Home-Built Hero: Paul Wrighton’s ’73 Corvette Is A Gorgeous Cruiser

Corvette

The wheels are from American Racing, and the tires BFGoodrich TA’s. One of the first upgrades Paul did, was to install the side pipes.

When it comes to owning a classic car, there are two distinct avenues that dictate what is parked in the garage. One has the owner preferring cars that retain a factory look and feel, while the other camp prefer cars that have an upgraded pedigree. It’s a personal preference, and no choice is a bad one. Paul Wrighton is a member of the second group, as evidenced by his ’73 Corvette.

Even when an enthusiast prefers to have a modified mode of enjoyable transportation, the finished project usually starts out closer to stock. “It is an L-82-powered car with a four-speed. I bought the Corvette in 1976, and at the time, it was all original. Since then, I have done a lot of modifications,” he stated. Adding to the appearance is the addition of an L-88 hood and a fiberglass front bumper that replaces the rubber one. “I replaced the hood, because I like the style and it helps the engine breathe better. I put the fiberglass bumper on the car, because the rubber ones never stay straight.”

Corvette

Paul says he wanted the L82 small-block, because of the better cylinder heads that have 202 and 194-inch valves, and because of the stronger bottom end’s four bolt mains. He also feels the small-block-powered cars handle better than those with the big-block.

Adding to the already-respectable performance, the engine received a set of Hooker headers, an Edelbrock intake with a Holley carburetor, and an MSD ignition system. Paul also told us that there are some internal upgrades as well, but didn’t elaborate. The transmission is an M21 Muncie four-speed, and the rearend gear ratio is 3.55.

Corvette

The interior is leather, and features an aftermarket steering wheel, sound system, and a Hurst Super Shifter.

Like many people, Paul finding the car was not filled with an exciting tale of pursuit and mayhem. In actuality, it was uneventful and easy – which isn’t always a bad thing. He found the Corvette for sale while relaxing and reading the local newspaper, and he believes he is the second owner. “I chose this car because I like the body style. When the C3 Corvette came out in 1968, I just always wanted to have one,” said Paul. He also said that he always wanted his car to be a small-block example, so mission accomplished.

Corvette

Do you want to read about more Home-Built Heroes? All you need to do is click here. If you own a Home-Built Hero, we want to hear about it. Since we’ve started the series, we have received more than a few candidates, but we still want to see more – we can never get enough. If you want to see more cars built by you the readers, send us a few pictures of your car showing the engine, interior, and exterior, along with all of the pertinent information, and we’ll make you Internet famous. You can send your submissions to [email protected].

About the author

Randy Bolig

Randy Bolig has been working on cars and has been involved in the hobby ever since he bought his first car when he was only 14 years old. His passion for performance got him noticed by many locals, and he began helping them modify their vehicles.
Read My Articles

Hardcore Chevys in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Chevy Hardcore, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

We'll send you the most interesting Chevy Hardcore articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


streetmusclemag
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
dragzine
Drag Racing
enginelabs
Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • streetmusclemag Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • enginelabs Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading