The C3 Corvette has always been a fascinating member of the classic car world. Early examples have consistently performed well in the market, but those produced after the “chrome bumper” era have often struggled. However, times have changed, and it is common to see these later cars command respectable prices. This 1974 Corvette Convertible could be one of those cars. It has a few minor cosmetic needs, leaving a new owner to choose between restoration and preservation. Its greatest strength could be the mechanical specifications, with this beauty featuring the desirable L-82 version of the company’s 350ci V8. The ‘Vette is listed here on Craigslist in Cave Creek, Arizona. It could be yours for $27,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising classic.
The C3 Corvette evolved from its release in 1968, but the most notable cosmetic modifications occurred in 1973 and 1974. The chrome front bumper disappeared in 1973, with the rear following suit a year later. These changes were required to meet government regulations and added significantly to the vehicle’s weight. Our feature car rolled off the line in the latter year, with its first owner ordering it in Corvette Medium Blue. The seller admits it isn’t perfect, with a selection of chips and marks. However, the paint retains a deep shine, meaning preservation is viable. It features a new rear bumper, but the buyer faces fitting it correctly and applying a fresh coat of Blue so it matches the exterior. I can’t see anything suggesting rust issues, and nothing is mentioned in the listing. The White soft-top is in good order, and there are no visible problems with the glass of Rally wheels.
This Corvette’s interior won’t win its new owner any show trophies, but it is serviceable. The upholstered surfaces and carpet are free from rips, but they have a generally tired appearance. They may present better with a deep clean, which would be my first port of call. The console is worn and marked, but the dash and pad are okay. An aftermarket radio/cassette player occupies the spot typically reserved for the factory unit, but that appears to be the only modification. The original owner selected some desirable factory options, with this interior featuring air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel.
Those of us who lived through the 1970s can confirm it was a generally miserable era automotively. Emission regulations throttled high-performance engines, with many capable of doing little more than convert fuel into noise. However, there were options that provided some relief, and this Corvette demonstrates that. Its engine bay houses a 350ci V8, with the original owner ticking the box and spending an additional $299.00 on the L-82 variant. While the entry-level L48 version of the small-block produced 195hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, the L-82 generated 250hp and 285 ft/lbs. That is what hides under the hood of this Convertible. The original owner teamed this numbers-matching V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, adding power assistance for the steering and brakes. Dwindling engine power impacted outright performance, but this car’s ¼-mile ET of 15.2 seconds was deemed acceptable at the time. The seller indicates the Corvette sees little use, and while they quote an odometer reading of 69,000 original miles, they don’t mention verifying evidence. The engine starts effortlessly, but the brakes require bleeding before the car can be considered roadworthy. Achieving that state could be an excellent short-term goal and shouldn’t cost a fortune.
This 1974 Corvette Convertible shows promise as a restoration or preservation candidate, with either path valid. Lifting its presentation without spending a fortune should be possible while returning it to active service shouldn’t involve much cost or effort. The price is justified if everything the seller claims about this classic can be confirmed via documentary evidence. Asking those questions seems the logical first step. If you did and the response was positive, would you consider pursuing it further?
I cannot comprehend why you would leave any impediment to a sale (like brake work) undone when putting a car up for sale. I want to make it as easy as possible for the next owner to say “Yes” and the most effective way to do that is eliminate any reason to say “No.” and enable them to drive it away with alacrity and a half a tank of gas.
I always sell vehicles with a full tank of gas and usually with a fresh oil change.
I wouldn’t pay even half of the asking price for this car.
I suppose painting some new paint on most of the body panels is all this seller thinks he should do?
You can tell by looking at the rest of the car just how ragged out it was before someone sprayed some budget paint on it? Typically Craigslist stuff!
I personally wouldn’t want it even if it was completed like it should be.
There are better choices if you want an older Corvette.
Just my oponion!
Exactly! The only thing good about this is it’s not a 75 and up.
But unfortunately it’s not better than a seventy three and under.
Agree on prior comments on selling a non working car for high dollars.
