Description
As the door slammed on the muscle car era, new regulations for 5-mph front bumpers led to a color-keyed urethane front end treatment for the 1973 Chevrolet Corvette, replacing the chrome bumper. It added only 35 pounds, and tail stayed the same as 1972 for another year.
Corvette production increased to 30,464, but only 4,943 were convertibles, and 1,328 buyers chose the auxiliary hardtop for $267. The coupe rear window was also no longer removable. Prices increased slightly to $5,561.50 for the base coupe and $5,398.50 for the convertible.
As horsepower dwindled to 190 bhp for the base model, Chevrolet concentrated on sound deadening material to cut interior noise a claimed 40 percent. Rubber pads were fitted between the body and chassis. Steel beams were installed in the doors as crash protection. A cold-air induction hood was introduced and radial tires were now standard.
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