This 1974 Chevrolet Corvette is one of those rare collector cars that’s just easy to buy and even easier to own. It won’t ever be the most valuable vintage muscle car out there, and that’s OK; with a four-speed, black paint, and a roof that goes down, there will always be someone who wants it. The seller notes that the mileage is just over 30,000 and that the Corvette drives excellent and has a rust-free frame. The collection of vehicles it shares garage space with is quite interesting and begs the question as to whether that’s a real Countach parked behind it. The Corvette (not the Lamborghini, or replica Lamborghini) is listed here on Barn Find Classifieds for $21,900.
About two years ago now, I was asked to help a widower sell some Corvettes belonging to her deceased husband. I had never sold Corvettes before, but after years of selling my own cars, which skewed heavily towards foreign makes and oddballs, I was shocked by how many people still came out of the woodwork for a vintage Corvette. It reminded me of the words a family friend shared with me about how he put himself through college selling secondhand Corvettes: “If it’s red and it’s fast, someone will buy it.” I can certainly see that now, as almost everyone knows what a Corvette is, and has an expectation of how it should make you feel if you own one. Looking at this black drop-top, it’s hard to imagine there are too many folks out there who wouldn’t love for the chance to slip behind the wheel.
That’s what’s great about them: it’s simple, easy to get your mind around the concept of owning. When you look at a clean cockpit like this, it gets even easier. There’s lots of soft leather, a manual gearbox, and a big, three-spoke steering wheel, all of which are essential to the recipe of creating a desirable sports car. The crank windows keep it simple, meaning there’s less stuff to break. And the lack of rear seats means you don’t have to worry about taking anyone other than yourself or one other companion along for the ride. This Corvette presents well inside and out, and I’d love to know if this is the original interior or if the upholstery has been replaced.
The seller reports that the numbers match, but doesn’t note any recent maintenance or rebuilds. The engine retains its factory-correct air cleaner, a bit of a rarity these days considering how many Corvette owners swap in some chromed-out aftermarket decor that may look better (to some eyes) but also distorts originality greatly. This Corvette is pleasing from every angle, not to mention from above, as it’s been fitted with a new convertible top. It also has a new exhaust system that’s said to be factory correct and a clean title. The seller is asking $21,900 for the car, which is located in Costa Mesa, California.
I don’t believe GM offered black on the corvette from 1970-1976. Not quite as original as it appears. But looks very nice in black.
Why no info on the engine, 350? HP?
From the picture, it’s an L48.
The 5th character in the VIN is the letter “J” which indicates a standard L-48 350 engine. The letter “T” would indicate the high-performance L-82 350.
185hp
According to https://www.corvsport.com/1974-c3-corvette/
Classic White, Silver Mist, Corvette Gray, Corvette Medium Blue, Dark Green, Bright Yellow, Dark Brown, Medium Red, Mille Miglia Red, Corvette Orange
I concur on paint .
I had a chocolate 74 vert that i sold in 2004 that had 27 thousand miles.
This model brought 22 thousand back then. I am just saying the 1974 has staid more steady in pricing.
While not original i do think the black looks good…
Looks like a pretty car, but as others have said, it is a repaint/color change. Also, that’s the standard vinyl interior, not leather.
I like 74’s, the rubber bumpers without the little black bumperettes that the 75-79’s have, look cleaner to me (even with the seem in the 74 only rear bumper). 74 was also the last year for true dual exhaust.
If it looks as good in person, as it does in the pictures, the asking price may not be out of line for a base motor, no air 74 convertible.
Price is high. It might be worth near that, but it would have to be spotless and flawless.
Nice, but only worth that asking price is the 30K miles can be documented.