Family Owned Since ’77: 1974 Chevrolet Corvette

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Sometimes, even long-term family ownership can’t save a car from the clutches of abandonment. We oftentimes associate a car that has remained with the same family for eons as somehow protected from getting heaved into the backyard and forgotten about, but as this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette goes to show us, that’s not always the case. The Corvette likely has quite a history as there’s evidence of numerous period modifications. The seller doesn’t offer us much info, so you’ll have to assess the car as it sits here on eBay and decide if the opening bid of $3,000 is worth the gamble.

This poor thing has been crudely repainted with its oh-so-70s modifications left in place during the unfortunate respray, right down to the rear window louvers that I’m sure at one time were satin black as opposed to resale red. The rear bodywork that encloses the taillights has gone missing, creating an oddly custom appearance out back. The Corvette is equipped with a T-top roof panel, turbine-style wheels, a custom “cowl induction” style hood, and additional louvers in the fenders, which I’m sure are held on with adhesive.

At least this project Corvette comes with an engine, which is more than we can say for these forlorn muscle cars in many cases. Of course, we don’t know anything about this V8’s health or whether it’s locked up; certainly, given the way the Corvette was stored, I would say you have to expect the worst and hope for the best. No matter what, long-term family ownership isn’t going to save you from performing what amounts to an extensive rebuild of this car, which looks like it hasn’t turned a wheel in over 20 years. Do you see any signs of hope under the hood?

The red interior appears to be original and makes me genuinely curious about what the factory exterior color was. As I’ve opined before, I love specialty cars with red or oxblood upholstery like this Corvette has, as these colors were seen far less often than the more conventional black or tan. If this Corvette was originally black or white, these red leather seats with matching center console and carpets would make for a very handsome pairing; of course, as it currently sits, we’re a long way from this forgotten muscle car looking its Sunday best. Do you think this Corvette has a chance at being restored or is it too far gone?

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Comments

  1. Harvey HarveyMember

    😢😢 😢

    Like 7
  2. bobhess bobhessMember

    Boy… from pristine to junk in one click of the mouse.

    Like 14
  3. Fahrvergnugen FahrvergnugenMember

    Family diss-owned…

    Like 14
  4. leiniedude leiniedudeMember

    ‘ Unfinished project’ Maybe from 40 years ago. They have 2 other junkers for sale also.

    Like 3
    • Skibaron

      They want 3K each, I wouldn’t give them 300 for the lot.

      Like 17
  5. Craig Baloga Craig Baloga

    “The field of dreams” that has turned into “the field of nightmares”.

    In my opinion this later C3 is too far gone, and looks to have an entry-level base 350 at best, and that is probably seized due severe neglect.

    As the saying goes, I would let this one “rust in peace” and move on.

    Like 8
  6. DesMember

    This family needs to bury their dead.

    Like 17
    • Craig Baloga Craig Baloga

      😂😂

      Like 3
  7. shelbyGT500Member

    Glad not related.

    Like 11
  8. 8banger 8bangerMember

    Hammered.

    Like 1
  9. scooter8

    A travesty!

    Like 6
  10. Corvette Boneyard Find

    Vette down for count …

    They’re lucky if listed for free and it gets dragged away without breaking in two as its a rusted frame for sure.

    I think this is the lost stolen one from that 70s D movie 🎥 “ corvette summer” with Mark Hamill 😜
    It looks like the success rate of movie ..

    Like 2
  11. Maggy

    Take the tops off , put it in the front yard if your locality allows , get a few yards of free dirt plant some perrenials and make it a big flower pot. Cool yard art. Otherwise target practice imo.

    Like 7
  12. Mike

    “Family car since 1977”.

    If that’s how you treat family, then whole clan is beyond help.

    Like 10
  13. Gary

    Bad frame and bird cage most likely, probably just a parts car now.

    Like 2
  14. 74vette

    There was no black exterior color option in 74. Too bad, maybe it would have been able help hide it from the body shop butcher.

    Sad ending

    Like 1
  15. Reid Hall

    Hmmmm, seems 🤔 kinda high for the,price, but not alot information, about the car as well,l guess 🤔, if you’re looking for a project car, maybe it’s okay, just check it out before, buying it.

    Like 0
    • Midway

      Project cars are starting at 15k before restoration begins.completed ones go for 115k. Market is out of control right now, mecum auctions are for millionaires,

      Like 0
  16. Daniel wright

    There are leaves inside. I guarantee the bird cage is as fragile as they are at this point.

    Like 2
  17. Big C

    The family that destroys cars together? Stays together!

    Like 3
  18. Howie

    Looks like the family did not love their Vette much.

    Like 3
  19. Ike Onick

    We are in serious need of a family portrait.

    Like 6
  20. AF

    Corvette Summer 2

    Like 0
  21. Glenn Hilpert

    Located in beautiful Chicago Heights, lllinois for your viewing. Early to mid AMC Matador tailights? I can only imagine what their house looks like.

    Like 1
    • DON

      I’m thinking 71-72 Chevelle tail lights

      Like 0
    • ACZ

      Those are the correct tail lamps for the model year.

      Like 1
  22. Rainer Beran

    Too bad when you let a classic like this wither away. Apparently they knew it wasnt worth the effort based on the leaves inside the car. Bury it or send it to the junk yard.

    Like 0
  23. steve

    I’d be embarrassed to even say this is my car, let alone trying to sell it.

    Like 3
  24. JMB#7

    I am surprised that the goats did not eat the fiberglass by now.
    Even the goats have better taste.
    Normally I am not critical of another’s vision…..
    But seriously what were they thinking?

    Like 6
  25. steven kargenian

    I get the whole long term relationship thing because I’ve had my red on red 69 c3 for 48 years. At least mine was always stored indoors so my restoration even as costly as its been was far easier. My car looked nothing like this pile of ruble.

    Like 1
  26. Bob P

    It’ll make someone a nice pickup truck.

    Like 0
  27. ACZ

    Junk! Look where it’s at. One of the worst rot capitals in the U.S. Will need a frame, windshield frame, A pillars and the rest of the cage, an engine, axle bearings, all brake calipers, interior, and what else? Do you think you could sell the louvers to cover all that? Not even a parts car.

    Like 2
  28. Jimbo Jones

    I’ll open bidding @ $1

    Like 0
  29. George Mattar

    Well, the tilt column is worth more than the entire car.

    Like 1
  30. Beauwayne5000

    WORSE than Junk its not even partable – 3k$ is robbery – who ever owns it will have to pay to get it towed out & junked.
    There’s not a single usable part on the rotting carcass of what used to be a car.

    Like 0
  31. Howie

    The auction ended with no bids.

    Like 1

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