Few things are more heartbreaking than seeing your beloved classic car damaged due to circumstances beyond your control. I wish I weren’t speaking from experience, but I am willing to bet I share that feeling with many of our readers. That is the situation facing the owner of this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette. It looks like it presented pretty well before a wind storm moved the shed it was in last year, inflicting a large selection of scratches on its exterior. While it must have been disappointing, it isn’t the end of the world. Returning it to its former glory should not prove difficult, making it an ideal candidate for someone considering their first project. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve and currently sits at $7,000.

The owner of this Corvette certainly got hit with a double whammy. Not only did the car receive the scratches and scrapes visible in this shot due to the storm damage, but they cannot fix it due to a pending divorce. Man, when it doesn’t rain, it certainly pours! The seller listed it on their behalf and provides some relevant information for interested parties. Its current shade of Silver isn’t original, with a previous owner performing a color change from the factory Medium Blue somewhere between 2000 and 2005. The paint looks like it presented acceptably before last year’s storm, but a complete refresh is required if it is to regain its former glory. Thankfully, the car didn’t receive any fiberglass damage, meaning it won’t need specialist attention. The bumpers and trim look fine, as does the glass. There is no evidence of severe corrosion that might be a precursor to rust, and the ‘Vette rolls on its original Rally wheels. If the supplied photos provide an accurate picture of this classic’s condition, a competent new owner could address its shortcomings in a home workshop.

The VIN confirms that this Corvette features the least potent drivetrain combination Chevrolet offered in 1974. Its engine bay houses the legendary 350ci V8, but it is the ZQ3 version producing a modest 195hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes help confirm the original owner’s focus was on comfort over performance. It is unclear whether the car is numbers-matching, although it runs and drives with no significant issues. One muffler has a hole, but sourcing a replacement shouldn’t break the bank. The overall presentation of the engine bay is scruffy, but it should take more time than money to lift its appearance to a higher level.

The original owner’s preference for luxury is reflected in their decision to order the C3 with leather upholstery and air conditioning. The interior shots aren’t great, but they suggest the buyer’s first move should be to treat everything to a thorough clean. That will clearly reveal potential shortcomings, thus avoiding spending money on unnecessary items. The seat upholstery shows some slight edge wear, but a leather specialist may be able to have it looking sharp without resorting to the expense of new covers. A retro-style stereo occupies the factory radio’s rightful spot, but I’m unsure whether there are other additions.

By 1974, the C3 Corvette was no longer the brutal beast it had been a few short years before. However, they continued appealing to potential buyers seeking a comfortable tourer with a striking appearance. The loss of performance due to tightening emission regulations could have seen sales figures plunge down a mineshaft. It soon became obvious the opposite was true, as 37,502 buyers handed over their cash in a record-breaking year for the Corvette. It seemed that sales climbed as performance dropped through the 1970s, and only the 1980 results signaled the beginning of the end for the C3 Corvette. The mid-1970s cars remained essentially ignored by the classic community for years, but they now enjoy a strong following in the market. It appears it would take little to return this ‘Vette to a spotless state, helping to explain why it has attracted nineteen bids. With all that you’ve seen, are you tempted to make a play for this beauty?