After fifteen years in dry storage, the owner of this 1973 Corvette has coaxed it back to life so it can find a new home. It needs some TLC, but it could be one of the most affordable C3 Corvette projects in the current classic market. It would make an excellent father/child project or a perfect candidate for someone seeking their first project build. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Lincoln Park, Michigan. They have set a sale price of $7,000, although that figure is negotiable. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this promising project.

Following fifteen years in dry storage, it’s a fair bet this Corvette will require attention before it returns to its rightful place on our roads. Its Classic White paint looks dull, but there are enough shiny spots to indicate that it may respond positively to a buff and polish. There are a few marks and imperfections, but nothing demanding immediate attention. The front bumper cover is missing, but with reproductions retailing for around $410, addressing that issue would be an affordable exercise. The remaining trim pieces look okay, although the poor-quality photos make it difficult to make a definitive assessment. The seller provides no information on the state of the frame or birdcage, but the visible corrosion on some engine bay components makes me believe that an in-person inspection may be warranted. If this reveals no apparent problems, the new owner could undertake the cosmetic refresh required to return this classic to its former glory in a home workshop.

The seller admits this Corvette’s interior needs work, but I feel a deep clean would be an excellent starting point. There is significant accumulated dust, and removing this would reveal the extent of the task awaiting the buyer. The carpet is well past its best, so investing $450 in a complete carpet set would seem a logical first step. I can spot some plastic damage in areas like the console, but the limited photos make it hard to determine if there are any further problems. Someone has swapped the factory radio for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, and they have cut the kick panels to accommodate speakers. If the buyer’s focus isn’t on originality, this shouldn’t be a worry. Otherwise, new kick panels and the correct radio will find their way onto the shopping list. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, meaning the buyer shouldn’t expect to find air conditioning or power windows.

While it isn’t specifically stated in the listing, I believe the L48 version of Chevrolet’s 350ci V8 hides in this Corvette’s engine bay. If so, it would have produced 190hp in its prime. The original owner’s decision to back this with a four-speed manual transmission would have allowed the car to cover the ¼ mile in 15.9 seconds. If this engine is in good health, the seller’s decision to recently add a new Edelbrock 600 carburetor may have unleashed a few additional ponies that would improve that figure. Consistent with the rest of the vehicle, the engine needs some cosmetic TLC to present at its best. This photo also shows some of the surface corrosion I mentioned earlier, which motivated me to suggest an in-person inspection. The seller indicates that the Corvette has been in dry storage for fifteen years, but they recently flushed and replaced all its fluids. They coaxed it back to life, but it is unclear whether it is roadworthy. If it isn’t, at least it would seem to represent a sound starting point. They claim it has 79,000 genuine miles on the clock, and while they don’t mention verifying evidence, its years of hibernation make that claim plausible.

Post-1972 Corvettes have been generally ignored in the classic market as buyers focus on the chrome-bumper models that pre-date tightening emission laws. However, that situation has changed, and the values of the mid-1970s cars have increased significantly recently. Our feature ‘Vette needs some TLC, but it is a promising and affordable project at the asking price. Depending on the seller’s flexibility, securing this car for a figure below that sum may be possible. I always stress the need to be respectful, but it could be worth negotiating on this car. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.