Many enthusiasts spent years focusing on the chrome-bumper C3 Corvette models, ignoring later examples. That situation has changed as those people now recognize that these cars have much to offer potential buyers. This 1977 ‘Vette is a perfect example and is a solid project vehicle where the hard work is complete. The car runs and drives perfectly, leaving the new owner to transform it into the classic of their dreams. The owner has taken on too many projects, and something must go. Therefore, he has listed this Corvette exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
This Corvette is a diamond in the rough that will benefit from a cosmetic refresh. The paint is tired, and it has a couple of panel shortcomings, but its frame and birdcage are as rock-solid as you would expect from any classic that has spent its life in California. The lower front end on the passenger side exhibits some damage requiring fiberglass replacement, but this is purely to the panels and has not compromised the car structurally. The owner has a collection of parts that will form part of the sale, including many trim items and a new front bumper cover. The beauty of this project is that it gives the winning bidder multiple paths they could follow. Reapplying fresh paint in the existing combination is possible, as is returning the Corvette to its original appearance per the Trim Tag. Performing a color change with the car in its current state would be straightforward, allowing that person to tailor the vehicle to their taste. The ‘Vette rolls on a set of OEM Rally wheels that were recently repainted and wrapped in new tires. Most of the badging is intact and restorable, while there are no glass issues.
You must delve below the surface to discover what this Corvette immediately offers potential buyers. Its engine bay houses Chevrolet’s legendary 350ci small-block V8 that sends its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. That combination should provide an effortless driving experience enhanced by the standard power assistance for the steering and brakes. The owner concentrated on this classic’s mechanical components as the starting point for his restoration, spending considerable time and money to ensure it is healthy and roadworthy. The suspension, steering, and brakes feature many new parts that guarantee it steers and stops confidently. He replaced the fluids, flushing and cleaning the entire fuel system. The result was worth the effort, with the car running and driving beautifully. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition that they can enjoy during the remaining warmer months.
One area of any project where it is easy for a builder to stamp their mark is on its interior. This Corvette features a custom White vinyl and Red cloth mix that makes a bold visual statement. It isn’t perfect, but it is serviceable in its current form. The dash and pad are excellent, and there are no significant problems with the console or other plastic trim items. The door trims are split, but with basic replacements selling for under $340 per pair, the buyer could transfer the bright pieces onto the replacements to achieve an as-new appearance. The rear carpet is tired and faded, and the cloth seat inserts have a couple of flaws. It would be worth discussing this last item with a competent upholsterer because repairs would seem possible without splashing the extra cash on new seat covers. Life inside this gem should feel pretty luxurious courtesy of its air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, tilt/telescopic wheel, and Clarion CD player.
This 1977 Corvette might look rough around the edges but beneath the faded exterior beats a heart of pure gold. Its needs aren’t urgent, meaning its new owner can enjoy it immediately while planning their strategies to transform its appearance in a straightforward restoration. They could refresh the existing color combination, but individualizing it would not be challenging. If a C3 project has been on your Wish List, this beauty could be an ideal candidate worth pursuing.
- Location: Mission Viejo, California
- Mileage: 123,000, TMU
- Engine: 350ci V8
- Transmission: Three-Speed Automatic
- VIN: 1Z37L7S431885
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Michael D bid $4,300.00 2023-06-08 04:12:55
Lar bid $4,200.00 2023-06-07 21:08:10
Cy bid $4,100.00 2023-06-07 14:15:31- Michael D bid $3,995.00 2023-06-07 10:17:47
Ohiyo bid $3,850.00 2023-06-07 10:15:30
#1RanchFan bid $3,250.00 2023-06-06 21:04:24
To old love vettes bid $3,000.00 2023-06-06 10:41:48- Michael D bid $2,700.00 2023-06-05 03:40:01
Carl bid $2,600.00 2023-06-02 17:32:02
Mr.Zepol bid $2,500.00 2023-06-02 11:43:33
Steve0127 bid $2,100.00 2023-06-02 11:33:30
Swede bid $2,000.00 2023-05-31 14:22:25- Michael D bid $1,900.00 2023-05-31 10:43:14
2manyvettes bid $750.00 2023-05-31 10:27:40
Kinda weird. When the best thing is the interior and you wouldn’t be caught dead in it.
