A neglected garage rarely signals automotive significance, but one abandoned shop recently revealed a surprising find: a mid-1970s Chevrolet Corvette that has reportedly remained on a lift since 1976. The discovery was shared by FoMoCoPower’s Garage, who encountered the car while exploring the long-closed building, which also housed a Land Rover Range Rover.
The Corvette is believed to be a 1975 model and shows just 1,000 miles on its odometer. Despite that extremely low mileage, the car’s overall condition reflects decades of inactivity rather than preservation. The vehicle still carries a valid title, an important detail that adds legitimacy and potential value to an otherwise complicated restoration candidate.
As part of the third-generation Corvette lineup, the 1975 model falls within the C3 era, known for its bold, sculpted bodywork inspired by shark-like proportions. While the styling remains one of the generation’s most enduring traits, the era also coincided with fuel shortages and stricter emissions standards. Those factors contributed to reduced engine output and shaped the C3’s mixed reputation among Corvette enthusiasts.
Details about the specific engine configuration were not provided, but the backstory of the car helps explain how it ended up frozen in time. The Corvette was reportedly purchased new by the original owner’s father for his wife. After she disliked the factory orange paint, the car was repainted white. That change also failed to meet her approval, limiting the car’s early use.
The situation worsened after the Corvette was allegedly struck in a parking lot. It was placed on a lift for repairs, and several components, including parts of the exhaust system, were removed. The work never resumed. Over the years, the shop’s roof deteriorated, allowing rainwater to reach the car and contribute to extensive rust despite its low mileage.
The building is now being cleared, and everything inside is being offered for sale. No asking price has been announced for the Corvette. Comparable C3 Corvettes often trade around $10,000, with cleaner examples reaching $20,000 or more. In this case, the car’s poor condition is offset by its low mileage and clear title, making its market value difficult to predict.
Interested buyers have been encouraged to make contact as the long-abandoned Corvette waits to see whether its next chapter involves restoration or continued preservation as a rare automotive time capsule.
