Finding an affordable C3 Corvette project candidate can be challenging, but they are out there if a potential buyer exercises patience. If you have been hunting, you may have struck gold with this 1974 example. It has sat in this barn for many years, with the seller admitting it is a project build that stalled before it could start. They acknowledge it needs significant work to regain its youthful good looks, and the lack of a title may dissuade some people. However, with an asking price of $2,500, they don’t come much cheaper than this. You will find this ‘Vette listed here on Craigslist in Kemp, Texas.
The history of this Corvette is unclear, but the photos confirm it has some panel issues requiring attention. Both front fenders sport damage behind the wheel arches, while the bumper covers are AWOL. These parts are readily available, with replacement fenders selling for approximately $420 each. Front and rear bumper covers add a further $500 per end, but those would be the most significant expenses in returning the body to a sound and complete state. There is no word on the condition of the frame or birdcage, but if the car has spent its life in a dry climate, the news should be positive. The tinted glass looks okay, and even if potential buyers don’t consider this a financially viable project, it offers a wide selection of parts for the price.
The mysteries of this Corvette continue below the skin. The engine bay houses a 350ci V8, but it is unclear whether it is original, and there is no information on its specifications or whether it turns freely. If the engine turns, the bulletproof nature of these Chevy small-blocks means that revival may be possible. The transmission type is unknown, although the three-speed automatic was the popular choice in 1974. The Corvette has endured an extended hibernation, meaning engine revival will undoubtedly be the first item on a long list of required work before this classic graces our roads. The interior is another unknown. The seats are barely visible through the dusty glass, with the trim color and type unclear. The engine bay shot confirms the original owner ordered the car with air conditioning, but it requires an in-person inspection to uncover further details. However, the seller appears approachable and might be willing to answer questions about various aspects of this classic.
So, project or parts? What do you believe will be the fate of this 1974 Corvette? The photos and information the seller supplied leave many unanswered questions, but it is almost worth rolling the dice at the price. Its essentially complete nature makes it an excellent source of parts if it has significant structural issues that make restoration unviable, and a canny new owner could recoup the purchase price by parting it out. It has been on the market for almost a week, suggesting people might throw it in the “too hard” basket. It will require deep commitment to return it to its former glory, but do you think it is worth the cost and effort?
Decent project, curious if the upside down valve covers are a go fast secret,lol. Overall worthiness of ask? 1900 would be my top offer. Engine? May be a great one, who knows
Bill Bixby The Magician.
Has 350 are you sure?? Looks like any small block Chevy to me, correct me if I’m wrong.
correct me if I’m wrong. i thought that 72 was the last year for the chrome front bumper? i have a 73 stingray and it’s not chrome. the only chrome is the rear split bumpers.
This one doesn’t have a chrome front bumper. It is missing its rubber front bumper, and you are seeing the steel support that is usually behind the bumper.
A 350 is a small block.
So is a 305
Technically you’re not wrong, but a 350 is a reasonable assumption, Fewer than 10% of the engines in 1974 were big blocks and this is definitely not a big block, the stealth installation of the valve covers notwithstanding. The condition of the car would also warrant the 350 assumption. Further extending the logic it is reasonable to say all 350s are small blocks but not all small blocks are 350s. Additionally it’s also true that not all small blocks are exactly the same compounding the confusion.
For all intents and purposes it’s a 350. There is no fake news here, no alternative facts.
Aren’t all those body parts available for reasonable price? If so this ain’t bad assuming the cage is ok.
This has the look of a 1969 to 1972 Corvette in the front because of the chrome bumper, unless they changed the frontend. The rounded backend on this ’74 Corvette is also missing, but the distance the metal bumper is from the taillights tells me it’s a ’74 rear end. Oh boy!
People must be looking at pictures of this car on their tiny phone screens. There’s nothing “chrome” about that front bumper at all.
The front bumper cover is missing, probably crumbled apart.
I could see someone giving $2,500 for this. Way way better than the ’74 convertible from last week.
Gentlemen, I restore these, It’s not a chrome front bumper. Look closer, It’s the mounting bracket for the nose cone. This is the 1st year GM did the cone on front and back. They had a cone on the rear and chrome front on the 73, but 74 was when they started both.
Cooter, The body colored cone was only on the front in ’73, and on both the front, and back in ’74. That’s probably what you meant.to write.
Cheap enough To not worry about non original items. SBC parts are still reasonable if the motor needs building. Same with the turbo 350. If it wasn’t so far away I’d be seriously looking at this.
LOL!!! Knucklehead didn’t know how to open the hood when the release cable broke. Common sense should tell you Chevy engineers would have known eventually some poor sap will need to open a hood without damaging the car.
Dumba**.
No title, no go unless it becomes a drag car. Why put the work into something you won’t be able to title or register?
Show of hands please- Has anyone ever worked on a “cheap” project? And has anyone been quoted the price to do a proper painting of a C3?
I got a 454 and turbo 400 out of a ‘burban that would fit in that real nice lol…