Ghetto is a 1977 Corvette Drag car thinking. Interiors and paint, are easier to fix than these thoughts. Based on data its not over bid.
Best thing is the mechanical stuff with 5k plus invested. Sold and represented as in total need of cosmetic improvements, that would include the interior. Panels and carpet are reasonable for these years.
Accepted, Billy P.
Thanks Bub Not expecting raving reviews of the appearance. This is a base for a cheap 70s semi muscle car. Assuming it will sell in the range that allows someone to spend on a rust free frame solid ride, done as they want, cheaper than normal. Depending on skill sets of the buyer. Most of the negative comments seem rather trollish, considering what it obviously is. Appreciate your response. Been restoring things like this for over 40 years. This one woke up nicely every time I touched something in it. Dry climate makes all the screws and bolts come in and out nicely Im project poor and had to pick the ones to finish. Got this one to a base level of a nice driver that now needs cosmetics and TLC.
I think it is a great project car for me,
I hate the seats, but dig the white console.
Imo, the center stack would look good if it was white to match.
Solid frame, spares, lots of new stuff.
8k I’m guessing.
I had a 77 Vette. Might as well walk.
Depending on the smog laws of the state you live in. Cam, carb, intake and headers makes it run right and closer to 300hp. All for around 1k in parts. Not a beast, but more power than a stock 77, which this is. As the C3 is with in 5 years of gone, its better than the earlier C3s, in terms of fitment and tightness. This one drives nice and tight, just needs cosmetics and some engine upgrade if want faster.
FYI if you sell this in CA you have to provide a passed smog check within the past 90 days.
In CA buy a 75 or earlier or be at the mercy of the smog police.
Comentors, how about asking things relevant to what this is? Barn Finds did a nice job of a lipstick description of this project. Comments of the obvious seem like the childishness of a troll. If you love the Interior/ exterior or you think anything of this year stock is fast, God bless you. The right person will know what the Braking, fuel, complete suspension revamp, and fluids changed is worth. They will know what all the electronics, windows,, signals, brake and reverse lights, horn ect ect working is worth. Heck it’s even tight with no air noise when driven down the highway. The right person knows how much easier it is to work with a dry weather car. Let’s get real
Lol, is this Michael M?
Yeah 99% of Corvette guys don’t want a 1977. Even you decided it wasn’t worth putting any more money into it, as you say you’ve been doing for 40 yrs.
What people like or want is what I have learned in 40 years, I don’t determine. Enough of them sell to know that they are liked. C3s are under rated as an affordable classic. I like all kinds of classics, some fast some not, some american made, some not. Didn’t put it here looking for ” Corvette guys”
Well said Ed C.
Hmm, 99% don’t want a ’77? I’m thinking not a lot of research went into that comment. Over 49,000 people bought them which makes it a top 5 seller of all years. Last year for the flat rear window. This will be a beautiful restoration with paint and interior and very reasonable money invested.
How many bought 77’s new has no relevance to what buyers want in 2023.
Was a part of a statement, not the entire statement. People found them desirable then, and those same people, many revisiting that time, find them still that way. Why retro styled cars resto modes have flourished in past and recent years. Maybe not “Corvette Guys” This your hobbie Ed, C, trolling Barn finds and sites to bash what people have to sell and say, believing your saving someone? Find a new hobbie
I agree ed..i bought a ’77 about 6 yrs ago…still have it…..still drive it. Might as well walk!?. Mines powered with the 350…light cam…headers…high rise intake…650 carb…325 ponies….plenty for this ol guy…wish i could pin a pic of it…
The fact they still exist almost 50 years later suggests that people still want them. Maybe not the same guy that’s driving a C5-8, but still they have an earned place in the classic car world.
To those bidding and considering. I have receipts for in excess of 7k on this vette and the mechanic (friend) I used for most of it due to time constraints of my many projects, would be happy to speak to anyone concerning what he did, and I bought all the parts, with receipts. Not sure I will get that back or expect to. This and 5 other projects are being sold to reclaim time in my life, some of you may get that if you have overdone the project list, when lack of money didn’t stop you. You want a nice car to finish this is it. I made things work like I would want it to, and replaced anything needed to make it drivable and safe. Example: Tires have 25 miles on them…
W. Phillips,
I am 73 years old and have owned a ’58, a 63 split window and a ’79 that I bought to honor a fellow skydiver’s wife. I enjoyed all of them for their time. These troglodyte whiners, who seem to have no “under car time,” are fascinating with their keyboard time.
