{"id":4127,"date":"2023-03-10T23:41:04","date_gmt":"2023-03-10T23:41:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/?p=4127"},"modified":"2023-03-10T23:41:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-10T23:41:07","slug":"why-the-1974-1982-c3-corvette-is-an-underrated-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/general\/why-the-1974-1982-c3-corvette-is-an-underrated-classic\/","title":{"rendered":"Why the 1974-1982 C3 Corvette is an Underrated Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re looking to purchase a classic car but don\u2019t have a big budget, then a C3 Corvette is a great option. Based on a concept car called the Mako Shark II<\/a>, the third-generation Chevrolet Corvette was built between 1968 to 1982 and holds the record for the longest production run of any Corvette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the earliest examples of the C3 from 1968 to 1973 are probably off the table for the value-oriented collector. These particular years are considered more desirable because of their cleaner lines and old school chrome bumpers at the front and rear. These years were also available with a litany of high-performance engine options, including the \u201cbig block\u201d 427 and 454 cubic inch motors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in the mid-1970s, new federal standards<\/a> required bumpers which would survive a 5 MPH crash with no visible damage. As a result, Chevrolet was forced to equip the Corvette with flexible urethane bumpers which were painted the same color as the fiberglass body. In 1973, only the front bumper was urethane and in 1974, the front and rear bumpers were both urethane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the 1974-1982 C3\u2019s aren’t less pricey only because of the bumpers. This was also a time period where performance was being severely hampered by a multitude of factors. Both gasoline and car insurance premiums were rocketing in price. This was coupled with the Clean Air Act<\/a> which necessitated unleaded fuel, lower compression ratios, and emissions equipment such as catalytic converters<\/a>. Things got so bad that in 1975, the base Corvette with an L48 350 cubic inch (5.7 liter) V8 could only muster 165 horsepower and 255 pound-feet out torque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay, So How Much Are They?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A 1977 Corvette at a car show. | Source: <a href="http:\/\/<a href="https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:1977_Chevrolet_Corvette_(29695737011).jpg">Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA<\/a>Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA<\/a>, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s quite easy to find a decent running, driving project in the $7,000 to $10,000 range. Between $10,000 and $15,000, you’ll be able to choose from many excellent condition cars with nice paint that need little to no work to start enjoying immediately. Spending above $15,000 will land a late-C3 ‘Vette in show-car condition and\/or with extremely low original mileage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are a few exceptions that will exceed this price range including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n