1973 · Chevrolet · United States
1973 Chevrolet Nova: the hatchback arrives
Hatchback appears in the source body table; SS offered with any engine per the source. Enthusiast-compiled production: 369,509 cars; Super Sport 35,542.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
This record's own dek describes 1973 as the year a hatchback body appears in the source body table for the first time, with the Super Sport offered with any engine per the source; the enthusiast-compiled total stands at 369,509 cars, of which 35,542 were Super Sports. This record's own overview states that every count comes from the same single enthusiast compilation, NovaResource.org, with ratings again carried as SAE net figures for the year.1
Three body-style rows are documented, 91,012 hatchbacks, 194,197 cars in the source's own "2 Door Sedan" column, and 84,300 four-door sedans, with the 35,542-car Super Sport figure kept separately scoped rather than folded into any of them. Four engines are documented: the 250 six coded L22 at 100 net hp, the 307 V8 coded L14 at 115 net hp, and two 350 V8s, L65 at 145 net hp and L48 at 175 net hp. The installation figures in this record's production table again sum exactly against its own V8 cylinder-count row: 142,798 307 V8 cars plus 120,274 350 V8 cars equal the 263,072-car V8 row also documented here.1
Four transmissions carry their own installation counts: 37,613 three-speed manuals, 8,140 M20 four-speeds, 78,194 M35 Powerglide automatics, and 245,562 M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatics, the last figure alone accounting for two-thirds of this record's own 369,509-car total for the year. This record's own key facts cite Chevrolet's price schedule effective December 4, 1972 directly, listing Nova base prices from $2,376.70 for the six-cylinder two-door coupe to $2,791.86 for the V8 Custom hatchback, with the Nova SS option priced separately by body: $79.00 on Custom models, $107.50 on the coupe, and $122.50 on the hatchback.
This record documents an extensive, individually priced options list running past forty codes, including six separate Nova SS rows split by body style and by black (Z26/YF8) or white (Z26/ZR8) striping, all matching the three body-specific prices in this record's own key facts. Also documented are the L48 350 four-barrel at $102 with a note that it requires power disc/drum brakes, the Z54 Interior Decor/Quiet Sound Group at $33 and standard equipment on Custom models, and six factory sky-roof color choices, each priced identically at $179.00.
Twenty-nine solid exterior colors and nineteen interior trim codes are documented, a noticeably larger palette than this record's earlier sections describe for other parts of the car. This record's own specifications section is unusually developed for the year, carrying a 111-inch wheelbase, 194.3-inch overall length (195.1 inches on Custom models with impact strips), 72.4-inch width, curb weights for six body and series combinations ranging from 3,137 lb to 3,256 lb, and a separately stated 210-lb weight addition for the L48 350 paired with Turbo Hydra-matic; its performance section remains empty.
This record's own identification section documents cowl-tag series XX for Nova and XY for Nova Custom, body codes for the hatchback, coupe and sedan, and two assembly-plant abbreviations, L for Van Nuys, California and W for Willow Run, Michigan, restating that any engine could be ordered with the Super Sport for 1973. Its conflicts section logs two disputes: a two-unit gap between this record's 369,509 total and Wikipedia's 369,511, and a Super Sport price conflict where Wikipedia's single $123 figure is noted in this record's own treatment as matching only the hatchback's $122.50 price rounded, against the factory schedule's three body-specific figures which this record's own treatment says the page should present instead.1
Fact sheet · 1973 · United States
The numbers
1973 Chevrolet Nova — Hatchback appears in the source body table; SS offered with any engine per the source. Enthusiast-compiled production: 369,509 cars; Super Sport 35,542.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- Total 1973 production per source: 369,509.1
- Chevrolet's price schedule effective December 4, 1972 lists Nova base prices from $2,376.70 (Nova 2-door coupe, six) to $2,791.86 (Nova Custom hatchback, V8), before destination and options; the Nova SS option (Z26) was $79.00 on Custom models, $107.50 on the coupe and $122.50 on the hatchback.
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy II / Nova, all series1 US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 369,509 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Sport1 Super Sport · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 35,542 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-door hatchback1 2-door hatchback · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 91,012 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 2-door (source column "2 Door Sedan")1 2-door (source column "2 Door Sedan") · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 194,197 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 4-door sedan1 4-door sedan · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 84,300 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six-cylinder cars1 L6 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 106,437 | built, model-year | Reported |
| V8 cars1 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 263,072 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 250 I6 engines installed1 250 I6 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 106,437 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 307 V8 engines installed1 307 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 142,798 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 350 V8 engines installed1 350 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 120,274 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-speed manual installed1 3-speed manual · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 37,613 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M20 4-speed installed1 M20 4-speed · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 8,140 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M35 Powerglide installed1 M35 Powerglide · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 78,194 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 installed1 M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 245,562 | built, model-year | Reported |
All counts are from one enthusiast compilation (NovaResource.org), which says its numbers were compiled from many sources and carry no guarantee; the underlying Chevrolet documents were not seen. Status is reported, or estimated where the source itself marks a value approximate or rounded.
