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.
I like it. Period.
The front is way better than the back.
Now kids, that’s a true widebody.
I used to think my ex wife was a widebody
This is a true relic from the ‘70s but nicely updated with big modern power and new cosmetics. I like the vintage Vector wheels that fill the fenders and I agree the back end is a little much. I liked the movable spoiler used on Greenwood’s race car better. I’ll take this for $35k over some Camaro or chevelle small block driving project car any day. Just add side pipes to let that 502 roar.
One more thing, add side exhaust and let that 502 roar.
I like “day 2” cars, if they retain that period look, regardless of how gaudy. This car doesn’t, it’s been updated with more modern components. Multiple eras generally don’t mix well, it tends to dilutes every aspect of the car. Unfortunately that’s what’s happening here, it also doesn’t help the that the dealer has market it up above the price typical C3’s.
Steve R
It’s a looker, and will definitely turn heads. Kinda wonder how many man hours it took. Nice find.
8-year-old me approves the styling.
You remember that, um, “creation” a while back? I wonder if this is what they were going for. In a stark contrast, someone here knew what they were doing. Very sharp.
Always liked the IMSA Greenwood kits. Agreed this should have sidepipes just to throw it over the top. Get rid of the stupid driving lights up front and add smoked headlight covers (or better yet, add the pod style for the true IMSA look). Hefty asking price for a polarizing car though.
The worst feature of the 74 was the 2-part rear cover. The fasteners that held to two halves together were way too small, and after about ten years were prone to snapping off. We replaced them with slightly bigger stainless hardware. I think someone finally came out with a 1-piece rear cover. Surprisingly, this one doesn’t have one.
I really enjoyed reading the positive comments about this car. I can only add more positive notes, I really like the lines on this Greenwood kit, they flow very well. I also vote for side exhaust as well, and maybe a 6 speed manual trans. One loving owner? Fresh Paint? Fresh 502? $35? You can’t build this car for twice that money.
It really reminds me of the model kits I built as a kid. Being 50 the models I liked were the Corvette like this, the Trans Am widebody with the whale tail spoiler, and the 79 Camaro street machine. Needs some color to break up the silver and side pipes, otherwise, perfect, even with the auto.
This Corvette is ugly enough to scare a starving grizzly away from a salmon
Great comment!
I 100% Hate It. But I wonder if you bought it and kept. would it at some point be very collectible. Then at that point you would sell it for a BUTT load of cash and become the ultimate Flipper Guru. I know I am dreaming.
None of it is pretty, but the rear 3/4 view is truly grotesque.
Nice clean car, butt the rear end looks like one of those baboons that has a protruding red butt. Rest of it looks O.K.
Words to describe it? Abomination comes to mind…poor Corvette. 502 would rock though!
This car has brought the best in polarized comments!
I like it overall, I’m reminded of a Maco shark for some reason. I agree with the need for side pipes and the rear is atrocious imo. The sides should go all the way back and line up with the bumper and be angled to match or just redo the entire original back end. As it is the lines are all wrong and that would change things dramatically.
Jokes here compare with Yugo one’s!