- Seller: John D
- Location: Monroe, Georgia
- Mileage: 1,100 Shown
- Chassis #: 1Z37L7S417219
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 350 V8 – 300 HP Crate Engine
- Transmission: TH350 Automatic
When the seller’s father-in-law purchased this 1977 Corvette about 15 years ago, they set out to build their dream Vette. They managed to get a ton of the work done, but unfortunately, he passed away before being able to complete it. It will need to be finished, but the major mechanical work and seat upholstery have already been done, so it’s a great starting point. If you’d love to finish this Corvette, be sure to cast your high bids below!
The third generation of Corvettes had an impressive production run, debuting in 1968, with the last ones rolling out of the factory in 1982. They were incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Unfortunately, later cars lost some of their bite, due to tighter emission regulations. That shouldn’t be much of an issue with this one, as the seller’s father-in-law installed a 300-horsepower 350 V8 crate engine in it. That’s a healthy boost over the top trim L82 for the year and should be quite fun! While it has spent most of the past 15 years on blocks in the garage, the seller notes some light surface rust on the frame, but they don’t see any signs of severe corrosion, and the birdcage appears to be in solid shape as well.
Since the original plan was to paint the car Black Cherry, the seller’s father-in-law had the seats recovered in brown leather. The car will need new matching door panels and carpet, but replacements are available in the same color. The seller states that the gauges and console are in good shape, so you should be able to reuse those.
The crate 350 V8 was said to have been started after it was installed but hasn’t been started since. It’s paired with what’s believed to be the original TH350 automatic transmission, which was rebuilt before the engine was installed. Since it’s been sitting, the seller recommends going through the fuel system before attempting to start it.
The car is rolling on new American Racing alloy wheels with BF Goodrich tires. Getting this one running again shouldn’t be too tricky, but you will want to perform a full service, go through the brakes, and inspect it before attempting to drive it on the street. The seller states that the body needs paint but is in good shape without any signs of cracking or damage. These notchback Coupes look great in almost any color, but it would look fantastic in Dark Red or even Classic White! So, what color will you paint it once it’s yours?
Bid On This Auction
Ed R bid $2,559.00 2024-12-13 11:26:57
mrzero2u bid $2,500.00 2024-12-09 10:49:51
rare40lj bid $1,755.00 2024-12-09 09:13:47- mrzero2u bid $1,200.00 2024-12-07 10:34:37
Escargot42 bid $610.00 2024-12-07 09:22:47
Jack bid $105.00 2024-12-06 15:12:40
I’m the father-in-law helping my son-in-law refurbish his ’76 Corvette. From what I see here you’ve got a great motor and some nice rims and tires (with too much offset). The interior is a heartache and the paint job is going to be a challenge. The left front wheel looks odd, as if it’s too far forward (and not just because it’s turned).
I love the looks of the C3s and interest is escalating. I can see at least $8,000 left to go doing all the work yourself except the paint to end up with a $12,000 car. In the words of Randy Newman, “I could be wrong … but I don’t think so!”
I sold my 77 last summer for $12.5k. It had a good 400ci automatic and it ran great. The 400ci was out of a station wagon and it had a lot of torque. Too many new parts to list. I touched up the white paint with lacquer rattle cans and it buffed out fine for a driver. The commenter is dreaming if he thinks you can get $20k out of that C3 or any other!
While interior will probably be the biggest expense parts wise. Door panels are over $500.00 each, never had much luck with dye matching or lasting long term. But the hard work appears to be done. A solid color dark cherry 2 stage paint job can be done in a home shop by an amateur for under $1,000.00 in supplies. I’d put the 82 rear bumper cover on it. This is a easy one for a DIY’er. Any C-3 with new paint, interior, and strong motor will bring $20,000.00. Cost of shipping is holding me back. But we shall see where it goes.
Not a terrible starting point when heading for a decent finished product except for the automatic. If the bidding doesn’t get too crazy, it could be nice project as long as one keeps in mind $1500 to change out the gearbox, probably 8 to ten thousand for paint and probably $3500 in misc.
I guess it depends on what you want I think its far enough along to get it painted and just make it a driver and enjoy it you can probably get a parts car from copart or Iaai to get door cards and other bits you don’t have to make it Mecum auction status if you are just going to enjoy the car for yourself.
Without pics of the frame and birdcage any C3 is a roll of the dice.
If those are OK, it’s still a $3-4k car.
I bought a project Chevy where the new/reman engine had been started then sat for 20 years. The block turned out to be so rusty inside the entire thing had to be torn down, hot tanked & internally pressure washed. New freeze plugs installed. It was an unexpected headache. Bidders may want to consider cooling system rust as a factor to contend with. I’d still consider this car if the price was attractive enough though.
Ad the owner of this C3, I will guarantee the tires and wheels fit as they were tested cut sharp both ways when installed. It’s the angle of the camera and I can take another pic or video upon request. The car sat on jack stands with wheels elevated for the time he owned it and in a dry garage. It’s been sitting in my detached dry garage since. Also when you pull the oil dipstick it is gold so it’s not rusted or seized. Thanks
The reserve has been lowered. The next bid will put it over the reserve!
That was a steal!