The C3 Corvette debuted in 1968, but 1974 marked a big shift in two ways. First, the urethane bumpers were now integrated fore and aft (no chrome), and second, the big-block V8s were doing their swan song (a 350 cubic inch V8 would be top dog in 1975). The seller’s ’74 is one of about 10% of Corvettes built in 1974 with the 454 CI engine, and the car is in overall good shape, though not concours quality. Located (perhaps in a storage unit) in Barberton, Ohio, this ‘Vette is offered by a dealer here on eBay for $16,995. Kudos to “Curvette” for a namesake tip!
Despite a soft year for U.S. auto sales in 1974 (remember the OPEC oil embargo?), the Corvette turned in solid numbers. 37,500 of them rolled off the assembly line, and nearly 3,500 were outfitted with the LS4 454 V8, producing a downgraded 270 hp with a 4-barrel carburetor. The 454 came at a $250 upcharge, which seems reasonable for its last outing in the sports car. The “Z” code in the VIN of the seller’s car identifies it as being a 454 vehicle.
However, the engine is not the one that came in the vehicle when new. It was swapped out in 1985, rebuilt, and only added 10,000 miles to the Corvette since then (57k then, 67k now). It’s paired with a TH-400 automatic transmission. We’re told it runs well, though the choke has issues and will need some adjustment. Of lesser concern may be a non-working tachometer and a radio that only plays rock ‘n roll music at low levels.
We’re told the body and chassis are good, and most of the white paint is original (the bumpers have been redone). The Saddle leather interior looks good enough, but wrinkled, as you might expect after 52 years. If you’re looking for a big block C3 Corvette, this seems like a good one, though it’s not as potent as it would have been in 1970-71.
The Magician,some of you may get it.