Update 04/04/2024: Listing a classic car for sale is fraught with danger, and it is frustrating when a seemingly successful sale falls at the final hurdle courtesy of a non-paying bidder. That appears to have been the fate of the owner of this 1974 Corvette. The previous auction closed with a high bid of $30,400, but the same seller has listed the car again here on eBay. The details remain the same, with the current bid of $22,600 below the reserve. I hope the seller has better luck this time.
03/08/2024: Time was catching up with American performance cars by 1974, and the Chevrolet Corvette wasn’t immune from the changes that impacted the vehicle manufacturing sector. Tightening regulations saw companies drop many large-capacity V8 engines from their ranges as they fought to comply with stricter emission laws. It was against this background that this 1974 Corvette Convertible emerged. What makes it special is the original owner’s decision to order it with a 454ci V8 under the hood. It was the last time a big-block was available in a C3 Corvette, marking the end of an era. This ‘Vette presents superbly and is ideal for someone seeking a high-end driver. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Raymore, Missouri.
Most buyers consider a known ownership history vital when choosing a classic to park in their driveway. This Corvette ticks that box, having only had two custodians throughout its life. The seller purchased the Convertible from its original owner forty-two years ago and has cherished it since. They confirm it received a repaint in its original Silver Mist Metallic several years ago. There is a minor chip on the nose, but that seems to be the only fault worth noting. The paint has a wonderful shine, complemented by a Black soft-top that fits as tight as a drum. There are no signs of fiberglass distress or repairs and no mention of rust in the frame or birdcage. The glass and badges are impressively clean, and the beautiful Rally wheels are in as-new condition.
By 1974, the transformation of the C3 Corvette from a hard-edged sports car to a comfortable tourer was almost complete. It was the final year the company offered buyers an optional 454ci V8 under the hood, and the power of every engine dropped as Chevrolet battled to comply with emission regulations. Power and performance would hit a new low point in 1975 before rising as the company discovered new ways to improve performance. The 454 in this Corvette is numbers-matching. The original owner teamed it with a four-speed manual transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The driver will have 270hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque available, allowing this beauty to cover the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds. If the driver keeps the pedal to the metal, they will be rewarded with a needle that nudges 129mph. The seller states they recently replaced the tires and brakes. This drop-top is in sound mechanical health, running and driving exceptionally well. It is ready for top-down summer cruising with a new owner behind the wheel.
The original owner wasn’t scared to splash their cash ordering the Corvette of their dreams, which is reflected by this car’s interior. The new owner receives air conditioning, leather seats, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The seller confirms that the A/C needs a new compressor, but that is the only apparent functional issue. There is no wear or physical damage to the upholstered surfaces, and the carpet only has minor wear and marks around the driver’s feet. The dash and console are exceptional, with no obvious cracked or broken plastic. One issue with older Convertibles is that a substandard interior stands out when the top is down, detracting from the car’s overall presentation. The new owner won’t face that problem with this Corvette.
The bidding history tells the story of this 1974 Corvette Convertible reasonably effectively. Twelve people have submitted thirty-three bids, confirming they like what they see. And, what’s not to like? The ‘Vette presents exceptionally well, has a known ownership history, and the V8 under the hood makes it historically significant. The auction action has been impressive, but I believe it will probably crank up a notch or two as the end draws near. What do you think the price will be when the hammer falls?
$28,700.
It’s good to see the 1974 models slowly climb up in value. I have restored and sold two 74 Verts in the past. One nice looking silver like this one and a chocolate one that definitely said hey I am from the 1970s.
Good luck with sale. The 454 is a nice one to have and check the boxes. I will say that in the past in road and track when this model was compared to the 350 engine it was stated for a track racing time the non 454 was rated faster due to engine and weight. plus acceleratioin . I am sure on a drag line the 454 would be a very fast winning model compare to the other engine size.
It’s the torque that’s gonna move this silver built!! I’d leave everything else alone!!
If you like this type of C3, this is probably the one to have, being the last big-block. Extra bonus points for this car, being a nicely optioned, presentable, convertible, with 4-speed.
I almost got killed in one exactly like this. One weekend, my dad had brought home a brand-new silver Corvette “demonstrator” from a GM dealership where he was a silent partner. I begged my dad to let me drive it to the general store for ice-cream, about 5 minutes away on a rural highway. Dad finally said yes, and my younger sister insisted on coming. I drove to the store, manipulating the 4-speed relatively well. It was fun.
After we got our ice-cream, my sister demanded to drive. She was 16, and had only been licensed a few months. She had Never driver a car with manual transmission. She got behind the wheel , and struggled to move the manually adjusted seat forward to accommodate her shorter stature.
When she went to pull out onto the moderately busy highway, she had to wait for a break in traffic. There was finally a gap in front of a loaded gravel truck. She pulled out, and floored it, with the clutch slipping and shuddering.
Between the acceleration and hopping clutch, the drivers seat (apparently not latched), slid back on the track. She froze, gripping the wheel, but could no longer reach the pedals. With the car in 1st gear, and no contact with the gas pedal, it slowed suddenly, effectively brake-checking the dump-truck bearing down on us. Thankfully, there was no (close) oncoming traffic, and the dump-truck swerved around us, with horn blaring. We never told Dad, and she never drove anything with a manual transmission after that.
Most of the C3s for sale here would cost (much) more to repair/restore than they will ever be worth. This car is an exception, and would be a nice ride to own.
