JerryC5

Well it's more like a garage find. I have a friend who has inherited a 1974 C3 coupe which has been in a garage for many many years. I cannot post a "for sale", because I do not own it, but I have permission from Pewter99 to ask for help.

Neither my friend nor I know anything about C3's. I have had C4's a C5 and now a C6, but I am ignorant of C3's.

The current owner is in St. Louis, but the car is in Wellsville,OH, about 20 min from Pittsburgh.

Year 1974
Color, Silver
Interior, Silver
Automatic transmission
Miles, 43,643
Not running at this time.

So, can anyone give me any suggestions on how the current owner can get a value on this car, or what they suspect it may be worth, or if anyone in that area is interested, or anyone in that area can help. My friend just wants to clear up the original owner's estate.

here's some pics

F22

Nice interior, despite the age. I've never seen the silver insides either. My guess would be $3k, maybe $4k, because of the interior. It isn't a BB car or a four speed and there's still a lot of work to do to bring it back. Any idea of how the underside and the Bird Cage look? Because, that will have an impact on the price too, if it's rusty.

vettebuyer6369

If you can get someone in the arae to do an inspection on the car, you will be able to price it reasonably and quickly.

You need someone who knows where to look to check the engine numbers to answer whether the engine appears to be the original.

He can also describe the body condition and the basic state of the frame.

At that point the price range shouldnt be too hard to calculate. It wont be high.

augiedoggy

The 74s value is normally a bit higher than the 75-77 and a bit lower that the 70-73.... 74 was a one year only clean looking body with a fiberglass floor and two piece rear bumper with no ugly bumperettes or catalytic converter which were mandated starting in 75.... this means it is still legal to bolt on side pipes to a 74 without breaking federal law... (this is not a big deal and not enforced depending on where you live and who you know) also the 74 auto cars all had the th400 transmission with a 2000 rpm stall from the factory. Later the l82s only had this for a bit and eventually all auto cars where th350's if I remember that correctly.
Also look at the bin to see if you have the "CLA" which I think is the cast L48 vs the forged L82 350 option... all this will impact the value.

I bought a 74 in similar shape but needing an interior with a box of parts including the radiator support and a new fiberglass front clip. I drove it home for $3,000 it had the base L48 but the deluxe black leather interior and a rare color code on the plate. The frame is virtually rust free but the birdcage has rust where thebody mounts are under the windshield.... it was rough with mice nests and chewed up wires in the center console...
Just something for reference.

sahhas

i'm not an expert, just been looking.

i've seen C3s w/ no engine for sale in the 2-3K range!!!!
so you're a head of those cars....good luck!!!!

Mick71

PM sent.

RobRace10

I would say $2.5K to 5k it all depends on the rust levels as others have said.
At a bare minimum it will need carb work, new rear bumper with paint, brakes most likely, a lot of cleanup. Could have a lot of junk in the fuel tank, rotted hoses, mice damage, etc etc etc.

There will be things that don't work that will cost to fix beyond the above.

It does look like it has potential, and also potential as a money pit.

JerryC5

Gentlemen:

There has been a lot of good information supplied, and I am forwarding it to the owner, and I am greatly aprecciative of your interest and your help.

JerryC5

Having received a lot of good advice on the forum is not unusual, but Mick71 came out and spent hours looking over the car and offering wise advice on the steps to be taken to a successful sale.

Mick is a true Corvette Brother, and personifies the fine people we meet here on the Corvette Forum.

Thank you, Mick

Mick71

You're quite welcome.