Description

Model History

Since its release in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has served as a legendary American motoring icon – distinguishable with its Corvette logo, as well as being the only two-seater sports car made and sold by one of the most influential American car manufacturers to this day. The third-generation Corvette (C3) – also known as the Corvette Stingray, was produced from 1967 to 1982. Using the same engine and chassis as the preceding C2 Corvette, the C3 Corvette brought a new body style (inspired by the Chevrolet Mako Shark II concept car) and interior. Most significantly for the Corvette nameplate as a whole, the C3 Corvette would see the Corvette production line shifted from St. Louis, Missouri, to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where Corvettes to this day are produced. Between its production run from 1968 to 1982, over 542,741 C3 Corvettes: both coupes and cabriolets were produced.

History File

Featured here is a 1973 Chevrolet Corvette (C3) Stingray, finished in Yellow Metallic with a Dark Saddle (Brown) interior. This particular C3 ‘contains the ‘Deluxe’ interior that included full leather seats for driver and passenger – as well as being a ‘transition model’ being made in 1973 that contains the look of 1968-1972 C3 Corvettes at the rear, with the updated 1973-1982 C3 Corvette front (largely the removal of the chromed front bumper corners to adhere to updated Pedestrian safety requirements). This Corvette was also originally optioned with power steering and brakes. The current owner acquired this Corvette while living in New Jersey and brought it with them to Hong Kong (the car has retained its original New Jersey registration and plates as an added bonus). They are relocating back to Australia but cannot bring their beloved Corvette with them, hence why they are selling it. This Corvette has been kept to its factory original specification as much as possible, with all of the original running gear, engine, and 4-Speed Manual Transmission preserved. The only changes the current owner reports have been done is the installation of a modern electronic distributor. This Corvette did receive a full body respray to its original Yellow Metallic paint finish. All of the regular maintenance has been carried out by the current owner. Most recently as of July 2022, they have installed a new set of tyres all around (Cooper Cobra Radial G/T classic Muscle Car tyres, imported from the United States). The current owner highlights that it is easy to source and find parts when keeping up with this car’s routine maintenance – thanks to the strong support and community for classic Corvettes that remains to this day. This particular Corvette has been featured in numerous Classic Car Club of Hong Kong events, Concours (having won ‘Best Presented Car’ in the club’s 2019 Concours event), as well as being reviewed by ‘InstacarHK’ – the video can be viewed here. Please note this car is left-hand drive and is currently unregistered to drive in Hong Kong – though by applying for a ‘Special Movement Permit’ from the Transport Department via a Classic Car Club of Hong Kong membership, can be permitted to drive in Hong Kong for certain events and occasions – if owned in Hong Kong, this car is suited for this special arrangement.

Exterior 

Visual inspection found the Metallic Yellow paint finish to be in excellent condition – the respray this example received was professionally done and the exterior itself has no blemishes or imperfections. All of the chrome exterior trim is free of any patina or rust – the front & rear bumpers are also free of any damage. Both doors, the front hood and rear roof compartment lid open and close normally – we found no patina or rust formed on their hinges or latches. Both door handles are in excellent condition with no surface patina. Both headlights, taillights and side markers light up normally with no discolouration through their lenses – the front’s pop-up headlights raise and retract without any problems. All of the Corvette badges and emblems are present with none showing any patina or missing any pieces. The manually-operated soft-top roof is in excellent condition – with no sagging or tears on its surfaces; it also fully folds out and in without any difficulties. All four original Corvette ‘Rally’ Wheels are free of any surface patina or kerb rash.

Interior and Trim

Open the doors and we are greeted with a classic American muscle car interior – a mix of Brown leather with chrome and select faux wood trim. Both seats are fully intact with no tears or any creases from use. All of the matching Brown leather finished dashboard is free of any scratches or tears. Both side door panels are in good condition – the side door sills are also free of any scratches. Both windows manually wind up and down without any difficulties – their respective controls are also well preserved of any scratches. The three-spoke steering wheel has been preserved in excellent condition – no surface wear or ageing is seen. All of the centre console gauges function and are clear to read with none displaying any surface damage. The gear shift knob, shift boot and handbrake have also been preserved in excellent condition – the shift pattern display as well as the original Corvette centre console data plate below the shifter are free of any surface scratches. The stereo system functions normally.

Engine and Running Gear 

Start up the 350 cubic in. 5.7L V8 engine and it springs to life with the dramatic engine note expected with classic carbureted V8 engines. Thanks to the regular care and upkeep this Corvette has received, this engine and drivetrain run without any issues. Once fully warmed up the power delivery happens smoothly with no odd hesitations to report of. The 4-Speed manual transmission engages all of its gears normally – the clutch has plenty of feedback when engaged. The steering is responsive and thanks to the inclusion of power steering – is direct and responsive. The brakes have plenty of life left in them thanks to their recent service that saw a fresh set of brake pads and discs installed. For those dreaming to own and drive one of the American car industry’s iconic models, this C3 Corvette Stingray presents itself as a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an American muscle legend here in Hong Kong. Do not miss out on the opportunity to own this excellent example of one of Chevrolet’s most iconic models – exclusively available at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)