There is a certain attraction in owning a driver-quality classic instead of a perfect example. The driver-quality car potentially offers a less stressful motoring experience because minor marks and paint chips are never as traumatic on that type of car as they can be on a mint vehicle. That is what makes this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette an attractive proposition. It presents well for its age, but it has a few minor imperfections and flaws that prevent it from achieving perfection. It is also highly optioned, offering a potentially enjoyable ownership experience. Located in Orlando, Florida, you will find this ‘Vette listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has hit $9,300 in a No Reserve auction.
The Corvette wears Silver Mist paint, although it isn’t clear whether this is original or if the car has received a cosmetic refresh. It presents well for a driver-quality vehicle, with only a few minor flaws and marks. The fiberglass and plastic are in a similar state, and if the car’s presentation doesn’t meet the buyer’s expectations, they could perform a repaint with little effort. The removable roof inserts are in good order, and the lack of any moisture damage to the interior suggests that the seals don’t leak. Somebody has refinished the Rally wheels in black, and with spotless trim rings and center caps, they offer an interesting contrast to the lighter paint shade. The glass has a few minor marks and imperfections, but for a potential buyer who doesn’t seek perfection, the presentation of this Corvette should provide immediate enjoyment.
It appears that the original owner liked to splash some cash on luxury touches, ordering this Corvette with Silver leather upholstery and trim. The seats rate as okay, although they have a couple of imperfections. The seller identifies a seam separation on the passenger seat, which may be repairable. They also mention a rip on the back of the driver’s seat, but we don’t get to see that. If I were to find this Corvette in my garage, I would probably have the seats assessed for repair because a set of replacement leather covers will leave no change from $800. The faux woodgrain trim on the console has deteriorated, but the buyer could buy and install the woodgrain without replacing the entire surround for under $60. The remaining trim, dash, and carpet look in good order. An aftermarket radio/cassette player occupies the spot where the factory radio was, but the installation quality looks first-rate. Apart from the luxury of leather, this classic features air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel.
We’ve reached a point where we discover a small mystery with this Corvette. The owner states that its engine bay houses the iconic 350ci small-block, but not which version we’re looking at. The entry-level ZQ3 offered 195hp, while the L82 version placed 250hp at the driver’s disposal. This car also features a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and four-wheel power disc brakes. The engine specifications significantly impact potential performance because while the ZQ3 engine allowed the car to cover the ¼ mile in 16.5 seconds, the L82 slashed that figure to 15.4 seconds. It may prove a moot point anyway because upgrades to the ignition, induction system, and exhaust will have unleashed a few additional ponies. Another change, and a sensible one, is the owner’s decision to upgrade the disc brakes with components from Wilwood. There’s nothing like having confidence when you hit the middle pedal in earnest. The seller says that the Corvette runs and drives well, suggesting that it is ready to be enjoyed by its lucky new owner.
While I wouldn’t mind having a perfect 1974 Corvette sitting in my garage, I wouldn’t complain if I were to find this one there instead. It presents well for its age, and while it has some imperfections, these add to its charm. It seems a few people like what they see because the car has already attracted a healthy twenty bids. There’s still plenty of time left on the listing, leaving scope for the figure to grow significantly higher. Have you ever longed to own a C3 Corvette? If so, are you tempted by this one?
Looks like a nice car. Being from Florida I would want to get it on a lift and check out the parts that are actually metal for rust
Looks like Grandpa drove the bejesus out of it! Bidding at 10K, for a small block Vette with AC and looks good. Seems like a decent price at the moment for a quality driver car that has been well maintained, or at least cleaned up nice for the sale. No reserve probably means estate sale. Some one is getting a nice car.
It is a base L-48. Those are not L-82 valve covers, but rather, aftermarket chrome ones. The real giveaway, though, is the absence of L-82 badges…and had it been the more potent version, the seller would have mentioned it. Interestingly, the original-style split rear bumper cap appears to have given way to a more modern version without the split (which some people don’t like), but it keeps the original, individual, separate “Corvette” lettering and the correct for ’74, absence of fake rubber overriders.
I thought the same thing until I looked at all of the photos. There is one picture where you can see the rear bumper seam.
The seller added that it is the #’s matching engine. I question the claimed 33k miles, someone put a chrome dress-up kit, aftermarket intake and flex fan on it for some reason. Also the A/C compressor has been repainted and doesn’t have a belt on it, doubt it works. I’m thinking a very-well-cared-for 133k miles. $11,600 with 2 days to go.
Current bid is at $11,600.00. Too rich for my blood. Even if I was, at first, interested, I would not bid on this particular ca as it has T-tops, a well-known source of leaking. No matter how many times it is repaired, the pleasure only lasts so long…just like a house…sooner or later…
$14,750. Another nice ‘Vette someone picked up for the price of a used Camry!