1973 Opinions

[Glen C.]

Good evening all,

I spent some time this morning looking at a local 1973 coupe that has been offered on ebay twice at different stages of the owner working on it. I really like the car but I would value some opinions prior to making an offer. The a/c equipment appears to be complete but not operational.

I couldn't spot any significant rust other than a bit at the door window weather seal and a bit at the drivers side upper window frame top when the trim panel was pulled away. Nothing else evident. Under carriage looked pretty clean.

Interior is going to need completely redone.

I'm attaching both ebay links since they contain different photos. Being new to C3's I would appreciate any opinions.

Thanks,

Glen

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180572802596&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180581537887&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123

[Robert R.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

Glen,
It all depends on what your expectations are for the car. Even if your plans are to just drive and enjoy, the finished product could cost upwards to $15,000 over the base cost to finish. If you plan to show it, expect to pay even more as there are some parts that will be needed to complete. Not to mention labor costs if you plan to have others work on it.

Looking on the "bay" today, there are a few other '73s currently listed that could be good alternative candidates simply because they apear to be more complete.

Hope this doesn't discourage you, as your choice to consider the '73 model is a good one in my opinion.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

Hi Glen,
I took a look at the pictures. The car appears to be an interesting project for someone who wants a 73.
I'll not speak to any rust and/or originality issues.
Rather, this car and the fact that its disassembled to some degree and will require quite a bit of work to put back together, seems to be more suited to a knowledgeable owner with some restoration experience.
Is that you?
I agree with Robert that this car could well take a lot of dollars and hours to finish.
Restoration can be a real pleasure, but not if you really would rather be driving.
Regards,
Alan

[Michael W.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

I'll presume that the car would not be destined for Flight Judging as the cost to get there on one the 'under appreciated' years of C3s would put the project upside down permanently.

If you're looking for a non-show car and can keep additional costs down, this one looks like an decent way to get one of the best looking C3s ever made. The seller has offered to apint for $3500 over the selling price. If his work is good, I'd grab that. Note that this car is an L48 with auto trans so don't buy it for drag strip performance.

[Terry B.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

Hi Glen,

I saw the 2 different ebay listings and see in the last listing it is ready for paint. I would be concerned like others have said that you will have some parts missing that brings the price of the restoration up. If you want a project and will be able to do most of the work yourself, and like doing it, this might be a break even project.

However, many have said on this discussion board that the best deals made are the cars that are purchased after they have been restored. Generally, the owner that does the restoration does not get their money out unless they are restoring a unique or rare car. This car does not look to me to fit that category.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

Good evening all,

I spent some time this morning looking at a local 1973 coupe that has been offered on ebay twice at different stages of the owner working on it. I really like the car but I would value some opinions prior to making an offer. The a/c equipment appears to be complete but not operational.

I couldn't spot any significant rust other than a bit at the door window weather seal and a bit at the drivers side upper window frame top when the trim panel was pulled away. Nothing else evident. Under carriage looked pretty clean.

Interior is going to need completely redone.

I'm attaching both ebay links since they contain different photos. Being new to C3's I would appreciate any opinions.

Thanks,

Glen

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180572802596&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123

RUN LIKE THE WIND! Like the other post. You can find a done 73 for a third of what you will have in this one. 73 is not that popular & coups are worth less by far then conv. As they the guy that buys it done is the one that comes out ahead.
KEN

[William M.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

Glen,
Since you state you are "new to C3's", I don't think I'd recommened starting with a car like this. Unless you were very adept and knowledgable in C3 restoration, this would turn out to be an enormous money sink. Like others have said, it would be much wiser to find another '73 that was closer to completion. In this ecomomy, there are plenty of quality cars for sale at reasonable prices.

[Glen C.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

I want to thank everyone for their advice. I decided to step away from this one and wait for a complete car. As always I appreciate the help.

Glen

[Robert R.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

Hi Glen,
Your decision is probably wise for these times.
As to the '73 model, you also may have noticed that most that responded also have or had this model year. And yes, it is still at this time a bit under appreciated and one of better looking of all the '68 to '82 model years.
Keep looking and use this board to help in your search.
Bob

[Carl N.]

Re: 1973 Opinions

I would be very carefull of this one - unless you know the seller you have no way of knowing how it was stripped or how long it has been stripped.

Could be a easy respray or a real nighmare depending on what was used to strip it and how it has been stored.

I feel you can find a much better C3 will a little time.

Carl