1973 Corvette VIN Decoder & Specs

Unlock the secrets of your classic 1973 Corvette with our detailed VIN and trim tag decoder. Verify your car's originality and production history. The trim tag analysis will reveal the factory-applied interior and exterior colors, plus the exact build date, essential for accurate restoration. Decoders for other components can be found here.

In 1973, a total of 30,464 Corvettes were manufactured, comprising 25,521 Coupes and 4,943 Convertibles.

Table of Contents


1973 Corvette GM advertisement showcasing the iconic design and features of the 1973 Corvette model
1973 Corvette Advertisement – Showcasing the Classic Design

How to Decode Your 1973 Corvette VIN – Full Breakdown & Guide

Uncover the detailed specifications of your 1973 Corvette with our VIN and trim tag decoder. Input your VIN to learn about the engine, body, and transmission options. This tool helps confirm your car's authenticity and production details. The trim tag analysis provides original color codes and build date, crucial for historical preservation.

VIN
Trim tag
1968–1981

Having trouble with the VIN decoder? Whether it's an unusual code, missing data, or you need help verifying a numbers-matching car, contact. Happy to help.

1973 VIN range
1Z37J3S400001 – 1Z37J3S434464

1973 Corvette VIN Breakdown

Position Description Possible Values
1Make1 = Chevrolet
2SeriesZ = Corvette
3–4Body Style37 = Coupe
67 = Convertible
5EngineJ = L48
L = L82
Z = LS4
6Model Year3 = 1973
7Assembly PlantS = St. Louis
8–13Unit Number400001 – 434464

All specifications and VIN decoding details on this page are sourced from the official 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Vehicle Information Kit (PDF) published by General Motors.


You can use the Corvette C3 Decoder to decode other Corvette 1973 codes and view Corvette 1973 charts on the Corvette C3 chart article. All specifications and VIN decoding details are based on official Chevrolet data from GM’s 1973 Corvette Vehicle Information Kit .

1973 Corvette Specifications

Verify the factory colors of your 1973 Corvette using this guide. Below is a comprehensive list of available exterior and interior colors, complete with color codes and visual examples. This resource helps ensure accuracy in confirming your 1973 Corvette’s original finish.

Exterior Colors

Code Color Color sample
910 Classic White  
914 Silver  
922 Medium Blue  
927 Dark Blue  
945 Blue-Green  
947 Elkhart Green  
952 Bright Yellow  
953 Yellow Metallic  
976 Mille Miglia Red  
980 Orange  

Interior Colors

The 1973 Corvette offered buyers a choice of either leather or vinyl interior upholstery. Color options varied slightly depending on the chosen material.

Code Color Color sample
400 Black Vinyl  
404 Black Leather  
425 Dark Red Vinyl  
413 Dark Blue Vinyl  
415 Medium Saddle Vinyl  
416 Medium Saddle Leather  
418 Dark Saddle Vinyl  
422 Dark Saddle Leather  

Color combinations

For the 1973 Corvette, Chevrolet offered a selection of interior color options. Buyers could create custom combinations by choosing from leather and vinyl materials, allowing them to match their interior to their chosen exterior.

Exterior Colors Interior Colors
Black Dark Blue Medium Saddle Dark Saddle Dark Red
Classic White (910) X X X X X
Silver Metallic (914) X X X X X
Medium Blue Metallic (922) X X X
Dark Blue Metallic (927) X X X X
Blue-Green Metallic (945) X X X X
Elkhart Green Metallic (947) X X
Bright Yellow (952) X X X
Yellow Metallic (953) X X
Mille Miglia Red (976) X X X X
Orange Metallic (980) X X X X

Chassis

Wheelbase Length Width Weight
98 in 185.2 in 69.0 in Coupe: Curb: 3,460 lb; Shipping: 3,370 lb
Convertible: Curb: 3,461 lb; Shipping: 3,371 lb

Curb weight: Weight of the empty vehicle ready to drive. Shipping weight plus the weight of gasoline and water.

Shipping weight: Weight of the basic vehicle with regular equipment, grease, and oil. Weight of gasoline and water not included.

1973 Corvettes were outfitted with GR70-15 radial tires. Learn more about the tires used on Corvettes in the article Corvette C3 RPM Calculator.


1973 Corvette Engine Options

Engine
Code
Order
Code
CI HP Equipment
CKZ L48 350 190 4-Speed
CLD L48 350 190 TH400
CLF L48 (California) 350 190 4-Speed
CLG L48 (California) 350 190 TH400
CLH L82 (California) 350 250 TH400
CLR L82 350 250 4-Speed
CLS L82 (California) 350 250 4-Speed
CWM LS4 454 275 4-Speed
CWR LS4 454 275 TH400
CWS LS4 (California) 454 275 TH400
CWT LS4 (California) 454 275 4-Speed

You can read more from the Corvette C3 Engines article.


1973 Corvette Transmission Options

Code Type Transmission
P Manual Muncie 4-Speed
A Manual M20 Muncie 4-Speed with wide gear ratio
B Manual M21 Muncie 4-Speed with close gear ratio
CK Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 with L48 350 engine
CY Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 with L82 350 engine
CS Automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 with 454 engine

You can read more from the Corvette C3 Transmissions article.


1973 Corvette RPO Codes and Options

Chevrolet offered a number of options to allow buyers to customize their Corvette to their exact specifications.

Code Option Total
1YZ37 Corvette sport coupe 25,521
1YZ67 Corvette convertible 4,943
Base Vinyl trim 17,030
- Leather trim 13,434
A31 Power windows 14,024
A85 Custom shoulder harness 788
C07 Auxiliary hardtop 1,328
C08 Auxiliary hardtop vinyl 323
C50 Rear window defroster 4,412
C60 Air conditioning 21,578
J50 Power brakes 24,168
LS4 454 275 hp engine 4,412
L48 350 180 hp engine 20,342
L82 350 250 hp engine 5,710
M20 4-speed standard manual transmission 8,833
M21 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission 3,704
M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission 17,927
N37 Tilt & telescopic steering column 17,949
N40 Power steering 27,872
P02 Deluxe wheel trim covers 1,739
QRM GR70 x 15 white stripe radial tires 19,903
QRX GR70 x 15 blackwall radial tires 6,020
QRZ GR70 x 15 white lettered radial tires 4,541
T60 Heavy-duty battery 4,912
U58 AM-FM stereo radio 12,482
U69 AM-FM radio 17,598
UF1 Map light 8,186
UL5 Radio delete 384
YF5 California emissions 3,008
YJ8 Aluminum wheels 4
- Rear axle ratio selection 1,791


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Page last updated: December 2025