This car shows up on eBay every few months and the reserve isn't met. Seems to me the car has been discussed before here on the forum and there's some debate over whether or not it's really a Stage 1. I'm tempted to bid on it, anyway.
It is a true Stage car, vin# say's so It's got the big V in the VIN#, it's a Stage1 :Smarty: I screwed up on this car, could have bought it for $12k 2 years ago, didn't think it was worth it then, I do now, maybe even 14-15, maybe more, who's to say? It's a super rare car, Stage1 package coupled with the Sun Coupe option, I would bet you could easily count on both hand's how many were built, and probably count on one hand how many are left :Smarty:
I knew the seller wanted a lot for the car, but I never knew just how much. I guess that explains why it keeps showing up on eBay. I recall some of the people here at the forum had a question as to whether or not the "V" in the 5th digit of the VIN looked legit. I also think someone said the headlight trim wasn't right for `73 GS. Well, I went ahead and put in a bid on it. We'll see what happens. Frankly, it's the Sun Coupe aspect of the car that interests me most, more than the Stage 1 or even the fact that it's a GS.
Welcome to the Board, Boscoe. This car is certainly far more rare than any of mine. Probably a blast to drive, too. Dan
Thanks, Dan K. I've been lurking here for almost a year, but hadn't had anything to say before. I doubt I'll end up winning the car. I can't really afford to go much higher than my opening bid for it. I need to get out of my condo and into a house with a garage more than I need that car, although I think it's a beautiful car and would love to have it. If it had a console automatic, no vinyl roof, and the original wheels, it would be perfect and I'd be tempted to go all out for it, house be danged. I hope a board member wins it. I think a car like that should go to someone who will appreciate it for what it is, not just what it's worth.
Wait until Phil Roitman sees this car. He already has (5) 1973 Gran Sports, including two fours speed cars. His flagship car is also a 1973 Stage 1 Suncoupe with the electric sunroof, with the addition of a SCO color code. Phil's car has been Sloan documented on being 1 of 47. Plus his '73 has won a bunch of top awards including a Gold at the last BCA National meet at Batavia, NY. So I would guess to say that this '73 on e-bay is also a rare one. It is a nice clean car. I did notice with the car in question there are some original pieces not on it such as the smog equipment and intake. It is a nice looking car, unfortunately the '73 model year seems to appeal only to a few collectors. posted Phils engine bay is on top and the one on e-bay is below. Phil's is about as close to perfect as you can get.
phil needs this car too! phil boughtmy car last year, and every time I see this one for sale I immediately think of him! :grin:
The first thing I noticed was that the headlight bezels are not blacked out. Also the taillight trim is not chromed. And yes that V in the vin looks out of place. It probably is a GS but, minus the detail of a accurate restoration. All in all it's a sharp looking car!
5, huh? So, that's where they've all gone! I imagine Mr. Roitman has seen this car since it's been on eBay at least twice before. I'd like to know what he thinks of it. I'd also like to see pictures of his cars. That VIN number bothers me. The "4D37V" doesn't line up with the rest of the numbers, and, maybe it's just the picture, but the "4" and the "V" don't look like they line up with the "D37". I don't recall VIN's being that "messy", but it's been a long time since I've looked at a car of this vintage. Anyway, the car looks straight, solid, and clean. Even if it turns out not to be a real Stage 1, or even a real GS, with a 455, a sunroof, and all the other options it has, it's still a nice car, and probably worth my opening bid. Thanks to everyone for their info.
Just Curious guys Since none of you said anything its just something I dont know,but why is the body tag held on with what looks like sheetmetal screws instead of the rivets I see on everything else? thanks...fish
I wondered about that, myself, but I didn't know what would be correct for 1973. I just sent the seller an email asking if the engine and transmission serial numbers match the VIN. Anything else I should ask? It's been 25 years since I had an old muscle car, and in those days we didn't pay any attention to things like matching numbers. So, if worst comes to worst, and it's just a tarted-up Century, what's it worth with the sunroof, power windows, power door locks, A/C, and a 455?
I think the Sloan Museum could tell you if the car is a Stage 1 if you sent them the VIN and some $. That is if these are the original tags on the car o No:
73 GS body tags were held on with screws not rivets. This car is nice and whoever buys it is not making a mistake. I said before one minor issue I see with this car is that the interior is fried and it might be impossible to find a parts car with good white interior plastic parts. So you may have to find a light brown interior and paint it white.
OK, I'll bite on answering some questions... As for the V stamped,I have seen several cars that have had weird looking stamped vin's as well as cowl tags as well. I believe this is trula a Stage 1 car but until one looks at the numbers on the block,tranny etc,we will never know. The suncoupe was available in 3 designs in 73-74 that Sloan can document for you. one was electrically operated 455 cars was order code Z1(UPC Y59) or manual operation Z9 (UPC CODE CO3). In the 350 cars with suncoupe option the electric was Z2(UPC CA1) and manual ones were Z3 (upc Y42). There were 418 Z9 cars produced 254 Z1 cars produced 49 Z3 cars produced 138 Z2 cars produced All Suncoupes were built in Flint almost like the GSX cars As Eric stated above..yes the 73 cars as well as 74's were screwed on. Not sure as the reason,but everyone I have documented is this way including my 73 GS 350 4 speed car. I have the Sloan Daily car reports that gave me the above information. Pat This is why I need all 73-75 GS as well as non GS and Regal ownwers to help me out so I can further look into these cars.
Thanks for all the info. The seller responded to my email and said the engine and trans numbers match the VIN. I have to say I'm surprised to be the only bidder on this car. I would have thought there'd be a lot of bids by now.
Jim, You got me... Looks like maybe an alarm mechanism may have been installed on it in case someone opened the hood.. That is just a wild guess though.
