Although we are heading into the last month of summer, there are still plenty of opportunities for enthusiasts to make the most of the warm weather from behind the wheel of a classic Convertible. That makes this 1974 Corvette a worthy contender because it presents superbly as a turnkey survivor. Adding to its appeal is the low odometer reading, with this drop-top having only clocked 47,000 miles in fifty-one years. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this gem listed here on eBay in Barberton, Ohio. The seller set their BIN at $19,995 with the option to make an offer.

Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette evolved during the 1970s as the company sought to comply with evolving emission and safety regulations. The chrome front bumper made way for a urethane unit in 1973, while the rear received the same treatment in 1974. Many people argue that these changes destroyed the car’s styling purity, but I have always been a fan of the new rear bumper setup. The first owner ordered this 1974 Corvette in stunning Mille Miglia Red with a contrasting White soft-top. The car makes a stunning visual statement, an impression heightened by the rich paint shine and lack of significant cosmetic shortcomings. The top has a few wrinkles, but I suspect that a bit of time exposed to the sun in the raised position would make a difference. The fiberglass is free from stress cracks, with the limited underside shots revealing no visible frame rust. I can’t spot any problems with the glass, while the Rally wheels sport seemingly flawless center caps and trim rings.

While Corvette buyers in 1974 could choose between two versions of the company’s 350ci V8, this car’s first owner teamed the entry-level L48 version with a three-speed automatic transmission. The small-block produced 195hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque when this classic was shiny and new, providing respectable, rather than breathtaking, performance. The first piece of positive news for those assessing the investment potential is the seller’s claim that it is numbers-matching. They also state that it has a genuine 47,000 miles on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. The overall condition makes that plausible, but hardly constitutes iron-clad proof. They indicate that although the tires look great, they are old and should be replaced. Otherwise, they don’t mention any mechanical issues or shortcomings.

The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history when describing this Corvette. Therefore, if it is a genuine survivor, the condition of its interior is noteworthy. The Red vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear, and there is no evidence of the carpet fading that often afflicts C3s. It is impossible to assess the dash due to the limited images, but the console and remaining plastic look good. The wheel angle suggests that the first owner ticked the box beside the tilt/telescopic option, and they also equipped the car with power windows and an AM/FM radio.

The C3 Corvette is far from a subtle vehicle, and those finished in Mille Miglia Red can’t help but draw admiring looks. A change in buyer tastes revealed itself graphically in 1974, with Convertibles only accounting for around 14.6% of total Corvette sales during that model year. This one is a gem, appearing to need nothing but a new owner. The seller’s price looks realistic in the face of recent successful sales, and with values climbing, it could potentially represent an excellent long-term investment. Hmm, stunning looks, low mileage, a fantastic driving experience, and an appreciating asset? I can’t think of a single negative in that scenario. Can you?