Thanks for putting your cars out there.
Ed, we seemed to tic off the seller. Not my intent, but whatever. The car needs more than he claims, a good paint job on a vette is 10-12k, ( not a “I know a guy” paint job) the interior pieces will be another 4-5k and fixing miscellaneous problems might be another 2k. Then magically you have a 112K mile vette that cost you 21k when you can buy 50k mile ones for 21k all day long and all you have to do is write a check. I really think the seller should finish the car, I think it would do a lot better. 77 vetts in stock config can’t outrun a 10 year old Honda Civic. This just the perspective of an average buyer. Sorry William, just being honest.
MB. amazing without seeing the car you know so much and are calling me deceptive with zero exposure to the car. If your capable of buying a 50k mile one all day long, why you looking (trolling) here? Try reading the article during the troll. Im buying my time back, by taking a loss to sell it, due to an over doing of myself in projects. Right person will not have to spend what you claim unless they don’t know what they are doing, and have zero experience. If that’s the case (and it sounds like you are that case) why would they or you be on Barn finds looking at what is clearly being sold as a project?? Your not being honest MB, just trolling without the ability to purchase, with your opinions you can’t wait to give out.
@William Phillips the moderators won’t publish my real response to your ridiculous accusations. But I was wondering why you don’t complete the project? BTW, you have no idea what I have “the ability to purchase”.
Well let me tell you I love my vett and its a 77 and I get nothing but thumbs up …I love it but to each it’s own
I’ll say this, with some of the prices I’ve seen on project cars, this one seems pretty darn decent. Even if it’s not the fastest, it’s still a Vette and driving one with that long sexy front end is fun. It’s always been a unique shape to drive. That car can be made really nice looking if you’ve got some dollars to spend on her.
I’d rather have the rusty Ford pickup parked next to it
Just sold it on auto hunter. Buyer might be flaking One week has passed without payment. Was a part of my reduction process If Barn finds is OK with this, and you’re interested, lets talk.
Sorry, but that interior hurts my eyes ! Money could have been better spent. I don’t see that appealing to many car guys.
I ran for some eye wash. Taste, some have it and some don’t.
1977, Bell bottoms, Leisure suits. No one did in 1977. Wasnt done by me and is a part of the cosmetics needed on the car.
William
I think you are selling a a honey car at an honest price negators have obviously not priced a vette lately wish this were a stick but I am just finishing a 350 cu in 4 speed conversion on an 85 elcjno ss Choo choo but would take this in a second
Interior also hurts my eyes and has nothing to do with the money spent. Bought it this way. Money spent on the interior is ZERO. As said many times in this, needs COSMETIC work. Includes interior…. Money spent on mechanicals.
Thanks RMac you can read and you get it.
Someone will buy this and hopefully give it the restoration it deserves.
Loved my own 77.
You guys should All take a good look at the interior. This Is a project, it says so. Those seats might be something… Most people wouldn’t like today, but they are Not in great condition as far as the covers, but it’s an easy start for a shop to work with as far as the padding and frames. As much as I like the Tuned Port 350 and the handling I would trade my tuned port C-4 for a C-3 in a Heartbeat!
I had to laugh to myself at the description the writer gave describing the potential as many have been focused on the chrome bumper Vettes. For good reason. They were so diluted after 74. There were thousands made in 77.
GM made as many as they could and ran the same body from 1968 to 1982.
Yeah I guess if you want a cheap Vette here it is. I had one in the 1980’s when they were popular. It was a miserable car. Super hot in the summer with the a/c weezing. Low power 350. Handled good but was very heavy. I would buy a cheaper newer one.
Thought the description writer did go a bit far, but that’s their job. Some false statements, and your opinion based on those years. Not the same body, flat back window ended this year, and all cars, not just these, had no power, or did you forget?
If you want a more miserable car by a newer one, say a crossfire injection model of later years than this, or an 84. Your comments are not relevant to buying a classic in which the AC, power ect ect are all bad compared to now. Now go look for your next vehicle to bash on a site.
