I am looking to buy this 1974 Corvette on ebay

[JoshP]

Hi everyone I'm not sure if this is the place but I just wanted anyone's professional opinion as I'm sure you know much more than me about these cars. I have been looking to get a c3 corvette for several years as my first ever project car! What do you think of this one on ebay;

Pardon our interruption...

From my time looking this seems like a good price for what they go for these days.

The seller has informed me that it has been sitting in a garage for around 5 years, it is uk registered and a V5 is present, which he will send over some pictures tomorrow.

 

[Roscobbc]

If you don't know your way around American cars and specifically Vettes just move-on. Does it run? are the brakes/lines rusted-out/seized?- is the chassis rusted-ou?t- does it hold water? it needs some paint - a potential 'can of worms'. Needs tyres.

 

[johng]

If you are specifically looking for a project car, then it might be worth taking a look at (I wouldn't buy unseen no matter how many photos the seller provides). You need to check the state of the birdcage, although that is not easy unless it's really bad. The chassis is somewhat easier to check. Bear in mind that project cars rarely end up being a cheap option. I bought mine for £7500 in 2017, by the time I got it back on the road in 2021 I'd spent an additional £9000 on it. That was with me doing all the work myself with the exception of painting the body. Paint will be the biggest cost, most people say a decent paint job will cost £10k. Mine cost less than half of that, but I did remove all badges, trim, lights, weatherstripping, door handles and the interior trim and seats and then refit them myself. The painter only had to rub down, do a minimum of masking up and paint. Having said that, I really enjoyed completely stripping down and rebuilding my car and I'm very glad I did it. If I could persuade the wife I'd do another!

 

[curious bystander]

FWIW Josh that looks like a complete shed. It would be a risk at half that price.
Best advice, join the Club and wait for a decent car to become available. You should be able to get a reasonable C3 in running condition for £13 - 15K if you're patient. Only my opinion of course.

 

[Nassau65]

Totally agree, it’s a sad looking 74. And only for the very brave in my opinion. There’s lot better ones out there for not a lot more money.
Give it a miss.

 

[Emc]

Josh, you do need to take serious advice on your search guys on here will certainly help. I would be happy to help you feel free to give me a call on 01283 219420

 

[JoshP]

Thanks everyone for their responses it has been very helpful

 

[JoshP]

If you don't know your way around American cars and specifically Vettes just move-on. Does it run? are the brakes/lines rusted-out/seized?- is the chassis rusted-ou?t- does it hold water? it needs some paint - a potential 'can of worms'. Needs tyres.

Hi Ros, I've never worked on a Corvette (or any car) before, only recently done and oil change and filters on my car. But I am keen to learn my way around them. I was thinking an older car like a C3 would be easier to work on than the modern cars. Would you suggest on picking up a vette with smaller jobs to start before tackling a full restoration.

Do you think anyone might need an extra pair of hands or wouldn't mind letting a newbie tag along and help out for some experience?

 

[Roscobbc]

Josh - the first thing to do really is to figure-out where your local CCCUK regional meeting is held........introduce yourself perhaps initially by contacting your regional rep and go along to a meeting. You''ll hopefully be able to talk to other owners of C3's (being one of the more popular Vettes).
You are correct in assuming that the C3 is relatively simple to maintain and work on (cetainly compared with more modern cars) but there are unique features that are very different to other vehicles. Obviously join the CCCUK.
By doing this, and having a little patience you will learn more about the marque and be guided in a future choice of car. An early chrome bumper C3 will be more expensive than a mid/late 70's model. There are many more mod/late 70's Vettes around so mal+king a choce if money is limited will be easier.
The C3 that you you picked-up on was really a typical example of the kind of car the 'unwary' can get involved with and get out of their depth with.
Firstly lwhy not let usall know what part of the UK yoiu are located-in

 

[JoshP]

Josh - the first thing to do really is to figure-out where your local CCCUK regional meeting is held........introduce yourself perhaps initially by contacting your regional rep and go along to a meeting. You''ll hopefully be able to talk to other owners of C3's (being one of the more popular Vettes).
You are correct in assuming that the C3 is relatively simple to maintain and work on (cetainly compared with more modern cars) but there are unique features that are very different to other vehicles. Obviously join the CCCUK.
By doing this, and having a little patience you will learn more about the marque and be guided in a future choice of car. An early chrome bumper C3 will be more expensive than a mid/late 70's model. There are many more mod/late 70's Vettes around so mal+king a choce if money is limited will be easier.
The C3 that you you picked-up on was really a typical example of the kind of car the 'unwary' can get involved with and get out of their depth with.
Firstly lwhy not let usall know what part of the UK yoiu are located-in

I'm from the south, in a place called fordingbridge, Hampshire. Just had a look and John Allen is my local rep I will pop him an email. Thanks for the advice

 

[Roscobbc]

The most important thing is to be patient. 'Your' specific car will come along. You'll perhaps look at many. Decide what works best for you, auto or 4 speed. It may take 6/9 months to find 'your' car.

 

[curious bystander]

If money is tight there are really nice, fully functional C4's on ebay for £8K to £10K. Saw one the other day that looked like it was really well looked after and ready to drive to the next show. Not a C3 but a Corvette all the same. And you wouldn't get wet driving it if caught out in the rain

 

[Nassau65]

As stated, the corvette C4 is a lot of car for the money nowadays, but to many it’s not got the corvette look. That look is now to most buyers the 1970’s C3. Probably the most popular variant of the corvette.
Ignoring the chrome bumper variants, the 74-82 models are now very long in the tooth, some now 50 years old. Many have been unloved and require significant expenditures to sort them out.
Good/nice cars are out there that need minimal bits done, and they are the cars you’re looking for. Be aware that corvette specific parts are some of the most expensive about, certainly interior items compared to say Mustang bits.
Many projects are bought in good faith, then turn into a nightmare for the owner. This 1974 car to me is one of those.
The old saying applies here, buy in haste repent in leisure.