The seller describes this 1974 Corvette Convertible as a prize-winning barn find. It has done the rounds of a few shows and walked away with a selection of trophies. They have performed mechanical upgrades to unleash additional power, but this classic comes with the original parts for those who prefer authenticity. That may be a consideration since it has a genuine 27,000 miles on the clock. The Corvette is listed here on Craigslist in Goliad, Texas. The seller has set their price at $26,000 for a car that seems to need nothing.
The history of this Corvette is unclear, but the seller’s description of it as a barn find suggests it spent an extended period in hibernation. It presents well in dazzling Bright Yellow, with no signs of significant flaws or imperfections. We are flying blind with this Convertible because there is no information on whether the car has undergone a cosmetic refresh or restoration at any point. The fiberglass is in good order, as is the color-matched hardtop. The vehicle features a new soft-top that fits as tight as a drum. There is no information concerning the frame or birdcage, but the news should be positive if this ‘Vette has spent its life in its current location. The trim and glass are excellent, and this classic rolls on a sparkling set of 15″ x 8″ wheels of 1976 vintage.
The most potent small-block offered by Chevrolet in the 1974 Corvette was the L82 version, producing 250hp. It is unclear whether that is what this car featured initially, but whatever it was has been pulled and consigned to a corner of the seller’s workshop. Replacing it is a 350ci Crate Motor that produced 290hp. However, even that wasn’t enough, so it has been tweaked to pump out the 330hp delivered by the earlier LT-1 version. Shifting duties fall to a rebuilt Turbo 400 automatic transmission, while the braking system includes a new master cylinder, calipers, rotors, and lines. Performance should be significantly better than for any 350-equipped Corvette from this model year, with an easy sub-15-second ¼-mile ET there for the taking. Purists will be pleased to know that the original engine is intact and included in the deal. Recent work wasn’t restricted to the braking system, with the list including new tires, new u-joints, and new sway bars and bushes. The car has a genuine 27,000 miles on the clock, although considering the modifications and upgrades, I always query the worth of such claims. However, it would become more relevant with the numbers-matching small-block back under the hood. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but since they include the original Window Sticker, Build Sheet, and Dealer Tag, there could be supporting documentation for the claim.
This Corvette has an interior befitting a car that has won show trophies as far away as New Mexico. It is trimmed in Saddle vinyl that looks flawless. There are no signs of wear or abuse, and it features some desirable factory options. Air conditioning will be welcome in warm climates, with the tilt/telescopic wheel and power windows making life on the road pretty pleasant. Aftermarket additions include a later wheel and a retro-style stereo. The interior needs nothing and would undoubtedly draw favorable comments at shows or a Cars & Coffee.
Some purists might not approve of the changes made to this 1974 Corvette Convertible, particularly in light of its odometer reading. However, reversing the changes to return this car to its original form would not be complicated or expensive. Most readers know I prefer original classics, but I appreciate a well-executed classic build. Therefore, I approve of this Corvette and would welcome it in my garage any day. Do you feel the same, and are those feelings deep enough to pursue it further?
I have owned two 1974 verts and each had the ram air and breather combo.
The front bumpers fall apart at 15 years and need replacement.
I am betting these also had crumbling front Bumper and upgraded
Its missing the distributor sheiding
(Likely due to performance distributor )
I wish them good luck in sale.
Sometimes , you just can’t win!
The purist will whine
The armchair mechanics will say it is gutless and will disregard the newly installed mill
I find it nice but cannot stomach the interior as i simply hate beige/camel …
As a Corvette fanatic and someone who’s in the market for a nice C3 I really want to love this one, but I don’t. There’s just something about the aesthetics of this one that kill it’s curb appeal. Maybe it’s the incorrect wheels? Maybe it’s because IMHO the plastic bumper C3s look better as coupes? Or maybe it’s because the shade of yellow seems a bit “off”? I dunno…for the mileage, condition, & convertible body the price appears reasonable so I wish I could figure it out.
74s are kinda like 64s. Get little respect. 74s are the last before the catalytic converter and HEI ignition. Also the last with true dual exhaust. I own a 73 coupe. Love the front urethane bumper but can’t stomach that 74 rear bumper. Seems like a ton of work done on a low mileage car.
Pontiac switched over to HEI(never an option) mid model yr 1974 for its 400s & 455s. I would assume all other GM divisions did the same at least for their big cube v8 motors for the ’74 model year.
Maybe even the Corvette & Z28 350 CID got HEI mid model year for ’74 models(sometime in 1975)?
Early white HEI modules were prone to failure & were recalled & replaced with black ones. & watch out for a hole being burned in the rotor. & the thin pickup coil wire(s) that can partially or fully break off at the end from all that
back & forth motion of the vac advance.
I surely prefer pts & condenser. Could not be simpler or easier to fix, even on the side of the road.
Exclude pontiac’s sd-455 – it never got HEI.
Just a question here, was it the 74 or 75 that had the split rear bumper?
‘74 is the only year with the split bumper in the back. GM had production issues making a 1 piece but figured it out by 1975. Other ‘74 milestones were; last year of no catalytic converter/true dual exhaust and last year of the 454. 1975 only offered the L48 and L82.
Thank you, I had a 74 with split bumper. I thought I was wrong when I looked at the rear of the yellow Corvette, I could not see the split. Thanks for clearing that up and for the other info.Dan Rodgers
1974’s rear bumper was split
That two-piece rear bumper was awful. It was a real visual turn-off. It’s too bad that Chevy couldn’t have figured out how to make that one piece until ’75.
But, that split bumper means it’s original. To me, it just doesn’t look right without it.
26K seems like a lot for a ’74, but if you are a buyer who doesn’t care about originality and want to jump in and go, this could be the right one. Offer 24K and you will most likely get the keys.
Not a lot of convertibles were optioned with AC then, my 74 new one didn’t have , so that’s nice. Not overly fast then so the upgraded engine is a plus too. Nice looking.