Rows are separately scoped. Body, cylinder, engine-displacement and transmission rows each describe the whole line from a different angle and must not be added across groups.
A value missing from this table was marked unavailable ("?") or zero in the source and is not shown; missing does not mean zero.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Nova hatchback coupe 1XX17, 6-cylinder 250 (L22) | $2,527.86 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova 2-door coupe 1XX27, 6-cylinder 250 (L22) | $2,376.70 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova 4-door sedan 1XX69, 6-cylinder 250 (L22) | $2,406.70 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova Custom hatchback coupe 1XY17, 6-cylinder 250 (L22) | $2,700.86 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova Custom 2-door coupe 1XY27, 6-cylinder 250 (L22) | $2,550.70 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova Custom 4-door sedan 1XY69, 6-cylinder 250 (L22) | $2,579.70 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova hatchback coupe 1XX17, V8 307 (L14) | $2,617.86 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova 2-door coupe 1XX27, V8 307 (L14) | $2,466.70 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova 4-door sedan 1XX69, V8 307 (L14) | $2,496.70 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova Custom hatchback coupe 1XY17, V8 307 (L14) | $2,791.86 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova Custom 2-door coupe 1XY27, V8 307 (L14) | $2,640.70 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
| Nova Custom 4-door sedan 1XY69, V8 307 (L14) | $2,670.70 | manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes destination charges, state and local taxes, options (Chevrolet Motor Vehicle Price Schedule, prices effective with vehicles manufactured on or after December 4, 1972; published 2-2-73), 1972-12-04 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| L22 · 250 I6 (L22)1 250 cu in · 1-barrel carburetor | 100 hp @ 3,600, 175 lb-ft @ 1,600 (SAE net) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L14 · 307 V8 (L14)1 307 cu in · 2-barrel carburetor | 115 hp @ 3,600, 205 lb-ft @ 2,000 (SAE net) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L65 · 350 V8 (L65)1 350 cu in · 2-barrel carburetor | 145 hp @ 4,000, 255 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE net) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L48 · 350 V8 (L48)1 350 cu in · 4-barrel carburetor | 175 hp @ 4,000, 260 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE net) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| 3-speed manual1 | offered | 37,6131 Reported |
| M20 · M20 4-speed1 | offered | 8,1401 Reported |
| M35 · M35 Powerglide1 | offered | 78,1941 Reported |
| M38 · M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3501 | offered | 245,5621 Reported |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
Z26RPO |
Nova SS (appearance package)2 | $123 | Not yet sourced |
L65RPO |
Turbo-Fire 350 2-bbl V8 (V8 models only) | $26 | Not yet sourced |
L48RPO |
Turbo-Fire 350 4-bbl V8 (V8 models; requires power disc/drum brakes) | $102 | Not yet sourced |
M35RPO |
Powerglide (6-cylinder models only) | $169 | Not yet sourced |
M40RPO |
Turbo Hydra-matic (V8 models only) | $200 | Not yet sourced |
M20RPO |
4-speed wide-range (requires Turbo-Fire 350-4) | $190 | Not yet sourced |
G80RPO |
Positraction rear axle | $45 | Not yet sourced |
YD1RPO |
Trailering axle ratio (V8 with Turbo Hydra-matic only) | $12 | Not yet sourced |
Z26RPO |
Nova SS with black striping (Z26/YF8), Nova Custom models | $79 | Not yet sourced |
Z26RPO |
Nova SS with black striping (Z26/YF8), Nova coupe models (adds bright taillight and grille trim, carpet, roof drip moldings) | $107.50 | Not yet sourced |
Z26RPO |
Nova SS with black striping (Z26/YF8), Nova hatchback models (adds bright trim, carpet, roof drip moldings, load-floor carpet) | $122.50 | Not yet sourced |
Z26RPO |
Nova SS with white striping (Z26/ZR8), Nova Custom models | $79 | Not yet sourced |
Z26RPO |
Nova SS with white striping (Z26/ZR8), Nova coupe models | $107.50 | Not yet sourced |
Z26RPO |
Nova SS with white striping (Z26/ZR8), Nova hatchback models | $122.50 | Not yet sourced |
Z54RPO |
Interior Decor/Quiet Sound Group (standard on Custom) | $33 | Not yet sourced |
ZJ5RPO |
Exterior Decor Package, hatchback or coupe without Nova SS | $51 | Not yet sourced |
ZJ5RPO |
