There’s nothing quite like discovering a classic car hidden in a barn and covered in years of accumulated dust. That description applies to this 1979 Chevrolet Corvette, but the time has come for it to emerge from hiding and possibly return to its rightful place on our roads. Doing so won’t be the work of a few weekends of tinkering, but it is a complete vehicle showing plenty of promise. The seller has listed it on behalf of a friend here on Craigslist in Alamosa, Colorado. They set their price at $4,500 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this classic.

It’s unclear how long this Corvette has languished in this barn, but the accumulated dust suggests the timeframe can probably be measured in decades. The photos and dust make it difficult to determine its overall condition, but a few encouraging factors are worth considering. The dust looks pretty dry, and the car isn’t sitting on a dirt floor. Although the storage environment may not be ideal, the lack of visible corrosion across various aspects of the vehicle could indicate no serious issues with the frame or birdcage. That’s an assumption, and it would take an in-person inspection to confirm that impression. The Code 72 Red paint looks like it could be free from significant defects, and it would be tempting to treat this ‘Vette to a thorough clean and polish because that may reveal the buyer could return the car to the road as an unrestored survivor. There are no glaring faults with the fiberglass or visible cracks in the glass. Therefore, Job One would be to break out the hose and sponge before devising a plan of attack with this beast.

All Corvettes sold in 1979 featured a 350ci V8, with the standard L48 producing 195hp and the optional L82 churning out 225hp. I believe this motor is the L48, although it appears someone has upgraded the intake. The original owner ordered it with the three-speed Hydramatic transmission. That combination would allow the car to cover the ¼-mile in 16.4 seconds, and if the driver were willing to keep the pedal to the metal, it would eventually wind its way to 101mph. The L82 offered better “bang for your buck,” but if the new owner isn’t concerned about originality, extracting more power from an L48 isn’t difficult. Few expressions are guaranteed to set an enthusiast’s teeth on edge more than “ran when parked,” but that is the case here. Of course, many years have passed since, but if the engine turns, revival without spending a fortune may be possible. That will probably represent the starting point with the mechanical restoration because it’s a sure bet that the fuel system, brakes, and perishable components all require attention.

When I first looked at the supplied shots of this Corvette’s interior, I was glad they didn’t come with “smell-o-vision.” There is evidence of rodent infestation, and if Stuart Little and his family have taken up residence, it is unlikely to smell very nice. Cleaning away the visual aspect of such a problem isn’t difficult. However, these little guys tend to leave a distinctive odor in their wake that is almost impossible to eliminate. If that’s the case, the new owner will probably face replacing the carpet, upholstery, and seat foam. That’s a shame because the upholstered surfaces generally look pretty good. There is no visible wear or tear on the leather, and apart from a crack in the dash pad, there are no plastic issues. I believe this Corvette originally featured air conditioning, although the compressor has disappeared. There is an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but no other additions. Eighty-eight percent of buyers ordered their car with a tilt/telescopic wheel, and this is one of those vehicles. It also features power windows for an additional dash of luxury.

The supplied photos of this 1979 Corvette make it hard to accurately assess its condition, making an in-person inspection a must. If that reveals no problems with the frame or birdcage, it has potential as a restoration project. However, if restored to a high standard, it would still only command a value of $23,000. That means it requires an owner willing to be “hands-on” with the build to remain financially viable. Would you be willing to accept the challenge?