Description
1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray T-Top – Restored, 502-Powered, 4-Speed Manual, 36k Original Miles
This striking 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray blends raw muscle with vintage charm, presented here as a beautifully restored example that pairs factory style with modern performance upgrades. With just 36,000 original miles, T-tops, and a rare factory 4-speed manual, this C3 coupe is not only a collectible survivor but a serious performer thanks to a high-output GM ZZ502 crate engine and performance drivetrain enhancements.
Lovingly brought back to life after decades in storage and treated to a thoughtful restoration, this Stingray is as exhilarating on the road as it is captivating at rest.
A Rare and Desirable Configuration
1973 marked a unique year for the Corvette—bridging the chrome-bumper past with the urethane-nose future—making it a standout for collectors. This particular example is even more rare, being one of approximately 1,000 1973 Corvettes equipped with both the T-top roof and a manual transmission. It retains its factory silhouette and iconic Coke-bottle curves while hiding immense power beneath the hood.
Restoration & Condition
After sitting dormant in a shop for over two decades, this Corvette underwent a careful revival and restoration. In 2013, it received:
-
A full repaint in Mille Miglia Red, professionally applied for a deep, consistent finish
-
Nose panel replacement to address the common sagging issue found on C3s
-
Extensive mechanical refreshing, including rebuilt front end, new wheel bearings, battery, cables, and more
The fiberglass body is remarkably clean, showing no spiderwebbing, cracks, or stress marks, and panel alignment is excellent throughout. The T-tops fit snugly and can be removed for an open-air driving experience.
Performance & Powertrain
While this Corvette remains stock in appearance, under the hood it’s anything but.
Power comes from a GM ZZ502 big-block V8 crate engine, delivering well over 500 horsepower and backed by serious supporting hardware:
-
Super T-10 4-speed manual transmission, upgraded to handle the additional torque
-
4.11 rear gears delivering punchy acceleration
-
3″ full-length exhaust system, giving it an aggressive, throaty soundtrack
-
Engine, transmission, and rear end have only ~1,000 miles since installation
This car pulls hard, revs with urgency, and sounds exactly like a big-block muscle car should—deep, ferocious, and addictive. Whether carving through back roads or hitting the straightaways, this Stingray delivers a thrilling, analog driving experience that modern cars simply can’t replicate.
Interior – Original and Well Preserved
Inside, the cabin is finished in black and remains in exceptionally original condition. The interior features:
-
Factory bucket seats, door panels, and carpeting
-
Original dash, gauge cluster, and controls—all in excellent working order
-
Minimal wear on pedals and switchgear, consistent with the low mileage
-
Classic rally-style steering wheel and chrome trim
The only modifications are under the skin; the interior has been lovingly preserved as a time capsule of the era.
Wheels, Suspension & Chassis
The Stingray rides on a brand-new set of factory-style rally wheels, wrapped in performance tires that complete its aggressive stance. Suspension components were reviewed and refreshed during the recent restoration work, with all worn parts replaced and the front end fully rebuilt.
Underneath, the frame and chassis are clean and structurally sound—further evidence of this Corvette’s careful life and proper restoration process.
Summary
This 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray T-Top offers a unique combination of originality, rarity, and extreme power. It’s a factory manual car with its classic looks intact, modernized with a ZZ502 big-block crate engine, 4-speed Super T-10 transmission, and a freshened chassis.
A showstopper in Mille Miglia Red with its roof off and side pipes roaring, this Stingray stands tall among C3s—ready for spirited weekend drives, car shows, or even the occasional trip to the strip. Few cars offer this blend of visceral performance, retro charm, and well-documented care.
HOW DOES THE CAR AUCTION WORK?
7-DAY RETURN POLICY
We offer a 7-day return window for added peace of mind on eligible vehicle purchases. Contact us for terms and eligibility details.
Our Focus
We specialize in offering a wide selection of quality vehicles—both in-house stock and consignment listings—securely stored at our facilityes. Every vehicle undergoes inspection by our in-house quality assurance team.
Services Included:
-
Vehicle inspection
-
Secure Escrow.com payment processing
-
Nationwide delivery up to 2,000 miles (included in price)
-
Consignment vehicle sales
-
Flexible auction and fixed-price purchase options
Storage Location: Nashville, TN
Inspection, Delivery & Handover Process:
-
Begins within 7–10 business days after full payment is received and cleared.
-
Price includes vehicle cost + 3% auction fee.
-
Shipping up to 2,000 miles is included in the final price.
-
Vehicles can also be collected directly from our warehouse.
-
All payments are securely processed through Escrow.com for buyer protection and transparency.
Purchase Options:
1. Blind Auction
- Submit private bids that remain confidential (other participants cannot view your offer or any other active bids).
- You can revise your bid while the auction period is open.
- If your bid is the highest and accepted by the seller, you will receive a notification of your successful submission within three business days after the auction closes.
2. Open Auction
- Participate in a traditional auction format where the highest bid is visible, allowing you to adjust your offers accordingly.
- Once a bid is submitted, it cannot be canceled.
- If your bid is the highest and accepted by the seller, you will be notified within three business days after the auction closes.
3. Fixed Price
- For a straightforward purchasing experience, vehicles are also listed at fixed prices.
- Listings are organized chronologically, with the newest entries appearing first, allowing clients to easily spot the most attractive offers.
- Vehicles can be sorted by their source for added convenience.
This range of options ensures flexibility and transparency, catering to both auction enthusiasts and those who prefer fixed pricing.