Chevrolet Corvette sat in the garage for 15 years: it was washed, and now it is impressive

< /p> Chevrolet Corvette Washed After Idling/Video Frame

The mid-1970s weren't the best time for performance, but at least the Chevrolet Corvette C3 looked good. This particular 1976 Stingray certainly looked better.

It has been virtually untouched for the past 15 years, at least five of which have been spent outside under a carport. Underneath all that dirt is a gem, writes Motor1.

We get a hint of it at the start of this video from Detail Dane on YouTube. Despite all the dirt, cobwebs and shadow from the garage, the paint still has a bit of a sheen to it. This is not a brand new shine, but it does indicate that the coating is not completely destroyed. The previous owner repainted it as part of a remodel that included a ground effects package, but the project was never fully completed.

The job included a “fresh engine,” but the video doesn't clarify whether it's a rebuild or a new factory. The 1976 L-48 Corvette (as indicated by the badge on the hood) originally had a 180-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. This engine is still a 5.7, although the chrome valve covers and air filter are not factory. The American Racing wheels are also non-factory, and the interior has been redone in a white and black combination. Years of neglect haven't been kind to those white seats and door panels, but at least they look intact.

In videos like this, we often see unwanted surprises, usually in the form of hidden rust or rodents that have destroyed the upholstery. This time the surprises are good, namely in the paint. There are a few dings and chips and the nose on the passenger side has a bad repair where the paint is just gone. But after washing and a simple one-step polish, the black color looks fantastic. The previous paintwork was of high quality, in some places even superior to the factory one.

Chevrolet Corvette decided to wash after downtime: watch the video

The interior has also undergone some great changes. The white seats were somehow spotless despite the mold. The carpet looks great, as does the interior trim. Even the chrome wheels look good, although still covered in rust spots. As it is, it can be a great daily driver.

Now, all that's left is to start it. A few years ago, the Chevrolet “drove when parked” after its brakes failed, but the current owner seems eager to get it back on the street. Let's hope that this time the restoration will finally be completed.