The 1974 model year was a significant one for Chevrolet’s iconic Corvette. It marked the final year buyers could order their C3 with a big-block under the hood, with 3,494 ticking that box on the Order Form. The 454 may not have possessed the brutal horsepower of its predecessors, but it still provided respectable performance in an era where that trait became a rarity. Our feature car is a ’74 Corvette Convertible that presents well and features some desirable optional extras. The seller has listed it here at ACC Auctions in Collierville, Tennessee. Bidding sits at $5,000, with plenty of time for interested readers to stake their claim. I must thank Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this wonderful survivor.

One noticeable change to the Corvette’s styling for 1974 was the deletion of the chrome rear bumpers to comply with updated safety regulations. Some lament the loss of the Kamm-tail appearance, although I like the newer bumper and how Chevrolet integrated the taillights. This car presents well, but it has received a clear-over-base repaint in its original shade of Classic White. The paint shines nicely, and the seller indicates there are no chips or scratches to spoil the presentation. The fiberglass is equally impressive, while it is difficult to fault the trim or glass. The White soft-top is in good order, as is the matching factory hardtop. The Corvette rolls on a set of factory Rally wheels with excellent trim rings, center caps, and a classy set of narrow whitewall tires.

Lifting the hood reveals what sets this Corvette apart from mere mortals. It seems the original owner wasn’t afraid to splash their cash, dropping $250 over the sticker price for the LS4 version of the legendary 454ci V8. They left shifting duties to a three-speed automatic transmission while ticking the boxes next to the optional 3.50 rear end, power steering, and power brakes. The big-block might have produced a seemingly modest 270hp, but the torque figure of 380 ft/lbs was not to be sneezed at. This combination allowed the ‘Vette to cover the ¼ mile in 14.8 seconds before winding its way to 126mph. The seller provides plenty of good news for potential buyers. The Convertible is an unmolested and numbers-matching classic with 34,000 miles on its odometer. They believe this reading to be genuine, although there is no documentary evidence to support this. The car runs and drives perfectly, with a strong engine and smooth transmission. The listing suggests this classic has no mechanical needs.

One of the potential disadvantages of owning a Convertible is that it is virtually impossible to hide a sub-standard interior. That isn’t a problem that will cause this classic’s new owner sleepless nights .The nearly perfect presentation continues when we examine this Corvette’s interior. The owner recently installed a new carpet set and leather seat upholstery, which look stunning. The remaining upholstered surfaces are flawless, the dash is spotless, and there is no cracked or crumbling plastic. There is no evidence of wear or abuse and no aftermarket additions. Once again, the original owner wielded their pen to add some desirable optional extras. This car rolled off the showroom floor equipped with air conditioning, power windows, an AM/FM stereo radio, and a tilt/telescopic wheel.

It was apparent to performance car enthusiasts that by 1974, the Corvette had lost the hard edge many enjoyed with earlier versions of the C3. The car was more refined and comfortable but still offered good performance if the buyer equipped their new purchase with a big-block. That situation changed in 1975 when Chevrolet removed the 454 as an option. Today, the 1974 Corvette with a 454 is one of the most eagerly sought by enthusiasts, and rising values reflect this. Considering its overall condition and optional extras, I expect bidding to pass $25,000 before the hammer falls, although recent sales suggest that figure could be considerably higher. Even if you aren’t in the market for a C3 Corvette, it could be worth watching this auction to see where the bidding goes.