Final Year 454: 1974 Chevrolet Corvette

The automotive world was changing dramatically in the mid-1970s. Manufacturers were forced to focus on safety, fuel efficiency, and emission standards, with outright performance suffering as a result. It was against this backdrop that this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette left the line. It is a tidy classic that the first owner loaded with factory options. It is also one of the last produced with a big-block V8 under the hood. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting the Corvette listed here on Craigslist with an asking price of $24,454. You must head to Long Island, New York, if you want to drive this classic home.

The 1974 model year was another year of evolution for the C3 Corvette. The company dropped the chrome rear bumper and replaced it with a urethane-clad unit to comply with safety regulations. Although I have never been a fan of the updated front bumper, I have always thought the rear represented an excellent compromise, giving the C3 a more modern look. The first owner ordered this C3 in dazzling Code 56 Bright Yellow, a shade that owes nothing to subtlety. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, suggesting this may be a genuine survivor. They confirm that the car has never suffered accident damage, and a life spent predominantly in Arizona has left the frame and birdcage rust-free. The paint sports a few swirls that should respond to a high-quality polish, but there are no significant chips or scratches. The glass is clear, and the Rally wheels are in good condition.

Digging deeper reveals where the first owner spent most of their cash when ordering this Corvette. They equipped it with the LS4 version of the 454ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power assistance for the steering and brakes, and FE7 Gymkhana Suspension. This model year marked the end of the line for the big-block, which was chosen by 3,494 buyers. That figure represents a take-up rate of around 9.3%, a sharp decline from the previous year’s 14.5%. Chevrolet quoted power and torque figures of 270hp and 380 ft/lbs for the LS4, explaining why many contemporary road tests praised the performance and flexibility of Corvettes fitted with this motor. The reality was that, with muscle cars a distant memory and manufacturers reducing larger-engine options in pony cars, there were few American production vehicles in 1974 that would give this Corvette a run for its money. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching and is in excellent mechanical condition. They state that it runs and drives flawlessly and is ready to provide the new owner with years of classic motoring pleasure.

The first owner’s spending spree continued inside this Corvette. They grabbed their Order Form and ticked the boxes for Saddle leather trim, air conditioning, power windows, the desirable tilt/telescopic steering wheel, dual horns, map light, and AM/FM stereo radio. That final item is fascinating, illustrating how automotive technology has evolved over the past fifty years. The radio added $276.00 to the Corvette’s sticker price, while the LS4 big-block lightened the first owner’s wallet by $250.00. Today, it seems almost unfathomable that a radio would be more expensive than a significantly better engine. Still, such a reversal was almost inevitable as electronics have become cheaper and more reliable. If considered purely as a survivor-grade classic, this car’s interior has no significant shortcomings. The leather is free from wear and other issues, remaining soft and inviting. The carpet is in good condition, and there is no evidence of UV damage or crumbling plastic. This Corvette has avoided the fate of being loaded with aftermarket additions, and the seller confirms that everything inside this vehicle functions correctly.

Some classics represent “strippers,” where it is obvious that the first owner purchased their car on a strict budget. This 1974 Corvette is a different beast because it is obvious that the first owner wished to create the classic of their dreams. The combination of options makes it inherently desirable, but the big-block under the hood is the icing on the cake. Many enthusiasts believe that the 1974 model year represented a last hurrah for the C3, because a world of misery awaited in 1975, when the 454 was consigned to history and engine power reached rock bottom. There is something attractive about owning the last of a breed, which is what this car represents. The seller’s price looks realistic, and I won’t be surprised if this Corvette finds a new home fairly quickly. Are you tempted to make it yours?