By 1974, Chevrolet’s muscular sports car had begun to transform into a grand touring automobile. The big-block V8 was in its last year and the convertible body style would be gone a year later (but returned in 1986). The seller’s ’74 ‘Vette is in rough shape and may have been neglected for several years. It’s one of only 5,474 drop-tops built that season, but it’s numbers-matching (350 cubic-inch V8?) with a 4-speed manual tranny. Needing loads of work, this Chevy is in Foxboro, Massachusetts, and is available here on eBay where there isn’t much play between the current bid of $2,600 (reserve unmet) and the Buy It Now price of $4,995.
Changes to the Corvette in 1974 were numerous. Such as there were no longer any chrome bumpers because the rear end lost its Kammback look in favor of a urethane fascia over a metal plate. It had been done earlier in the front to help prevent damage during low-speed collisions, and now the rear end had caught up with the government regulations. Also, the ’74 Corvettes would be the last not to come with catalytic converters, another move to ensure that the use of unleaded fuel would be here to stay.
Two versions of the 350 V8 were offered and we’re not sure which one is present in the seller’s car. But it was no longer all that peppy with quarter-mile runs in the 15-16 second range. And they didn’t miss many gas stations, either, which was a challenge in OPEC America in 1974 given fuel consumption at 14-15 miles per gallon. We don’t know much in the way of history regarding the seller’s car except that the odometer reading of 28,500 miles is said to be accurate.
Due to its sitting for many years, this Chevy does not run. The body is devoid of much of its dark green paint, the interior is a mess, and we’re told there is some rust in the frame where the spare tire resides. It’s going to need a full restoration, but since it’s one of a diminishing number of C3 Corvettes built without a fixed top, perhaps it’s worth taking on the challenge.
Why do I feel like there is a possible title issue?
Crusty n’ Rusty. Hard pass.
I had a rough time finding anything on this car that didn’t have rust or corrosion on it. If the birdcage and frame are good you could do a body off restoration on it. Me, for the same money, I would go out and buy an early C3.
Price looks tempting but the more I look at it the more expensive it becomes. Like bobhess mention, might be better off buying a c3 in better shape. Some can still be had at reasonable prices.
Maybe $3,000. At best
Didnt 1974s have HEI ?
No. HEI came in 1975 with the catalytic converter.
No HEI until 75 model. Probably the most reliable ignition GM ever produced. I see parts on this car I need, but not paying thi price.
Seller claims the birdcage is “solid”. Yeah, right. Show us some pics because if it is solid, it is the only thing on this carcass that is.
Fifth digit in vin “T” = L82, + dual snorkel air cleaner & finned, cast valve covers, could turn out to be a nice car if your pockets are deep enough with enough skills to do a bunch of the work yourself. Plus it’s a 4 speed !
I wouldn’t waste my time money or muscle on this.fully restored you wouldn’t recoup the money you’ll have to put in this,l don’t even want to say it car. An anemic 74 . Maybe someone out there may see the potential in this particular model l just don’t.lt needs a miracle.
Ended at $4,250, Reserve Not Met.
I don’t know what the seller thinks they have, but if they want that type of money for this load, they are going to have to dismantle it and clean up & sell off the usable parts separately.
As P. T. Barnum said – There’s one born every minute.
The 74 and 75 convertible models can be made into very nice cars IF you live in a jurisdiction where they can be de smoged. . . I had a 75 some years ago that had had the engine rebuilt and upgraded, cats removed, etc. I did new paint and interior. Really very nice cruiser. Fast as the 69 350/350 I owned in the 70’s.