1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE

STINGRAY454

Owned since 2003. A continuing history.

Explore the story

Front three-quarter view in evening light

01 / THE OPEN ROAD

BLUE-GREEN METALLIC · BLACK VINYL · BLACK SOFT TOPVIN 1Z67Z3S412600

THE POWERPLANT454 ci

Numbers-matching LS4 V8

THE TRANSMISSION3-speed

Numbers-matching Turbo Hydra-Matic

THE MILEAGE68,389

As of July 28, 2026 · increases with use

THE STEWARDSHIPSince 2003

Clean Tennessee title in hand

01 / THE STORYA CAR. A CARETAKER. A CONTINUING RECORD.

A big-block.
A long story.

Some cars become part of the years you spend with them. This Stingray’s current chapter began in 2003.

This 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible retains its numbers-matching 454ci LS4 V8 and three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Repainted in its factory Blue-Green Poly/Metallic color in 2004, it pairs its big-block powertrain with a black interior and more than two decades of care.

That care is recorded here: fuel-system renewal, interior refurbishment, brake and power-steering work, a replacement black convertible top, and recent ignition and vacuum-system tuning. The photographs and films show the car in detail; the history follows the work along the way.

View the identification photographs ↗

02 / THE DETAILSFACTORY CHARACTER. YEARS OF CARE.

Blue-green.
Big-block.

Paint code 945. Trim code 400.
The details that give this Stingray its identity.

Blue-Green Poly/Metallic · paint code 945

EXTERIOR / CODE 945

Color with character.

The exterior was repainted in its factory Blue-Green Poly/Metallic color in 2004. Rally wheels and stainless trim rings complement the bodywork. A replacement front bumper and exterior door handles were fitted in 2024.

A black replacement soft top was installed that same year, together with restoration of the top frame and renewed weatherstripping. The top fits tightly; the condition notes explain the remaining adjustment work.

Read the condition notes ↗

CABIN / CODE 400

A familiar place
to take the long way.

The black cabin received replacement carpeting, seat foam, seat covers, and weatherstripping during the initial refurbishment. An Alpine stereo and Rockford Fosgate dashboard speakers update the audio.

The heater and blower operate. Air conditioning is not currently operational; the original compressor accompanies the car for future installation and recommissioning.

POWERTRAIN / 454 LS4

The heart of
this Stingray.

The numbers-matching 454ci LS4 V8 is paired with a numbers-matching three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic. Vehicle VIN and engine-stamp photographs are included in the identification archive.

The original carburetor and alternator were rebuilt during the early refurbishment. More recent work includes engine-bay detailing, a power-steering rebuild, renewed vacuum hoses, a VC-181/B26 vacuum-advance unit, and timing and carburetor adjustments.

Hear it start. See it drive. ↗

03 / THE HISTORY2003 — 2026

Care, over
the years.

A preservation and maintenance record.
Each chapter adds to the one before it.

2003–04The first chapter

Purchased in 2003, with initial refurbishment beginning during this period. The exterior was repainted in its factory color in 2004.

The gas tank, straps, fuel sending unit, and fuel pump were replaced. The original carburetor and alternator were rebuilt. A radiator, water pump, oil pump, and rear main seal were installed.

Ignition work included an upgraded coil, a points-conversion kit in the original distributor, and replacement plugs and wires. Inside, carpeting, seat foam, seat covers, and weatherstripping were renewed, with an Alpine stereo and Rockford Fosgate dash speakers added.

Brake calipers were rebuilt with stainless sleeves and new piston seals. Shocks and suspension rubber bushings were replaced, and Rally wheels, stainless trim rings, and tires were fitted during this early refurbishment.

2017Brake hydraulics

The brakes were rebuilt again, with lines replaced where needed, new caliper O-ring piston seals, and a change to silicone brake fluid. The owner reports no pressure loss since that work.

2024A fresh chapter, inside and out

Transmission fluid and filter, engine oil with zinc additives, and rear differential fluid were changed.

A new front bumper and exterior door handles were installed. The convertible top frame was restored and fitted with a black replacement top and renewed weatherstripping.

2025Detailing and steering

The carburetor and surrounding components were removed for engine detailing and fresh engine paint. The undercarriage was detailed, and the exhaust was removed and repainted.

The power-steering system was rebuilt with new hoses, cylinder work, and a replacement control valve. An older Chevrolet Rally wheel was painted black for the spare; the spare tire holds air but has worn tread.

A transmission speedometer-cable seal replacement initially reduced, but did not fully eliminate, seepage. An air-intake seal was also installed. See the current condition account for the latest leak observation.

2026The finer adjustments

Carburetor and air-intake vacuum hoses were renewed with original-type hoses. The steering rag joint, jack, and lug wrench were replaced.

A VC-181/B26 vacuum-advance unit was installed, followed by adjustments to base timing, idle, and carburetor settings. The owner reports smoother idle and low-speed operation.

An underside view from the inspection archive

04 / THE PHOTOGRAPHS164 PHOTOGRAPHS / EVERY ANGLE

Look closer.

From the outdoor shoot to the underside.
Choose a category. Open any photograph.

Find a photograph

Photographs span different stages of ownership and service.

05 / THE FILMS13 FILMS / STARTING, DRIVING & DETAILS

In its own voice.

Walk around it. Hear the cold start.
Follow the view from the driver’s seat.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Select Play to load the YouTube player. If playback is unavailable here, use the YouTube link.

06 / THE CONDITIONTHE DETAILS STILL WORTH KNOWING

An honest
account.

An older repaint, a life of use, and work still to do. These are the items identified in the owner’s current account.

Owner’s account compiled September 2026. Observations should be refreshed before a sale.

Air conditioning

The heater and blower function, but the A/C does not. The original compressor is included and appears to the owner to be in good condition. Installation and system recommissioning are required.

Paint bubbles

Three bubbles are reported: on the hood and in the left and right front body areas. Close-up photographs show the hood and passenger-side areas.

Prior transmission seepage

Replacing the speedometer-cable seal reduced a prior leak. The owner reports no leakage in the last several months. The speedometer gear remains a suspected source if seepage returns.

Convertible top fit

The black replacement top fits tightly and may benefit from frame adjustment.

Spare tire and lock

The spare tire holds air but has worn tread. Its Rally wheel was repainted black. The spare-tire lock requires locksmith attention and installation.

07 / THE RECORD1Z67Z3S412600

The car.
The provenance.

The original manufacturer build sheet accompanies the car, along with a 1984 Tennessee plate retained from its history before the current ownership began in 2003. A clean Tennessee title is in hand.

The identification archive brings together the vehicle VIN, engine markings, trim tag, and build-sheet photographs.

A CONTINUING HISTORY

The next chapter
belongs to the road.

A record to accompany the car, and a place for its next caretaker to continue the story.

Back to the beginning ↑

STINGRAY454

A big-block.A long story.

Blue-green.Big-block.