Exterior Decor Package, hatchback or coupe with Nova SS | $26 | Not yet sourced |
ZJ5RPO |
Exterior Decor Package, sedan | $59 | Not yet sourced |
J50RPO |
Power brakes, drum | $46 | Not yet sourced |
JL2RPO |
Power brakes, disc/drum | $68 | Not yet sourced |
N40RPO |
Power steering, variable-ratio | $100 | Not yet sourced |
C60RPO |
Four-Season air conditioning (V8 models only) | $381 | Not yet sourced |
T60RPO |
Heavy-duty battery | $15 | Not yet sourced |
AK1RPO |
Color-keyed seat and shoulder belts, bench-seat models | $15.25 | Not yet sourced |
AK1RPO |
Color-keyed seat and shoulder belts, bucket-seat coupes | $12.75 | Not yet sourced |
VE5RPO |
Deluxe bumpers front and rear (standard on Custom) | $24 | Not yet sourced |
VJ9RPO |
California emission certification label | $0 | Not yet sourced |
YA7RPO |
California assembly line emission test | $15 | Not yet sourced |
U35RPO |
Electric clock | $16 | Not yet sourced |
D55RPO |
Console (hatchback or coupe with bucket seats) | $57 | Not yet sourced |
V01RPO |
Heavy-duty radiator | $14 | Not yet sourced |
C50RPO |
Rear window defogger, forced-air | $31 | Not yet sourced |
B37RPO |
Color-keyed floor mats | $12 | Not yet sourced |
A01RPO |
Soft-Ray tinted glass, all windows | $39 | Not yet sourced |
U05RPO |
Dual horns | $4 | Not yet sourced |
U17RPO |
Special instrumentation (V8 hatchback or coupe with buckets and console) | $87 | Not yet sourced |
ZJ9RPO |
Auxiliary lighting, coupe or sedan without Z54 | $17.50 | Not yet sourced |
D33RPO |
LH remote-control outside mirror | $12 | Not yet sourced |
D35RPO |
Sport mirrors (included with Nova SS) | $26 | Not yet sourced |
B84RPO |
Body side moldings | $33 | Not yet sourced |
B93RPO |
Door edge guards, coupe | $6 | Not yet sourced |
B93RPO |
Door edge guards, sedan | $9 | Not yet sourced |
|
Two-tone paint (not on hatchback) | $31 | Not yet sourced |
U63RPO |
AM radio | $65 | Not yet sourced |
U69RPO |
AM/FM radio | $135 | Not yet sourced |
U80RPO |
Rear seat speaker | $15 | Not yet sourced |
CB1RPO |
Vinyl roof cover, hatchback (Touring type) | $66 | Not yet sourced |
C08RPO |
Vinyl roof cover, sedan or coupe | $82 | Not yet sourced |
M11RPO |
Floor-mounted shift lever (3-speed) | $26 | Not yet sourced |
WABRPO |
Sky Roof, vinyl folding, black (coupe or hatchback) | $179 | Not yet sourced |
N65RPO |
Space-saver spare tire (standard on hatchback) | $14.16 | Not yet sourced |
N33RPO |
Comfortilt steering wheel | $44 | Not yet sourced |
F40RPO |
Special front and rear suspension, 6-cylinder | $2 | Not yet sourced |
F40RPO |
Special front and rear suspension, V8 | $6 | Not yet sourced |
F41RPO |
Sport suspension, without Nova SS | $30 | Not yet sourced |
F41RPO |
Sport suspension, with Nova SS | $24 | Not yet sourced |
A51RPO |
Strato-bucket front seats (coupe models) | $67 | Not yet sourced |
P01RPO |
Bright metal wheel covers | $26 | Not yet sourced |
ZJ7RPO |
Rally wheels | $44 | Not yet sourced |
P06RPO |
Wheel trim rings | $28.50 | Not yet sourced |
N95RPO |
Wire wheel covers | $82 | Not yet sourced |
QEBRPO |
E70-14/B white-lettered bias-belted tires with 14 x 7 wheels (coupe or sedan without space-saver spare) | $83.85 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
11 |
Antique White1 | Not yet sourced |
24 |
Light Blue Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
26 |
Dark Blue Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
29 |
Midnight Blue Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
42 |
Dark Green Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
44 |
Light Green Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
46 |
Green-Gold Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
48 |
Midnight Green1 | Not yet sourced |
51 |
Light Yellow1 | Not yet sourced |
56 |
Chamois1 | Not yet sourced |
60 |
Light Copper Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
64 |
Silver Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
68 |
Dark Brown Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
74 |
Dark Red Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
75 |
Medium Red1 | Not yet sourced |
97 |
Medium Orange Metallic1 | Not yet sourced |
26/11 |
Two-tone: Dark Blue Metallic lower, Antique White upper (not on hatchback) | Not yet sourced |
56/11 |
Two-tone: Chamois lower, Antique White upper (not on hatchback) | Not yet sourced |
46/11 |
Two-tone: Green-Gold Metallic lower, Antique White upper (not on hatchback) | Not yet sourced |
44/11 |
Two-tone: Light Green Metallic lower, Antique White upper (not on hatchback) | Not yet sourced |
