While it isn’t a big block or L82, this C3 Corvette could turn out to be a good project! The story is that the previous owner started the job of replacing the timing chain, but didn’t ever finish. So, this 4-speed AC car simply sat out in the elements. The bumpers have all but disintegrated, the interior needs work and the engine is in unknown condition, but with a $3,500 asking price it might be worth fixing up! Values on ’70s Corvettes are on the rise, especially for 4-speed cars. You can find this project here on eBay in Clinton Township, Michigan.
The beauty of these Corvettes is how easy it is to find parts for them. There are plenty of companies producing restoration parts, plus you can get the majority of the mechanical parts locally. As long as the frame isn’t rusty and the body doesn’t have too many cracks, making this one a runner wouldn’t be all the difficult. Even if the engine is beyond saving, you can find a replacement 350 V8 on craigslist for a few hundred bucks. I dare you to find a replacement engine for a Ferrari or a Porsche for that cheap!
The interior needs work, but the seats look to be in decent shape. The carpet is missing and it’s hard to say what condition the electrical systems are in. It could get pricey if you have to replace everything in here, but chances are you can restore much of it to usable condition.
To be honest, my main concern is with the frame and the body. The front and rear bumpers are readily available and pretty easy to replace, but the fiberglass panels will take serious work to fix if they are badly damaged. And fixing frame rust, well you’d be better off buying one that doesn’t have frame rust. But, if the frame is solid and all the major components are present, this could be a great buy. If you haven’t driven a nice C3, you really need to! They are a blast to drive with good handling, lots of grunts and that classic V8 exhaust note. So, do you think this one is worth the risk or is too rough?
I had a convertible 1974 Vette in 2003-05. Same color. Wish I had kept it.
Growing up, I’d hear that a lot from various aunts and uncles, my dad and others, saying “I wish I never sold that ’68 Malibu SS I bought new…”, or the ’57 Vette, or the ’70 Firebird convertible… I bought a ’71 Vette in 1986. With those regrets ringing in my ears, I still have it.
The link is for a different orange 74
Sold
The only real problem was the low hp engines of the era, but the good part is an LS or built sbc or bbc will absolutely take your mind about body styling when youre shifting into 2nd, going sideways , boiling the hides!
Boiling the hides”??? Sign him up, Barn Finds!
Wonder how hard it would be to put a 68-73 rear end on.
Why replace the engine if it’s original to the car, it would be very easy to get more horse power than an Lt1 with modern parts. bore .030 over 9.5 to 10.1 positions AFR or TFS heads etc.. 400 plus H.P. easy. People complain about a car not having numbers matching engine, hopefully this one does,otherwise go with an LS
At $3500, it was grossly overpriced.
Grossly overpriced? Nah.
If (*IF*) the frame/birdcage were good, it was a perfectly good deal. What exactly do you want to pay for a vintage Corvette?