Chevrolet - Corvette 454ci - 1973

Magnificent 1973 Chevrolet Corvette coupe equipped with its original LS4 Big Block 454 cu in engine -Matching Numbers- and Turbo Hydra 400 automatic transmission.

PAINT & BODY
Black paint in exceptional condition, deep and with no apparent flaws. The nose and hood were repainted less than 6 months ago to ensure the overall bodywork remained showroom-quality; the paint has recently been polished.
The depth of the shine is impressive with a perfect mirror-like effect. No beltline distortion or visible orange peel.
All chrome, badges and emblems are new or recent; all seals (windows, doors, T-Top) are new or recent.
The body gaps (doors, hood, T-Tops, rear and front mask) are aligned with great precision, which is rare on glass-bodied C3 Corvettes.
Note that the front Corvette emblem has been replaced after photos were taken.
Note that the original color was red.

MECHANICS:
Matching numbers engine.
Engine fully rebuilt with upgrades (high-volume water pump, aluminum radiator, new alternator, Holley Brawler 750 cfm four-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock aluminum intake pipe). High-performance electronic ignition MSD and new distributor (2018).
It’s hard to say better: every under-hood component of this car has been replaced. They were replaced with original or higher-quality parts.
Power steering rack-and-pinion (modern driving precision) replaces the original, recently installed to increase driving comfort,
The transmission was rebuilt in 2025 by a specialist.
2-inch dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers.
This car is decatted.
With the upgraded parts, power is estimated around 330 horsepower.
Note that there were no camshaft, cylinder head, or piston modifications.
The engine bay is exceptionally tidy. Hoses, clamps and wiring well organized without hacking or loose wires.
The engine block repainted in Chevy Orange contrasts perfectly with the chromed air filter and the satin-finished Edelbrock aluminum intake pipe.

INTERIOR:
Oxblood finish fully renovated.
New faux-leather seats, new carpeting and mats (2026).
Rear window new (2026).
This yields a very high-quality interior which could be judged as excellent condition; the rest of the interior was renovated in 2004 and shows minimal signs of normal wear.
The dashboard cap, center console and instrument panel are very clean and not sun-cracked.

CHASSIS & WHEELS:
Chassis in perfect condition, showing normal wear but no rust, no deformations, no dings.
Boyd Coddington wheels (€1200 each) in very good condition with new tires (2026).

STARTING & DRIVING:
Cold start is smooth (fires easily with the Holley carb) and the engine quickly settles to a stable idle with no suspicious exhaust smoke. Hot oil pressure is excellent and the cooling system (aluminum radiator) maintains perfect engine temperature even at idle.
On the road, the 454’s revving is clean, linear and without any throttle stumble, accompanied by an enthralling but unobtrusive interior sound. The Turbo Hydra 400 transmission shifts smoothly and firmly with no stumbles or clunks.
Thanks to the recent rack-and-pinion power steering, handling is transformed: precise steering with no wheel vagueness, and the vehicle tracks perfectly. The suspension absorbs imperfections well with no extraneous noises. Assisted braking is powerful, bites well and stays in line. No abnormal leaks observed under the car before or after driving.
Cold oil pressure at 60 psi and about 30 psi at hot idle.

HISTORY & SERVICES:
Detailed history since 2004 with over $40,000 in receipts for parts and photos of the last full repaint and body restoration performed on the car.
This owner has replaced almost everything over the years since 2004 and has maintained it to a high standard.
Parts used are original or of higher quality than original.
Full service completed in May 2026, all fluids are new, suspension bushings replaced.
Two keys.

OPTIONS:
Power windows
Power steering
Power-assisted braking
Rear defogger
Seat belts with shoulder restraints
Air conditioning

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There were 4,412 Corvettes produced with the 454 LS4 engine out of a total production of 30,464 units.
The deep black exterior paired with Oxblood interior (blood red/bordeaux) is visually spectacular. Even though this is a color change from the original (red), this configuration is extremely desirable and virtually negates the depreciation usually associated with a color change.
The cosmetic and mechanical condition is close to showroom.

DOCUMENTS
For registration outside France, we have customs clearance certificate no. 846 A, the official document issued by the French customs services. It will allow you to register the vehicle without issue.
For registration in France, we have the document mentioned above and also the FFVE certificate allowing registration in France.
We can assist the buyer with registration procedures.
On-site pickup near Le Havre, Normandy, France available; we can handle delivery within France, Belgium or Luxembourg. For other countries we can arrange transport with your carrier of choice.
Feel free to ask any questions during the auction period; I’ll be happy to answer.