The 1973 Corvette celebrated 20 years since the first Corvette was released, and it also marked the first redesign of the C3 since 1968. Although the new features were subtle, they emphasized iconic Corvette designs such as the pointed nose. Now, the design is classic, but at the time, it was an innovation that showcased Corvette’s dedication to form following function.

By 1973, Corvette had already established a reputation for power and luxury. The 1973 Corvette only furthered their case, introducing a greater storage capacity, sharper aerodynamics, and an elegance that’s common to every Corvette so far.

When it was first released, the 1973 Corvette sold for around $5,000—equivalent to about $30,000 today. If you’re fortunate enough to find one in good shape, you’ll notice that it’s nearly maintained its value, going for about $26,000. There aren’t many cars that can hold their value for so long, but it’s no surprise that the 1973 Corvette is still in high demand.

If you’re serious about buying a 1973 Corvette, you’ll need to know more about the price points and features you can expect. That’s why the top-rated

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has compiled this document with everything you need to know, from maintenance costs to the fastest way to lower your

Chevrolet Corvette insurance costs

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Ownership costs for a 1973 Corvette

The cost of a 1973 Corvette depends largely on the type of model you buy.

Corvette released both a 1973 coupe and convertible with three trim levels: Standard, L82, and LS4.

The most significant difference between each trim was the engine, which grew more powerful with each upgrade. While the standard model featured a 350ci engine with 190 horsepower, the LS4 trim came with a 454 big-block engine that produced a whopping 270 horsepower.

The L82 trim was closest in power to the LS4, producing 250 horsepower from an uprated small block engine.

You may be able to find a low trim 1973 Corvette in poor condition for as little as $5,600. But if you’re looking for a higher trim car in good condition, you could be looking at upwards of $36,000. These estimates represent a spectrum. You could find a 1973 Corvette for anywhere in that range.

Keep in mind that the estimate above only accounts for the initial buying cost. Once you own the car, you’ll need to pay for upkeep and repairs. If you want to take it on the road, you’ll also need to pay for

classic car coverage

and

vehicle registration

One of the big risks of owning an older car is that you never know what will happen. Cars tend to fall apart over time, and the 1973 Corvette is no exception. If rare pieces fall apart or start failing, repairs could be more expensive than you’d expect.

Where to buy a 1973 Corvette

Dealerships don’t typically sell classic cars, and it can be hard to come by local people selling classic Corvettes. One of the best places to buy a 1973 Corvette is

classiccars.com

. As a fairly well-known platform, the website advertises a range of cars in various conditions.

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How to make money restoring classic cars

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What does the 1973 Corvette bring to the table?

The 1973 Corvette was innovative in its time, as it featured a variety of functional changes. The nose tip was extended by about two inches, and air vents were added to the grille to improve the aerodynamics. The back window, which was formerly removable, was fixed in place to make more storage room. And steel beams were added inside the doors to protect passengers from side collisions.

Not only did the 1973 Corvette live up to its predecessors, but it also surpassed them in basic levels of safety and functionality.

Strengths and weaknesses of the 1973 Corvette

If you’re in the market for a 1973 Corvette, here’s what you need to know: all the car’s standout features, from the very good to the not-so-great.

The good: speed

Like any Corvette, the 1973 base model featured a quick acceleration of 0-60 mph in just over 8 seconds—which was pretty good for the time.

But even better is the 1973 Corvette Stingray with an LS4 trim, which can go from 0-60 mph in 5 seconds.

The good: cargo space

In 1973, Corvette fixed the rear window for their newest models. The result was an extra two inches of space in the rear. While that doesn’t sound like a lot, even a little space can make a huge difference when you’re driving a sports car that isn’t built for cargo.

The good: safety

While some earlier models were more powerful and even faster than the 1973 Corvette, none of them were as safe. The 1973 Corvette incorporated steel beams in the doors, which reduced the risk of injury from side collisions.

Not only do the added beams make the driving experience safer, but it doesn’t take away from the aesthetic. The 1973 model was innovative—so the aesthetics remain unique to that year.

The bad: weight

The addition of safety features, novel design elements, and new engines meant the 1973 Corvette was about 35 pounds heavier than earlier models. While that doesn’t make an enormous difference for most drivers, it does mean that it’s slower than its predecessors.

The bad: power

While the 1973 Corvette incorporated many great features, it lacked power. The engine performance was lower than previous models, so the horsepower for each trim was a step back.

MORE:

Should I buy a sports car?

The bottom line—should you buy a 1973 Corvette?

The 1973 Corvette is a great piece for collectors or major car enthusiasts. But owning an older car means dedicating yourself to maintenance and

car repair

costs. If you’re looking for a car to drive to and from work, this may not be for you.

That said, if you’re looking for a classic car with solid performance and a timeless aesthetic, this could be for you. Remember that the base model's performance is significantly lower than either of the alternative trims. So if you’re in the market for a 1973 Corvette, keep an eye out for the L82 or LS4.

How to save money on car insurance for the 1973 Corvette

When you buy a nice car, it’s always smart to find the

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