97/11 |
Two-tone: Medium Orange Metallic lower, Antique White upper (not on hatchback) | Not yet sourced |
51/11 |
Two-tone: Light Yellow lower, Antique White upper (not on hatchback) | Not yet sourced |
BB |
Vinyl roof: Black (all exterior colours) | Not yet sourced |
DD |
Vinyl roof: Medium Blue (blue or white exteriors only) | Not yet sourced |
FF |
Vinyl roof: Chamois (chamois or white exteriors only) | Not yet sourced |
GG |
Vinyl roof: Medium Green (light green, midnight green or white exteriors only) | Not yet sourced |
TT |
Vinyl roof: Light Neutral (brown, copper, green-gold, midnight green, orange or red exteriors only) | Not yet sourced |
HH |
Vinyl roof: Dark Red (dark red, silver or white exteriors only) | Not yet sourced |
AA |
Vinyl roof: White (all exterior colours) | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
755 |
Standard 2-door coupe or hatchback: black cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
751 |
Standard 2-door coupe or hatchback: black vinyl bench or bucket (mixed-tone seats) | Not yet sourced |
756 |
Standard 2-door coupe or hatchback: medium blue cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
767 |
Standard 2-door coupe or hatchback: medium chamois vinyl bench (mixed-tone seats) | Not yet sourced |
759 |
Standard 2-door coupe or hatchback: dark green cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
760 |
Standard 2-door coupe or hatchback: dark green vinyl bench (mixed-tone seats) | Not yet sourced |
763 |
Standard 2-door coupe or hatchback: light neutral vinyl bucket (mixed-tone seats) | Not yet sourced |
753 |
Standard 4-door sedan: black vinyl bench (mixed-tone seats) | Not yet sourced |
772 |
Standard 4-door sedan: medium blue cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
758 |
Standard 4-door sedan: dark green cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
757 |
Standard 4-door sedan: dark green vinyl bench (mixed-tone seats) | Not yet sourced |
752 |
Custom 2-door coupe or hatchback: black cloth bench or bucket (mixed-tone seats) | Not yet sourced |
754 |
Custom 2-door coupe or hatchback: black vinyl bucket | Not yet sourced |
761 |
Custom 2-door coupe or hatchback: dark green cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
764 |
Custom 2-door coupe or hatchback: light neutral cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
771 |
Custom 2-door coupe or hatchback: light neutral vinyl bucket | Not yet sourced |
750 |
Custom 4-door sedan: black cloth bench (mixed-tone seats) | Not yet sourced |
770 |
Custom 4-door sedan: dark green cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
769 |
Custom 4-door sedan: light neutral cloth bench | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 111 in | all bodies |
| Overall length | 194.3 in | all bodies; Custom models with impact strips 195.1 in |
| Maximum overall width | 72.4 in | all bodies |
| Overall height (design) | 52.5 in | 2-door coupe and hatchback |
| Overall height (design) | 53.9 in | 4-door sedan |
| Tread, front / rear | 59.8 / 59.6 in | all bodies |
| Standard tire size | E78-14 | all bodies |
| Curb weight, Nova hatchback 1XX17 (250 L6) | 3,249 lb | base vehicle |
| Curb weight, Nova 2-door coupe 1XX27 (250 L6) | 3,137 lb | base vehicle |
| Curb weight, Nova 4-door sedan 1XX69 (250 L6) | 3,169 lb | base vehicle |
| Curb weight, Nova Custom hatchback 1XY17 (250 L6) | 3,256 lb | base vehicle |
| Curb weight, Nova Custom 2-door coupe 1XY27 (250 L6) | 3,177 lb | base vehicle |
| Curb weight, Nova Custom 4-door sedan 1XY69 (250 L6) | 3,209 lb | base vehicle |
| Weight added, 350 V8 L48 with Turbo Hydra-matic | 210 lb | added to base L6 vehicle weight |
Identification
- Cowl tag series and body codes
- Cowl-tag series XX Nova, XY Nova Custom; body 17 hatchback, 27 2-door, 69 4-door sedan. From 1973 the source says any engine could be ordered in the Super Sport (RPO Z26).1
- Assembly plants (cowl-tag codes)
- L Van Nuys CA; W Willow Run MI1
Where the sources disagree
Price of the 1973 Nova SS option (RPO Z26)
- $123 retail (single figure; model not stated)2
- $79.00 on Nova Custom models, $107.50 on the Nova coupe, $122.50 on the Nova hatchback (manufacturer's suggested retail, price schedule published 2-2-73)
The factory schedule prices the SS by model; the single $123 figure matches only the hatchback price rounded. Both are shown; the page should present the factory schedule as the model-by-model price.
