This 1974 Chevrolet Corvette L-82 Convertible is a genuine barn find, discovered in East Tennessee after years of storage. Showing 80,000 miles and equipped with both a soft top and a removable hardtop, this Stingray appears to be a solid restoration candidate. Now listed here on craigslist out of Portland, Oregon, it comes with keys, a clean title, and the promise of bringing a classic C3 back to life. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
The L-82 engine was the performance option for 1974, delivering 250 horsepower and higher compression compared to the base 350, making it the choice for buyers who still wanted some muscle in the early emissions era. While the seller doesn’t provide many details on the engine’s current condition, having the correct L-82 under the hood adds significant appeal for collectors and restorers.
The seller describes this as a “true barn find,” and the photos reportedly show a car that looks complete and relatively solid for its age. Given its time in storage, it will likely need the usual revival work: fuel system cleaning, brake servicing, and electrical inspection before being roadworthy. But for enthusiasts who enjoy a proper barn find project, this Corvette seems to offer a strong foundation.
The inclusion of both a convertible soft top and a factory hardtop makes it even more desirable, offering options for cruising or show display once restored. The 1974 model year was also the last for the split chrome rear bumper and one of the most distinctive-looking C3s, with transitional styling before the switch to full rubber bumper covers in later years.
While this car isn’t running yet, the keys and clean title are in hand, making it a straightforward purchase for someone ready to take on the project. If the frame and birdcage are solid—as they appear to be from the brief description—it could be a rewarding restoration, particularly if returned to its original L-82 specifications.
Would you fully restore this L-82 Corvette to its former showroom glory, or would you clean it up, preserve the patina, and enjoy it as a survivor?
That rear body is the first of the big bumper C3s, not the last of the ‘split’ bumpers. Bought right it could be a good project.
As a single-season one-off, the 1974 Corvettes did have a unique “split” bumper in the sense it was a two-piece with a vertical seam in the center.
How ’bout a “split chrome bumper”?
The Craigslist ad is out of Portland Oregon, but the ad states the car is located in Washington DC. odd?
Plus send 300 bucks to hold. I smell scam
Agreed…Posted 5 days ago for $2900 and still available?
And the car was pulled from a barn in Tennessee, couple of red flags here
Seller could add an easy $1500 to the ask by taking an hour to wash the outside and wipe down the inside.
Some people’s kids, sheesh!
Does the chrome bumper come with?
There’s no chrome bumper on 74’s, what you see in the pictures is how they looked only without the dirt.
Small trivial point, the L-82 emblem on the hood didn’t appear until 1975 but most 73-74’s have had them added by now.
The real blessing is that it didn’t sit out in the elements the whole time. I’ve noticed that if they sit out in the rain, and start leaking you end up in a world of hurt. Take off the kick panels and run a hose down at the bottom corners of the windshield to see if you got a leaker.
The rear bumper isn’t from a ‘74, doesn’t have the split and the emblem is from a newer model. Not sure this car is everything it’s claimed to be. I’ll pass.
Yes it is. 73 had the rear split chrome. Not 74.
JIM is correct! 1973 had a rear chrome bumper and no front chrome bumper for that year only!
Actually the rear bumper is split, just not chrome. 74 was the first year of the plastic rear bumper, and yes, it was a two piece unit, one year only. Thus “split”.
Bumpers on the original corvettes decomposed and broke apart. Many folks just bought fiber replacements and get the seamed line (fake as one piece ).
I bought s project one once with the no seam bumper already purchased and literally cut a line in the fiberglass (not all the way thru and then sanded after . It was close enough 15?years ago when these sold under 12-13k with low miles all day long.
This i don’t trust being legit and needs a local to see in person to validate prior to purchase.
The 1974 Corvette was quite a let down for me. Coming from a legacy of raw power and then by 1974 slowly dwindling to this. I know some people love them and variety IS the spice of life. But this is not for me……..even if it was in top shape.
I agree about the disappointment. I had a new one and although it was a dream in handling (at the time) and improved ride, it had a 113 mph top speed on warm days and 120 mph on cold winter days. Standard 350.
I smell a rat
From Nigeria?
fishing ok y buy it will cost $1500.00 to ship
2900? Seems cheap for what it is. Scam?
Color, & exactly where is the car located ? Inquiring minds wanna know ! Sounds very fishy to me , probably a scam.
Anyone check the VIN?
VIN checks out to a ’74 convertible with an L82
So this thing went from TN to OR to wash, DC and the dirt never came off?
I wouldn’t trust the seller.
Roof must have been missing from the barn
Got a garden hose?
Com on give it a bath. Help my imagination out.
Anyone undertaking a restoration on this thing will quickly be under water.
Anyone undertaking a restoration of this thing will quickly be under water.
Hood emblem added, steering wheel changed, bumper looks original, car has been molested. Now for good news. Tune up, oil & hotter cam and these babies are a lot of fun. 1974’s were derated ( lied about ? ) and will run like a little bandit with minor mods. I owned two, loved em.
rear bumper not original as others have said. Should be a split urethane bumper without the built in bumper guards. I owned one and bought it new.
And it is on a open trailer for the trip around the country !!! LOL
On the extremely slim chance that this is a legit Corvette for sale someone will get a bargain to start with , if they have the skills & patience to see it thru they will have a nice cruiser.
Ok all you experts on 73 bumpers. Any Corvette fan or owner knows it. The writer made a mistake. As a retired reporter and editor, there is little to no editing today on modern websites. I digress. Having restored numerous C3s that sit. You are looking at all suspension, rear wheel bearings, fuel system, brakes, cooling system and you can be sure there is mouse crap inside. The radio and clock are likely junk. The power steering, if equipped, will need new hoses and control valve. And of course the engine will likely need work. Order yourself a C3 catalog and plan on long nights and weekends. Oh, the paint and body. I love the L82, but an automatic in a Corvette. Ugh. And this is likely a scam.
Hey Elizabeth:
I’m confused about the Corvette. Based on the article, it was first found in Tennessee. The map from theCraig’s List advertisement indicates it’s in Portland (Oregon). And there’s commenter Adam1966 says the ad states the car is located in Washington DC.
Did ANYONE ever figure out whether this is/was a scam?