BF Auction: 1974 Chevrolet Corvette

• Seller: Scott M cCall
• Location: Anaheim, California
• Mileage: 47,246 Shown
• Chassis #: 1Z37J45403431
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 5.7L V8
• Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

While some enthusiasts focus on total originality when selecting a classic to park in their garage, others prefer high-end drivers with mechanical upgrades that improve performance and user-friendliness. This 1974 Chevrolet Corvette falls neatly into the second category. It presents beautifully courtesy of a custom paint mix, but the owner’s decision to perform mechanical upgrades will unleash the additional horsepower that this ‘Vette deserves. It has an interesting history, and after spending eight years lifting a once-neglected car to its current state, the owner has decided it deserves a new home with someone who will appreciate all it offers. Therefore, he has listed the Corvette with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

The current owner became this Corvette’s custodian around eight years ago. He located it in the desert just outside Indio, California, parking it in his workshop as he gave it the second chance at life it richly deserved. The desert sun exacted a toll on its paint but preserved prone areas like the frame and birdcage from the ravages of rust. Once satisfied that the panels were flawless, the owner applied Elkhart Lake Blue, a shade that joined the Corvette color palette in 2019. However, he wanted the car to “pop” and turn heads, so the paint received a healthy dose of flake and pearl. When you examine the supplied images, there is no doubt that he achieved that goal. He describes the finish as an 8.5/10 because a close inspection will reveal minor flaws and chips. However, the car holds a depth of color and shine you could almost walk into, while the crystal clear glass accentuates the positive impression. The Corvette sits on a set of spotless 17″ American Racing wheels with lower profile tires that should improve the car’s handling.

The upgraded wheels and tires are the most visible sign that there might be more to this classic than meets the eye. Its original owner ordered it with the ZQ3 version of the company’s iconic 350ci V8. It sent a relatively modest 195hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. However, this beauty will offer performance that is well above what the first owner enjoyed. The seller treated the small-block to a rebuild, adding new pistons, rings, and a mildly upgraded camshaft. It inhales deeply through the FiTech Fuel Injection system with a Fuel Commander mounted atop an Edelbrock Performer intake. Spent gases exit via ceramic-coated Headman headers and a custom exhaust. A new aluminum radiator keeps temperatures under control, while this classic also features new brakes, new power steering, and a new fuel tank. That combination is pretty tasty and would pin occupants in their seats when the “loud” pedal is floored. However, there is one final piece to the puzzle. The Hydramatic is now a distant memory, with shifting duties falling to a five-speed automatic. That addition will improve acceleration and give the Corvette longer legs on the open road.  The V8 has clocked a mere 2,000 miles since its rebuild, meaning it is barely broken in. The only task left for the winning bidder to tackle is to get the speedometer working. The transmission uses an electronic sender, while the speedometer uses a mechanical setup. Sourcing an adaptor shouldn’t be difficult, and will be the final piece in the mechanical puzzle for this turnkey classic.

The Corvette’s exterior and drivetrain weren’t the only areas to receive lashings of TLC during the build, with the interior featuring welcome upgrades. Originally trimmed in Blue vinyl, it is now classy Black. The owner added body-hugging Procar bucket seats and custom diamond-patterned upholstery to the door trims and dash pad. The dash looks excellent, and there are no signs of crumbling plastic. The winning bidder has a few remaining items to address to add the finishing touches, including swapping the Blue carpet for something more appropriate and repainting or replacing the original Blue tilt/telescopic steering column. The upgraded stereo features a custom speaker setup, although the radio intermittently switches itself off and back on. That suggests a minor electrical gremlin that shouldn’t pose too many challenges to trace and eradicate. The first owner ordered this beauty with air conditioning, but since it was removed during the engine rebuild, that requires reinstating.

This 1974 Chevrolet Corvette has so many positive attributes it is impossible to ignore. It presents beautifully, allowing it to turn heads wherever it goes. The interior should be supremely comfortable, and the mechanical upgrades should offer an ideal blend of performance and user-friendliness. It is perfect for someone unable to undertake a full project build but finds the idea of adding the finishing touches irresistible. That is why the Corvette is worth a closer look.

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