Give your sister a high-five for her wanting to drive a manual tranny. And wanting to drive a Vette. I once let a sweet young thing drive my Stingray (the ‘76, not the ‘64) and I hope she remembers it because it sure put a smile on her face that day.
Memories
I too had a ‘ sweet young thing ‘ drive my ’74
She embedded us into the rear end of a parked car
In 1974, I could have had a new 454 coupe for $6,995. I was 18 years old and broke. Got a 71 454 coupe in 1976. Paid $5,300. Too much I know, but I wanted the car. Those days are gone forever.
Was that 71 an LS-6 454!!??
Well!!??
Crickets 🤷🦗🦗🦗
I prefer the C-3 ‘s with chrome bumper front and back.My brother had a 70 ‘ 454 that he bought new,I believe it was less than 6 thousand.
I also prefer the chrome bumper cars, but the 73 would be the last on my “preferred” list. I just can’t stand the rear bumper treatment. Around 1980 or so, they added a built in spoiler that in my opinion made a huge improvement, but by then, lackluster was a generous term for their performance. A 1980 or 81 with the relatively rare 4 speed would be easy to upgrade into a strong performer, it is a 350 after all. Good candidate for a 383 stroker build. But this is a nice looking Corvette, love the interior! I *almost* like it!
Now that car with a big block convertible is worth 100,000.00!!
P.S.
I can’t believe how cheap the 90’s Corvettes are. Yesterday at the Mecum auction 2 of them sold for less than 15 k.
Plenty of 70’s C3’s go for under $15k.
It used to be cool to see engine call outs on the hood bulge. This is a nice looking Vette with the silver leather and all the options. Not much missing. Hope someone really enjoys this.
For that price, it should have the A/C in proper operating condition.
Being a convertible adds to the last year big block C 3 but that’s not what attracts me to this car. The car just looks so good and l love the color combination. Nice 74 Vette.
Only thing missing is a luggage rack!!
Yes. I thought they all had ’em. Another worthy chrome add on.
Good the luggage racks were ugly as hell!
Like most, I prefer the chrome bumper c3s, but for some reason the color combination really works on this one. It looks almost subdued, maybe more like a sports car than a muscle car.
I’ve never driven a big block c3. I was under the impression they had poor handling compared to the small blocks. But in this case, with the emission choking out the engine, I would like the extra hp. Nice car!
I own a 68 Vette with a punched out 454. Put aluminum heads on the engine and it drops the weight down to 40lbs within a small block size. Plus the extra torque makes it such a fun ride. Mine had a motor swap some time ago before I got and I put the 454 in it. I also did coil overs all the way around and upgraded the brakes for doing auto cross. Everyone is shocked when I pop the hood and they see a big block in there handling as well as it does. The small block, big block on the handling is not that big a deal.
This one if I owned it, I would keep it stock. But I don’t own it. Cheers!
Agreed 💯
Its a dog but a pretty one easily made worthy – Cam & lifter kit EFI 250 NOS shot main bearings Gridle a 6speed Trans better rear gears & new IRS leafs & last but not least the Sub-Frame connector urethane Donut & suspension bushings.
I’d clean up the oil galleys & add a better pan & pump.
Of course a bore clean up & port those heads.
A not well known addition is the Pre-Startup oil slave cylinder that primes your lifters & engine it’ll save you plenty down the road, most engine wear is during start up.
The Silver is very good on this model.
You just ruined the car!! It doesn’t need all that!! Just the parts from the LS6 motor and a bump in compression and still run on pump gas!! No harm done!!
Fully agree. Last of the Rats and well presented. A nice Vette.
Sure. Sounds real “easy.”
Or, you could just enjoy this one.
Also last for the 74′ model year was no catalytic converter, last year of dual exhausts for C3, and only year for the two piece rear bumper cover.
Good points 👍
I bought a 1963 Corvette Split Window in 1975 for 2000.00 .The good old days
Lol I had a 64!!
Silver and black always go good together like peas and carrots!
I had a 63. And we both wish we had kept ’em. Today’s collectors have driven the prices out of sight. Money to burn.
The owner of the local dealership, Old Man Beck, bought one. For himself. Silver with bright red interior. Remember the US marine and his girl coming in with a badly ripped once white top on his 1959 teal green Corvette traded for Charlie’s split window hardtop. Happiness on four wheels.
Pet peeve with the 74s – I can’t get past the seam in the middle of the rear bumper
Figured MA boy
Who knows maybe the split rear bumper will be right up there with the split rear window someday
The center split in the rear bumper marks this as a 1974. Ordered one new with both tops. Kept it for a year and traded with 6,000 miles on it. Dealer placed it in his new car showroom. Then I ordered a 1975 again with both tops hoping for fewer issues. The real deal. Those sexy sweeping bulging upward front fenders really made this car. Solid as a rock.
Yes the article says 1974🤷
Know a State Police Sgt who had a 1972 and like the fool in all of us sold his too because of a marriage that later didn’t last. He never gave up on trying to find it, constantly running the VIN and at one point received notice it was unlicensed and no longer driven.
Bidding’s up to $26500. I can see the bidding going well past $30K because it’s the last factory big-block Vette and it’s a 4-speed convertible to boot, plus the 1974 C3 with the 454 is starting to get respect with collectors. Good to see the seller including a new top.
SOLD for $31,100 this time around.