much of a concern, but if it is beef it up.
Terry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 7
From: n/a SC
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (trw)
"Power can be bought and added on at any time"
I think it's safe to say most vette owners don't like to modify their vettes though, even to gain performance. I'm only 20 and I like my cars stock especially the vettes I own. I couldn't picture myself modifing my 72 bb vert.
I think it's safe to say most vette owners don't like to modify their vettes though, even to gain performance. I'm only 20 and I like my cars stock especially the vettes I own. I couldn't picture myself modifing my 72 bb vert.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
The 73's are probably better than any of the other rubber bumper cars, but I can't help but think of them as a half-breed. Personal preference, but in my opinion the chrome front and rear bumper 68-72 cars are really the nicest looking C3's.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,136
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (wildman378)
"Power can be bought and added on at any time"
I think it's safe to say most vette owners don't like to modify their vettes though, even to gain performance. I'm only 20 and I like my cars stock especially the vettes I own. I couldn't picture myself modifing my 72 bb vert.
I think it's safe to say most vette owners don't like to modify their vettes though, even to gain performance. I'm only 20 and I like my cars stock especially the vettes I own. I couldn't picture myself modifing my 72 bb vert.
tom...
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Athol NY
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (Tom73)
A silver on black leather '73, with the aluminum rims, is an awesome car. (I know, the aluminum rims were recalled!). Get it with a 454. Remember those '69's are prone to more stone damage! Guess what I drive? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 7
From: n/a SC
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (Tom73)
"But if you should happen to have a non-matching engine, then what difference would it make"
Hmmm well I agree I GUESS but I wouldn't ever want a vette that wasn't a number matching car.
Hmmm well I agree I GUESS but I wouldn't ever want a vette that wasn't a number matching car.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (wildman378)
Buy the BEST CAR YOU CAN AFFORD!! Don't worry about the year.....you'll be much happier in the long run. 
[Modified by gq82, 11:22 PM 6/22/2004]
[Modified by gq82, 11:22 PM 6/22/2004]
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Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (gq82)
I have had both, 73 L-82 auto with all options, put in 4 speed for awhile and then returned to stock, 70 LT-1 4 speed. For cruiser with ride and comfort (airco and nicer ride) go for 73, if performance is your game go for 69-72, stay away from 68 for a wife car since it has to many one off or hard to find parts-sometimes. On a drive from Calif to Texas my 73 was awesome, 70 would have been pain as no airco and 3.70 gears. my 2 cents. 
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,221
Likes: 118
From: Matthews NC
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (Z-man)
Almost everyone on the forum who knows anything agrees that 1970 is the best year! 
However, there are only minor changes from 68-70. 71-73 started the decompression of the engines. 73 is biggest change externally with rear soft bumper. What is important is the condition of the individual car in question...
PS - Selection of a '69 will go a LONG way into getting your wife's agreement on anything related to the Vette in the future!!
However, there are only minor changes from 68-70. 71-73 started the decompression of the engines. 73 is biggest change externally with rear soft bumper. What is important is the condition of the individual car in question...
PS - Selection of a '69 will go a LONG way into getting your wife's agreement on anything related to the Vette in the future!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 923
Likes: 4
From: Austin Tx
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
Go for the 69. 73s are nice looking cars but they are not/will not appreciate as much as the 69s. The reason you buy these cars is for the fun but if it can also be a good investment why not get the one that will appreciate the most, and since your wife wants one anyway, you mine as well get it. Look at the prices, most 69s are almost double the price of 73s. What does that tell you?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (Easy Mike)
Happy wife, happy life!
If she wants a 69 you both win in my opinion. Nicer looking car with a whole bunch more power. A 69 L46 with air would be the bomb!
A 70 L46 is the same performance wise but they made a whole bunch more 69s and if you keep looking you will find the perfect 69.
An L46, 4 speed with Air in very clean driver condition should be somewhere around 30k. This is a car that needs nothing and everything works but is not a show car.
Good Luck!
Wish my wife wanted any vette!
Bill
If she wants a 69 you both win in my opinion. Nicer looking car with a whole bunch more power. A 69 L46 with air would be the bomb!
A 70 L46 is the same performance wise but they made a whole bunch more 69s and if you keep looking you will find the perfect 69.
An L46, 4 speed with Air in very clean driver condition should be somewhere around 30k. This is a car that needs nothing and everything works but is not a show car.
Good Luck!
Wish my wife wanted any vette!
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (yellow 72)
I think the 73 is the next to see a marked price rise buy em while you can.......
buy em while you can.......
The ironic thing is that the rubber front bumper on cars that offered chrome or rubber (endura), like the '69 Camaro, can command MORE money than chrome.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (wildman378)
I think it's safe to say most vette owners don't like to modify their vettes though, even to gain performance. I'm only 20 and I like my cars stock especially the vettes I own. I couldn't picture myself modifing my 72 bb vert.
I think you'll find that most on the c3 board would disagree.
Here ya go.
http://www.ncrs.org
Ben
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (Ben's75)
"think it's safe to say most vette owners don't like to modify their vettes though, even to gain performance"
yeah theres alot on here that modify theres,mine was all original low mileage(43000)shes not original anymore
[Modified by patsnitrovette, 4:13 PM 6/23/2004]
yeah theres alot on here that modify theres,mine was all original low mileage(43000)shes not original anymore
[Modified by patsnitrovette, 4:13 PM 6/23/2004]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 3
From: Greensboro NC
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (patsnitrovette)
I've had both a nice stock #'s 69 vert and I now have #'s 73 BB. I sold the 69 because mods would ruin its value. I bought the 73 so I could modify it.
Now when looking on e-bay the 73 BB's have really gone up in value in just 6 months. I don't think you can buy one in any condition for under 14k and nice one s are not meeting reserve at 22k with some verts going for 26k.
But to answer your question Buy the 69 for her if thats what she wants.
Now when looking on e-bay the 73 BB's have really gone up in value in just 6 months. I don't think you can buy one in any condition for under 14k and nice one s are not meeting reserve at 22k with some verts going for 26k.
But to answer your question Buy the 69 for her if thats what she wants.
