68-72 v. 73
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 135
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From: Fort Worth Texas
68-72 v. 73
I am looking for a driver for my wife and she really wants a 69 as that is the year she was born. I have convinced her to look at all convertibles between 68-72, but I have ran across a couple of nice 73's. what's everyones opion of jumping to a 73 and what their value may do? Thanks for all your input. Ray
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
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!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (Z-man)
I thought 73 still had the chrome rear with rubber front but went to all rubber in 74???
BTW, nice car, Z-man!
[Modified by tshort, 2:06 PM 6/22/2004]
BTW, nice car, Z-man!
[Modified by tshort, 2:06 PM 6/22/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
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From: Chattanooga TN
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (tshort)
I don't think car-for-car that 73 prices will ever do what 68-72 prices will, but that being said, 73 is a good year. No fiberoptics to go bad, no wiper door to not raise, still has chrome bumper in the back. I agree that if she wants a 69, you better get her one, but if you find a 73 that she likes it would be fine.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,958
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From: Middletown Connecticut
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (Z-man)
Almost everyone on the forum who knows anything agrees that 1970 is the best year!
if the wife wants a 69, wait for the right 69
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (Fevre)
I have a 72, but think the 69 Vert is the most sought after car in this group. If you really want to do it right find a nice 67 Roadster. 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 7
From: n/a SC
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (OHSIXX)
I have a 72 BB vert. If you can, go with a chrome front and back car....I wish mine was a 70 because the 70 454's had more power than my 72. I personally don't like c3's after 72 and a lot don't so if future value is a issue go for 72 and down.
good luck.
good luck.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Shoreline WA
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
It is all a matter of your personal taste. Some people favor the 73 because it is unique. Don't worry what other's think. I have seen some articles recently that say the 71 is less desirable than the 70 or 72, but I didn't buy mine based on how desirable it maybe to someone else, I bought because it met my critieria for what I was looking for, at a price I thought was a bargain.
If you find a 73 that you and her like, go for it.
Mike
If you find a 73 that you and her like, go for it.
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (SLine78)
I think 73's are the sleeper of the chrome bumper vettes. I actually prefer the hood lines on the 73, so that is what I bought. Being slightly less expensive is a good thing for a driver, and the price is certain to go up as the chrome bumper vettes go up. Joe
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,133
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From: NM
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
The '73 is a great choice. In fact Larry Shinoda, the famous Corvette designer, once commented in an interview that the 1973 was his favorite of the post-1967 era because the front and rear styling were closest to what the stylists originally had in mind when this series was first designed. How can anyone argue with that?
tom...
tom...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 418
From: Chester Virginia
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
I am partial to the 73's. My current Corvette is my second Corvette and my second 1973. I personally like the lower front end and openings behind the front tires - can't stand the egg grate patterns - personal tastes mind you.
If the wife wants a 69 for reasons unrelated to looks and performance then get her what she wants. She will have less complaints that way.
Roger
If the wife wants a 69 for reasons unrelated to looks and performance then get her what she wants. She will have less complaints that way.
Roger
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,133
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
Want to see some nice '73 convertibles that will be available at the Bloomington Gold auction? Check out this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=846032
tom...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=846032
tom...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
I like the looks AND value of my '73
Power can be bought and added on at any time
'73 has a stronger frame AND better side impact protection
I think the low production #'s might bring the value close to the 68-72's
One thing is for sure..... They will not go down in value!!
[Modified by jcswm, 8:37 PM 6/22/2004]
Power can be bought and added on at any time
'73 has a stronger frame AND better side impact protection
I think the low production #'s might bring the value close to the 68-72's
One thing is for sure..... They will not go down in value!!
[Modified by jcswm, 8:37 PM 6/22/2004]
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,891
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From: Warren MI
Re: 68-72 v. 73 (59intheworks)
I love this quote !!!!!!
"Larry Shinoda, the famous Corvette designer, once commented in an interview that the 1973 was his favorite of the post-1967 era because the front and rear styling were closest to what the stylists originally had in mind when this series was first designed."
I know we all love our Corvettes...whatever year...I'm not trying to make anybody angry.
"Larry Shinoda, the famous Corvette designer, once commented in an interview that the 1973 was his favorite of the post-1967 era because the front and rear styling were closest to what the stylists originally had in mind when this series was first designed."
I know we all love our Corvettes...whatever year...I'm not trying to make anybody angry.