Identification
Read a 1973 Chevrolet VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1973
- AMC AMX The Javelin AMX's best year. 5,707 were built, a quarter of them with the 401, alongside the Trans Am Victory decal and the Pierre Cardin interior.
- AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX The V8 Gremlin X continued, with new stripes and an available Levi's denim-look interior. No production split has been found.
- AMC Javelin The SST name dropped away and new twin 'TV-screen' taillights arrived. Javelin production reached 25,195, alongside the Trans Am Victory decal package.
- Buick Riviera Stage One (260 hp net) joined a separate GS handling package; 1,234 Stage Ones and 3,933 GS cars of 34,080.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX On the new Colonnade A-body the GS became a Century Gran Sport package; 6,637 were built, 728 with the 455 Stage 1.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The Colonnade Chevelle's only SS year: RPO Z15 on the Malibu coupe and, for the first and only time, the station wagon, with a 245 net hp 454 available.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS The new Colonnade El Camino could still be ordered with RPO Z15 SS equipment; no El Camino SS count was found.
- Dodge Challenger The six was gone: every 1973 Challenger hardtop had a V8, the 318 standard and the 340 optional, with the Rallye now sold as a package.
- Dodge Charger The Charger's best-selling year of the original era, 119,318 cars, came as the 440 lost its Magnum name and the car moved toward personal luxury.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon Renamed Dart Sport, the fastback's 340 model sold 11,315 in the 340's final year.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The 200 six became standard as the 170 was dropped; Classic Industries counts 32,350 Grabbers.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT continued on the 1972-76 Ranchero; 15,320 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Thunderbird The 429 4V was standard and the 460 4V optional in the sixth generation's best-selling year.
- Ford Torino The 1973 Torino kept the 1972 body behind a heavier bumper; the Gran Torino Sport fell to 51,853 SportsRoofs and 17,090 hardtops while the 351 Cobra Jet remained the performance engine.
- Mercury Cougar The last Cougar convertible and the last 351 Cobra Jet year, with production up to 60,629 as buyers shifted to the XR-7.
- Mercury Montego GT The Montego GT fastback's second and last year; a vehicle profile reports 4,464 built.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds On the new Colonnade Cutlass the 4-4-2 was a W-29 appearance and handling option, and the Hurst/Olds came in white or, for the first time, black: 1,097 built.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda V8 only: the 318 became standard on both Barracuda and 'Cuda, the 340 moved to the option list, and production rose for the only time after 1970.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 The 340's last year in the Duster produced 15,731 cars with power front disc brakes now standard, and the Spacemaker Pak fold-down rear seat joined the line.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite For 1973 the GTX name survived only through the Road Runner's optional 440 four-barrel, which came with TorqueFlite only; Mueller's Muscle Car Source Book counts 749 of them.
- Plymouth Road Runner A secondary count puts production back up to 19,056, the highest of the 1971-1974 Satellite-based years.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The Super Duty year: 4,802 Trans Ams, 252 of them SD-455s.
- Pontiac GTO A GTO option on the new Colonnade LeMans, with the 400 standard and a 455 optional; 4,806 built.
- Pontiac Grand Am Pontiac's Colonnade GT with an Endura nose and a 400 or 455; 43,137 built, the Grand Am's best year, with 1,058 four-speeds.
- Pontiac Grand Prix The Colonnade-body Grand Prix arrives, with the 400 standard and the 455 in the SJ.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The Colonnade LeMans arrives, with GTO and GT options for the two-door models and a Super Duty 455 listed for the LeMans in Pontiac's dealer book.