Hello William, I’m very close to you in south OC. Can the car be seen tomorrow afternoon? Thanks!
Yes you can. Im off Alicia in the Fabricante business park. I dont know if I can post my number on here. But here it is. Bill 949-374-2750.
I want to know more about the truck.
I must be in the minority, as I like the interior. Not love, but I don’t mind it. But, I grew up in the age of the gaudy ’70s show cars like the Corvette Fever one, so it doesn’t offend me.
All this talk of spending all this money to “restore” it? I would maybe make it faster, maybe put in a 4+ speed, and drive it as-is. Fix the front bumper cover and paint to match. That’s it. Where I live, it would get every bit of attention as a restored one, maybe more, and you wouldn’t worry about parking it, could actually have fun with it.
I know that’s not everyone’s bag, but that used to be what cars were about, back in my time, but then, I’m old, so don’t listen to me!
I agree with a lot of that. I realized the other day that out of the 60+cars I’ve owned, I had a favorite. It was a 79 formula. Not all that fast but looked good and handled nice. And I was trying to figure out why it was my favorite then I realized it was my daily (only) everyday driver it’s all I had and I drove it everywhere. Now my “must haves” sit in the garage waiting for nice weather while I drive the compromise vehicle.
Hey Ed Great last name. Got my insurance on my collection with Haggerty
Hey Other Chris, you should be listened to. You make lots of sense. Its about the nostalgic fun of this. The trolls seem not to get, that its not about market value, usability as a daily driver or speed and power. You can do that to any classic.
This is a great project car for me. I would be happy to get it.
What is the reserve price.?
CY its very close to the reserve right now.
I am local and was able to test drive the car. It’s very sound, engine doesn’t smoke and has plenty of torque, transmission shifts well, brakes are great. Even the power windows function. Knowledgeable seller. Great car for someone to take to the next level!
So if everything checks out why didn’t YOU buy it?
Cosmetic work was more than HE wanted to do. At least he checked it out to have an opinion. AMCFAN is trolling again with lots opinions and Zero knowledge.
William because someone doesn’t think like you or says something you do not agree with it isn’t nice to berate and belittle in a personal attack. (1) I have a right to my opinion. Just as your friends do posting on here.
(2) No knowledge? I can tell quite a bit from the pics. That is enough to make a general assumption. It may run good but the very least of its issues. That is plain to see. The engine and transmission are the cheapest things to sort out. Specifics like the missing air intake add up.
I happen to have been a former 77 Corvette owner when it was nearly new. I spent a lot of time behind the wheel. Not just when the sun was out. 7 days a week and two winters. Actually best time to drive it. I posted that above if you would stop trolling and defending your ad you could have saw that.
Personally I was in your favor and thought it would’ve sold already and for more due to the exposure it has received. Maybe it isn’t the car at all.
AMCFAN
My friends have not posted once on here, and is continuation of your lies masked as opinions.
air intake is not missing, removed to show then new carb, another uneducated comment.
Trolls get in on things that they cant buy and dont own.. ie you don’t own this one, and comment. Cant troll my own post, or don’t you have the IQ to understand this… This is most likely normal behavior for you, either due to your age, financial condition or boredom, from minimal friendships.
Valid questions (not asked by you) such as the air cleaner, but instead choose to post negative trollish comments.
Get a hobby or post things on your friends car, who tolerate your BS..
Want to be nice yourself, move on.
Most of the cars I’ve restored needed some interior work. What I’ve noticed is that it costs the same to recover an ugly seat as it does to recover a pretty seat if your doing new foam and seat cover. And how boring would car shows be – or the whole car hobby for that matter – if everyone wanted and liked the same cars. I mean I’d love to have a 69 Camaro but if I don’t see one at the next event I don’t think I’ll mind. Most of us buy the car we couldn’t afford when we were young or the one attached to a memory of a loved one. And yes some of us buy the one we believe is the fastest car in town regardless of nostalgia. I grew up in a Mopar family thinking those were the only worthy cars. Now I appreciate all the classics and don’t even have a Mopar. My C5 mostly scratches the car itch but if the budget allowed, I’d have one of each.