Custom touches on classic cars will often divide opinions. Some enthusiasts will approve, while others will decry such changes. Such is the case with this 1974 Corvette. It is a solid and healthy classic that would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. Its paint features some custom additions, but the question is whether you would retain or discard these should the ‘Vette find its way into your workshop. The vehicle is listed here on eBay in Jamestown, New York. Bidding sits at $7,600 in a No Reserve auction.
The 1974 model year marked the second of significant visual changes for the C3 Corvette. The chrome rear bumpers were now a distant memory, with the car’s back end sporting a tapered urethane unit with recessed taillights. This update, designed to meet legislative requirements, divides opinions. I have never been a fan of the frontal changes, but the rear is quite refreshing. The original owner ordered this classic in Dark Brown, and the car retains what appears to be its original paint. It has accumulated its share of scratches, chips, and other imperfections, and many would consider a repaint to bring out the best in this classic. The flames on the front fenders are an aftermarket addition, and the seller has never attempted to remove them as they are sealed under the clearcoat. Some may find their appearance attractive, but others may not be able to cover them fast enough. The seller indicates that the frame and birdcage are structurally sound, and the excellent roof panel seals have ensured no moisture has found its way inside this classic. The glass is in good order, and the Corvette rolls on Rally wheels wrapped in new Tornel tires.
Opening the Corvette’s doors reveals an interior with seats trimmed in Saddle leather. It should be considered presentable and acceptable for a driver-grade classic, but there are faults a meticulous new owner may choose to address. The seat foam appears to be collapsing, leaving the leather looking “baggy” and wrinkled. Replacing the foam would eliminate the visual fault and improve occupant comfort. The horn button and column are scratched, and the carpet shows signs of typical fading issues. Otherwise, the interior condition is acceptable if the new owner focuses on slipping behind the wheel of a driver-grade classic. The only aftermarket addition is a modern stereo, with the ‘Vette also featuring power windows and a tilt/telescopic wheel.
Powering this numbers-matching Corvette is the ZQ3 version of the 350ci V8, which sends 195hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The original owner also selected power assistance for the steering and brakes to provide a relaxed driving experience. Lower power and additional weight compared to its predecessors meant the ’74 Corvette couldn’t match the performance potential of those cars, but ongoing development meant they offered a more civilized driving experience. It would be fair to expect such changes to impact sales totals negatively, but the opposite was true. Chevrolet sold 37,502 examples of the ‘Vette in 1974, a marked increase over the 1970 total of 30,464. The seller has spent a considerable sum on this classic to improve its mechanical health, and the buyer is set to reap the benefits. The car features a new fuel tank, a new carburetor, a starter, an alternator, and a radiator. The brakes have been serviced, but they admit it will soon need a new master cylinder. It also requires an alignment, but it runs and drives well. They supply this YouTube video that includes a walkaround, allowing us to hear the small-block running. It sounds sweet, with no smoke or other issues.
This 1974 Corvette isn’t perfect, but nor is it a lost cause. It is a solid classic, and if the new owner addresses the few mechanical needs, they could enjoy it largely untouched for years. However, treating it to a fresh coat of paint and some other cosmetic improvements would make an enormous difference to its appearance. Tackling those tasks would be straightforward and rewarding. The most pressing question is would you keep the flames?
I may be the only person on the planet that doesn’t hate brown color on cars. I’d ditch the flames and paint it brown, with a tad more metallic flake.
I always liked beer bottle brown cars and trucks.
Absolute crap on 4 wheels. Terrible time for Corvette.
Hot Summer Day Dog Slow Vette! The year, which was one of the worst, concludes with brown.
In the late 60’s I painted my Sunbeam a beautiful shade of Jaguar Sable. I would do it again today.
Pretty good looking car. Not wonderful by earlier years performance standards. Nothing was by 74.But I gathered by your user name that you’ve discounted a whole decade of some pretty decent cars. I enjoyed the 70’s cars.
Tell him Dave!!!!!
I’ll agree with dave. The 70s weren’t that bad considering what the the 80s had in store. There was a bad decade.even the grand national couldn’t save the 80s.
I sort of agree with you (Trenton). The year 1970 was essentially the end of the muscle car era…Pontiac did attempt to hang on into 1973 with the SD455 T /A, and even the SD was defined from what was planned due to emissions. But from 1971 and beyond….lackluster.
Not a huge fan of brown and the flames would have to go. Right now the bud is $8200 with two days left. The rest of the car looks in good shape. Assuming the bidding doesn’t blow up one could deal with the color for that kind of cash.
It looks like a good example of lipstick on a very ugly pig. Chevy ruined the vets in 74 and owners never forgot the poor quality and bad design of the cars.
Nice looking ‘Vette to tool around in. Not only was brown fashionable then it’s a nice break from the gray world of today. I’m really glad there are so many comments on the flames. It made me take a closer look. Not as bad as some pride and joys I’ve seen.
Yeo, from the factory these cars were not as powerful as 1970. Lots of options to increase horsepower in 2023.
Definitely in need of a color change. Flames gotta go. Thinking plum crazy with an interior color change as well. Pretty nice.