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.
I love this car! I’d prefer a red, or tan, or blue or any color other than black interior, with a white exterior, but I could make an exception for this car. I particularly like the pin stripe white walls. 74 was the last year they were offered, and they’re a nice change from the white lettered tires that every other Corvette has.
I know many readers here will moan about the automatic (and 75% of them have probably never driven a manual), but it doesn’t bother me at all. Most 70’s big block Corvettes were loaded out with every available option, including automatic, making them very comfortable cruisers. With PS, PB air and automatic, these cars were just as happy on a twisty back road, as they were in stop and go traffic on 100 degree day in July.
About the only fault I can find with the car is the ignition shielding’s mounted wrong, and the plug wires aren’t routed correctly. Somebodies going to get themselves a very nice 74 Corvette.
75 thumbs up for the “automatic” part of this comment, similar to the snobs who badmouth beautiful well optioned 4 door classics when whatever they drive probably has at least that many doors.
I think its been repainted, passenger door mechanism is or looks white.
The optional hard top is truly icing on the cake. As a former owner of C3’s , this pup is screaming for the dealer-installed luggage rack to add the finishing touch. I would love to do a Cars & Coffee in this example.
Nice car!
I agree with gnvette62. I own a silver 73 coupe and would love to have this car. What a cruiser. Only difference from 73 to 74 is the urethane rear bumper cover. Oh, and GM added resonators to the exhaust that year. 454s are rare and thus will sell for far more than rhe current bid.
This is probably the year to own. This will be another Corvette collectible at some point. Big block, convertible with hardtop in very nice shape from looking at the photos. I wish it was standard. I had enough (3) Corvettes that were automatics.
I like the “Reserve Bar” graphic on the auction site. Don’t think I have seen one of those before.
Big block performance in ’74 was not really down from ’71, because 365 horsepower at the crank on a Stingray is 270 at the rear wheels. It is an established fact that a ’72 with 270 ponies net at the rear wheels is exactly the same as a ’71 LS5. Therefore the ’73 and ’74 LS4s that are rated at 275/270 horses should offer the same performance. However, I have a question for someone who knows his or her LS5s and LS4s: is it true that what differentiates the two variants is the cylinder heads? While I could be wrong, it is my understanding that the LS5 heads breathe better than the LS4 ones which are more restricted to discourage modifications…so how come the same power rating? Can anyone explain this?
Thank you
The ’74 could be maybe 150 lbs heavier with those 5 mph bumpers, which is not helping performance. Also the ’74 has EGR & a quadrajet emissions carb. A ’74 anything is the hardest model year car to get though emissions inspection, since it has to meet tough standards without a cat converter. & they don’t run that well when adjusted to meet emissions – indeed, the owner’s manual of a ’74 firebird 455 says the engine may stall out on the 1st cold start attempt!
& that’s without an air pump. & the distributor’s advance weights, etc., & timing specs are hardly hi performance on ’74 cars.
Rather have this one, than the red one from earlier today. The convertible makes up for the auto transmission. Wonder what it goes for?