1973 Ecklers Hatchback one of one special built Detroit autoshow car 800HP DRAG

The outrageous bodywork, the retina-searing Black & Silver paint they scream ’70s. But to see this Corvette model as merely a period piece would be to miss the important role it played in Corvette history: It featured the first Corvette hatchback design. Yes, it was built by an aftermarket tuner, but the layout was soon adopted by Chevrolet, becoming an option in 1982 and standard on all coupes beginning with the ’84 model year.

Today, Eckler’s sells aftermarket parts for a variety of different models from different manufacturers, but back in the ’70s it was all Corvettes all the time. The Titusville, Florida company’s work was also on the radar of the national motoring press. Eckler’s hatchback conversion, which became available in kit form in the summer of 1976—“After extensive research and design testing…,” according to a period catalog—was a critical success. Calling it a “knockout,” Hot Rod wrote, “Late-model Vette owners already know about the problems with Corvettes: space, of which little has been provided by Chevy engineers…the hatchback-equipped 1973 Corvette becomes newly livable for a long weekend.” Autoweek described it as a “needed conversion.” And Road & Track wrote, “there has been an amazing proliferation of small cars with backs that open for loading. Well, now Corvette owners can join in the fun thank's Eckler’s.”

The first year It rolled off the St. Louis assembly line with a standard L48 165-horsepower 350 cubic-inch V8, as well as a number of factory options, including an automatic transmission, air-conditioning and an AM-FM radio. That much is known before it arrived in Florida for its dramatic makeover.

The car’s paper trail begins with its build sheet from Eckler’s, which states that car #C01 (it was the first CR- (Corvette race car) that was built on July 4, 1973 it makes sense that the bodywork pieces were inspired by Corvette race cars. The wide-body C3s built and driven by John Greenwood were the strongest influence, featuring similar fender flares,headlights with their plexiglass covers were also racing inspired, as was its prominent gas cap..

Eckler’s at the time, used the car for promotional purposes.it went to Colorado Springs for a car show, it appeared in Eckler’s catalogs on more than one occasion. Indeed, the real purpose of the car was to help promote the sale of various Eckler’s parts; it was a showcase, as well as a test bed for new designs, such as the hatchback kit.

Other Corvettes have come and gone But this 1973 hatchback is a signalling a turning point in Corvette design, the car does indeed take you back to the ’70s.

The original design and concept of this beautiful machine were done by Ralph Eckler of Titusville, Florida. Starting with a Brand New 1973 Corvette coupe as the prototype, he then com­pletely redesigned the car from front to rear. The finished result is a Corvette that is all new in design but with still familiar lines. With all the rumors flying that the 1973 Corvette will be a true hatchback, we would hope that G.M. is listening and looking at this excellent example: I first saw the car at the recent NCCC Convention in Orlando, Florida, and was very impressed and excited with the beauty, added interior space and yet retaining the basic Corvette lines. We’d very much like to see the 1973 Corvette use some of the concepts of this beauty; at least as far as the rear hatchback design!

• Electrically operated double-latched hatchback door (G.M. latches), operated from the drivers side under dash compartment.
• Test proven automotive positive weatherseal around hatchback door.
• Increased usable cargo space with improved accessibility.
• Standard automotive tempered, tinted, safety glass with Stainless steel moldings for corrosion resistance.
• Specially designed interior side panels and one-piece underbody panel.
• Gas filler door relocated into a recessed area of thecenter body panel.
• No need to relocate spare tire or rear exhaust system.
• Total design encompasses sleek good looks, functional use of space and versatility of operation.

Additional Features of the 1973 Corvette Hatchback Coupe–

• Eckler’s custom all fiberglass front-end.as well as the rear fascia
  
• Custom Rectangular Headlight Assemblies with clear plexiglass covers. “Street Use” front spoiler.

General Information –

Exterior finish consists of 9 color coats of Emberlite Black lacquer, 1 coat of clear lacquer containing “Pearle particles and 10 coats of clear lacquer hand rubbed for afinal finish.

Prototype car required a complete strip-down including the replacement of the entire frame, and repair of many other mechanical parts before construction of the new design could begin.

The firewall, underside of all fender wells, and the underside of the complete front end were sanded smooth, filled in and sprayed with black Gelcoat.

The engine block was stripped and repainted with many components Billet Aluminum & chrome plated.

The new frame, drivetrain and running gear parts were painted gloss acrylic black and all brake lines and small parts either chromed or painted in a contrasting color. Stain­less steel nuts and bolts were used where possible.

All mating surfaces of doors and other openings have been detailed for a constant dimen­sion throughout the entire car.

Interior design considerations includedcomplete new dash with tachometer and other needed gauges for racing.

Wheel insert panels painted in body color.

Total design and building time was well over 12 months, 6 months of concept and design and 6 months of the actual building of molds and preparation of car for NCCC Convention compe­tition.

Eckler’s Hatchback Corvette Coupe took First Place for full custom in the first competi­tion entered (NCCC Convention), Orlando, Florida – July1973