Billed as America’s Largest Block Party, Cruisin’ The Coast started in 1996 as a festival along the Mississippi Gulf Coast for antiques, classics and hot rods. From 374 vehicles that first year, Cruisin’ The Coast has grown to 7,042 entrants in 2013, one of which was this ’76 Corvette 4X4. When they say you can find anything at Cruisin’ The Coast, they do mean anything. With car enthusiasts from 41 states plus Canada and Europe that drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast once a year to showcase their rides and to cruise this 30-mile stretch of beachside highway with designated stops in Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, and Ocean Springs, each stop is set up as a mini festival with a stage for live bands, reserved parking for participants, spectator parking and vendors for food and event merchandise.
Very little information was available on this particular Chevrolet Corvette other than it was for sale, is a T-Top car, and that it has a cargo rack attached in the rear. It was offered for sale at $8,000, but at the point where this video was shot, there weren’t any buyers. Apparently none of the 12 host car clubs would claim this one as their own, so we’re left to speculate as to what the owner intended to do with the vehicle, and why it ended up modified rather than restored.
Neither the videographer or the host knew where the 4WD frame or base vehicle originated, but the raised stance and front and rear differentials left no doubt that working or not, this was a four by four at some point. Unfortunately with 7,000+ cars at the event, there wasn’t anyone around to answer questions, and no flyers about the car could be found.
Could it be a S-10 4X4, or maybe an early Blazer underneath? Even if the body was in decent shape and either chassis was complete, we’re guessing even ‘Fast N’ Loud’s’ Richard Rawlings would have a hard time getting anyone to bite on this one.
See what you think when you watch the video above!