One Owner Show Car: 1974 Chevrolet Corvette

There are many words we could use to describe this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette, and subtle isn’t one of them. It is a classic designed to draw attention, not blend into the background. The Corvette is a one-owner vehicle that has served effectively as a show car for years. Its paint is stunning, and the upgraded V8 promises exhilarating performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this unique vehicle listed here at Hemmings in Shelby Township, Michigan. The seller set their price for the Corvette at $34,995.

John Greenwood was a racing driver and entrepreneur who made three starts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans aboard a Chevrolet Corvette. The Daytona 24-hour and the Sebring 12-Hour were also on his radar, and the interest his Corvettes generated motivated him to produce a range of body kits, designed to enhance the car’s looks. This 1974 Corvette features his company’s Wide Body Kit, which the owner fitted in the 1970s. To describe it as distinctive is an understatement, but it blends quite effectively into the standard Chevrolet fiberglass. The panel gaps are consistent, a sign that the installer focused on fine details. This one-owner classic received a fresh coat of Silver paint approximately three years ago, which the seller describes as show-quality. This is unsurprising because this one-owner vehicle has spent its life touring the show circuit. There are a couple of tiny blemishes, but nothing that would prevent it from taking its rightful place in any display. There is no evidence of rust, and the seller states that the deal includes the storage bags for the roof panels. Rounding out the exterior is a set of enormous wheels and tires that effectively fill the wheel arches, adding to the Corvette’s purposeful appearance.

This Corvette left the line with an entry-level 350ci V8 under the hood, producing 195hp. It meant that this classic wasn’t exactly a fireball, so the owner sought to rectify that. The original 350 is a distant memory, with this classic’s engine bay housing a GM Performance ZZ502 Crate Motor. As the name suggests, this 502ci V8 produces 502hp, which feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. The owner wisely added an aluminum radiator and twin electric cooling fans to protect their investment. A 250% power increase is guaranteed to be felt under the right foot, providing the buyer with a mind-blowing driving experience. The seller confirms that the motor has only clocked around 500 miles, and I don’t doubt the seller’s claim that the V8 sounds awesome, exhaling through headers and a dual stainless exhaust. Potential buyers can consider the ‘Vette a turnkey proposition.

This classic’s interior is as impressive as the exterior, continuing the color theme set by the paint. The Silver leather looks excellent, with no wear or other issues. The carpet is surprisingly clean, considering its pale color. The dash is spotless, and the faux woodgrain adds a classy touch. Supplementing the tilt/telescopic wheel and the power windows is a retro-style stereo for tunes on the move. The overall appearance is comfortably acceptable if the new owner decides to continue the Corvette’s show career.

When I spotted this 1974 Corvette, I was certain that it would divide opinions. Some readers will view it as bold and purposeful, but others will consider it to be distinctly unattractive. Diverse tastes and a willingness to state an opinion are what make the classic scene so interesting, and I expect this Corvette to spark plenty of discussion. However, it will be fascinating to learn whether one of our Barn Finds readers likes this unique show car enough to pursue it further. So, it’s over to you.