This 1973 Chevrolet Corvette seems like a bargain project if you’re looking for a C3 to mess with, as the seller is asking just $3,900 for the car. The Corvette was previously parked indoors over a concrete floor, according to the listing, so it hasn’t been outside for decades despite looking like it’s been in those weeds for years. The seller reports it is complete with a numbers matching 350 under the hood that runs but he has not attempted to drive it. The asking price is just $3,900 or best offer, and it’s listed here on craigslist in Norfolk, Virginia. The bodywork has several flaws and the interior is rough, but it’s apparently not as rusty as you might think.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Gunter K. for the find. The Corvette is said to have sustained damage to its left rear quarter panel, but based on these pictures, it’s not entirely clear to me how bad it is. The seller doesn’t seem to be sugarcoating anything, so I’d be willing to guess it’s more significant than what we can see here. He notes the ’73 Corvettes represent the last year for the tail section with the integrated rear spoiler, so it has that going for it. The color isn’t bad either, but I wouldn’t count on this being an original paint car; frankly, I’m shocked that it still has its numbers matching engine.
Again, photos prevent us from seeing the whole story, but it’s safe to say the interior is trashed. The seats are pretty much gone and the carpet is done for; I would blame at least some of this on the missing rear window glass. The Corvette is an automatic car, so at least there are plenty of replacement consoles out there. The carpets will need to be replaced and I suspect the seats aren’t even useful as cores; again, the used parts marketplace and enthusiasts’ websites will be your friend here should you choose to restore this forgotten Corvette. But that does beg the question as to whether it should be saved given the volume of automatic transmission-equipped C3s on the market at a given time.
The engine bay at least looks reasonably complete, and the seller confirms he’s gotten it to run by pouring fuel directly into the carburetor. The Corvette is said to have 127,000 miles and was last driven on the roads in 1993, so it’s got years’ worth of deferred maintenance to tackle before you worry too much about whether you’re starting the car from the driver’s seat or leaning over the fender. The seller notes the front rubber bumper is also missing but that the undersides just shows minimal surface rust and the only actual holes he’s seen are in the bottom edges of the doors. If it’s not a rust bucket, is this sad ’73 Corvette worth saving at the current asking price – or could you get away with a lower offer?
This would be fun to get it running, replace the seats, clean it up really nice and use it as a daily driver!
Early C3s are getting to be like crusty old Mopars – are they worth saving? No. Will someone do it? Yes. It will be a labor of love. And dollars.
Lots of dollars.
$1500.00 would be a generous offer.
Stored on a concrete floor at one time. O.K. Look at that engine compartment and it is more than obvious the deep layer of plant waste reveals to the most inexperienced observer that the car had been stored outside, with either the hood removed or in the open position for at least several seasons. I agree with the assessment of the interior, it is trashed. Not sure about the birdcage, but that needs to be closely inspected. I think $1,200 – $1,500 would be reasonable because the buyer will most likely to spend about $17,000 to get that car so it can be driven safely. That doesn’t include a good paint job.
Great comments. I think your 17K is low.
Make a go kart out of it, or a 40’s dirt modified replica.
I recently finished a mechanical resto on my 73 coupe. The $17,000 comment is about right. I did all suspension. New radiator. New E brake parts. New exhaust New seat covers and foam. New carpet. New tires. Started with a rust free frame and birdcage.
So for about $20K you would have a driveable Corvette, with all the panache these display to the motoring public. Or, you could get just a roller with no engine or drivetrain for $35K – listed here a few slots down – and spend tens of thousands more getting a driving vehicle. It’s difficult for me to understand the difference in value/price for these vehicles.
I would not give him $39.