Brakes, non painted bumpers,
Headlights likely stuck upwards as non working.
This is a 15K car as it stands at best now.
I have built two vert 74 vettes and each were nice restored drivers with everything working and nice new paint.
Asking price is way too high in the current condition. Get realistic if you want to sell the car.
Best GM engine of this Era. I have a 73 4 speed coupe. The L82 looks almost identical to the 190 hp L48 except the rocker covers. The biggest external difference is the balancer. This 74 would be a great driver. The smog pump is missing. Mine is as well. Price is reasonable, but I’m partial to Corvettes.
The brakes need bleeding? It probably needs calipers, a common problem with 65-82 Corvettes, especially those that sit undriven for any length of time. Another common problem with 73-75 Corvettes is the urethane bumper covers cracking and falling apart, which is why the car comes with a replacement fiberglass cover. I think I would have fitted it to the car before selling it though? It’s missing the ignition shielding and the A.I.R. (emissions) pump, neither of which are a big deal. It appears that someone has replaced the door panels with a pair of 69 panels and the seats don’t look like they are the original “Comfortweave” style.
When I got engaged in 79, I bought my (future) wife a 37,000 mile white 74 L-82 4 speed coupe. It would run consistent 14.6’s-14.8’s with the only modifications being the removal of the A.I.R. system and adjusting the timing.
Overall this doesn’t look like a bad car, but the asking price seems pretty optimistic to me.
I have been the owner of 5 corvettes in my life. One was a new 74 coupe l82, my car was a lemon . So many things wrong with it just talking about it makes me mad.most things were wiring. I was driving at 75 miles an hour and car died.wiring plug came out at firewall. Dealer replaced netural cutout switch three times, radio shorted out almost had a fire, i pulled wires out of radio with my bare hands.Headlights were dim from first day, never fixed right. They were still not right when dealer took back car and refunded my money. I have a 67 coupe now and never had a wiring problem in thirty four years.
Why isn’t there the L 82 emblems on the hood???
The VIN has a ” T ” , that designates an L82 , so at least when it left St Louis it was an L82 , so after so many years who knows what it is unless there’s a visiable block stamp or a tank sticker for verification . I’d be wary of just the need for a brake bleeding , too many times it leads to caliper replacement and or master cylinder replacement unless you cannot rebuild them yourself . I have a feeling it is what the seller says it is but I would need to see proof before any money was given. It looks like it could be an enjoyable cruiser, Nice car tho. Why don’t I get a notification on comments ?
While the L-82 was introduced in 73, 1975 was the first year Chevrolet put “L-82” emblems on the hood. 75-79 L-82’s got hood emblems, on 80’s they were relocated to the front fenders. I don’t why the 73-74 L-82 didn’t get hood emblems but I suspect it had something to do with the 454 being the biggest optional engine offered in 73-74, and it came with “454” hood emblems.
how many 4 speed converibles made
1973 was the last production year for the corvette convertible. Correct me if I’m wrong.
No, 1975 was.
Too much money for what’s there, especially needing a complete brake overhaul.
I stand corrected 1975
Despite being an L-82 and a convertible, for 27 thousand this Stingray should be in better shape.
I always hated the crease in the middle of the ’74 rear bumper and wasn’t surprised when Chevy changed it to one piece in 1975.
What happen to the back of the car it looks like it was modified 27.000 is way to much for that year.
Unfortunately this car will not meet it’s reserve. Then he’ll try offering a lower reserve. About 15k lower with everything that needs to be done. You can get a low mileage turn key example that needs nothing for 15k all day every day. Good luck to the seller next time just be realistic.
This car is beat up. Way over priced. Needs too much work for a 15,000 pricetag. Needs re- listed at a down to earth price. Fix the brakes.
This car is beat up. Way overpriced. Needs too much work for a 15,000 pricetag. Re-list at a down to earth price. Fix the brakes.
She’s pretty tired … not the most desirable year.
Asking perfect car,low mileage money for this one with needs. I don’t think owner will get close to their price with the car in this state.