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.
Bill Bixby starred in it right?
Engine croaked at just 57k ahh the good old days.
It just says it was swapped out and a rebuilt engine went in. I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t have put a smog puffer 74 spec engine back in it, I would’ve done something to make it run like a 454 should in a Vette! God knows what was done to it before the “Dealer” got it, but then again, maybe it was just a bone stock 454 out of a strong running 85 Suburban that was faster than the Vette was stock due to gearing for towing. If it’s not the original engine you never know what was put in it or done to the replacement engine. If a dealer only wants $17k they probably got it for under $10k and it’s probably nothing special when you hit the throttle IMO!
With gas going up daily, this is a hard pass if you actually drive your old Corvette. I worked in these new. Mpgs were in the 12 mpg range on a good day. Tach not working most likely the distributor shaft. Happened to my 73. Many believe it is the cable from the distrubutor. Rarely is. Nice car but it’s old and plenty of C3 issues yo deal with.
I don’t think this is a daily driver, but gas prices do suck!
priced to high too!
Hard pass for me too,
Ohio and that rusted brake booster scares me.
The dealer’s handle gives one pause…
robshopllc…. hmm
In addition to the problems mentioned my feeling is that this car was hit at least once. The gaps on the doors, hood, and headlights are horrible. No photos of the underside.