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Bargain Basement Project: 1978 Chevrolet Corvette

Finding a cheap and solid Corvette for a project can be a bit difficult, but this 1978 Corvette seems to show some real promise. Sold with a clear title, the owner has set a BIN price of $1,500 but is open to offers. You will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay.

The owner does say that apart from the lack of an engine and transmission, the Corvette is complete. There is some work to do, but the car is said to be solid, so hopefully, this is correct. Let’s look at the car in the hard light of day. It needs some work, but the owner is probably right when he says that it is worth more than the BIN price for parts, especially if it is solid. The lack of an engine and transmission does offer the new owner a chance to configure it exactly how they want it.

The interior is basically complete, but it will also require a full restoration. There are some positives here, in spite of the overall condition. The car is fitted with air conditioning, power windows, a power antenna, and a tilt wheel. Also present is the original AM/FM stereo with CB, and it still works. That’s got to be pretty cool in anyone’s language.

The Corvette C3 with the big rear window is not everyone’s cup of tea, but they could still be a car capable of respectable performance and handling. This one needs a fair bit of work, but if the owner’s claims about it being solid are correct, then that makes it an affordable base for a project car. I think that this is a Corvette with some real potential.

Comments

  1. Avatar SlickB

    I know I might be hated for this but I have a better nicer early 70s corvette but I think this one should become a 4×4 I really want one and really what else does a 78 have going for it not to mention with and automatic.
    best of luck to the buyer but I see 4×4 :)

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Disco Vette.Depending how the frame is, might be cool to throw a junkyard SBC in it and drive it around. Would drive the purists crazy. for 1500 whats not to love. Cool project for someone. Good luck to the new owner.

    Cheers

    GPC

    Like 10
  3. Avatar Mike

    Someday I’d like to see a story that explains how and why a Corvette can get into this kind of condition.

    Like 10
    • Avatar 71FXSuperglide

      Same here. Boggles the mind.

      Like 5
    • Avatar Sal

      I had a funny story I was going to reply with, guessing how and why. But I dont want to offend the actual owner if he comes on here.

      So I’ll post my experience.
      I once bought a 20 y/o Century with under 50k miles on it. It developed a gas leak shortly after it turned 8 years old and was stuffed in a garage. The owner died not long after, but none of his relatives wanted to pay the taxes/registration on a $5k car that still needed work. So they let it sit for 12 years before selling it to me for $1,000.

      Instead of paying $400 in taxes and another $200 for repairs for a car they didn’t need, they lost $3k….
      I’d be lying if i said that was the first time i encountered that kind of math.

      Like 3
    • Avatar Clay Bryant

      Occasionally someone institutes crazy ideas like making a 4×4 out of things and they get screwed up along the way. Thankfully, this was only someone practicing their paint removal skills and basic maintaining…………

      Like 3
  4. Avatar Ben

    Better yet drop in a big block Chrysler engine!

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Don

    Right down the road from me. Wish I had room in my garage.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Big Len

    Barely a parts car. To make this not embarrassing to drive, you’ll be finacially upside down in no time.

    Like 4
  7. Avatar Bob

    That is what I was thinking… You can buy a really nice one for little money. It will cost a fortune to fix this one, even if you do all of the work yourself. Sad, but this might be a tough sell. For the current owner, I hope someone proves me wrong.

    Like 3
    • Avatar jw454

      Looks like someone did. It’s gone.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Don H

    Mess with vette guys real bad put a 300 ford 6 in 😧

    Like 1
    • Avatar DayDreamBeliever

      You laugh at the prospect…
      But many years ago in Ohio, someone had a 70’s Corvette with a 4-banger out of a Vega in it. Story was that the V8 blew up, the owner had a wrecked Vega, and melded the two. White elephant, for sure.

      Like 1
  9. Avatar roland schoenke

    I had a ’79 that I restored and I wish I’d never sold it. I see a rely nice restomode hear, maybe a nice late LS engine with suspension and interior upgrades.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Don

    @ Bob, your right, here in western Arizona, all the time you see Vettes that are still on the road In fair condition for tween 4-6K.

    Like 0

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