The demand for Chevy’s Corvette increased every year in the mid-1970s despite the movement toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars as a result of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. For example, production increased from 27,000 in 1972 to 30,500 in 1973 and then to 37,500 in 1974. Perhaps that’s because the Corvette had begun a transformation from muscle to touring sports car, appealing to a wider audience. This 1974 edition is said to have been idle since 1999, its engine is out of the car, and the transmission is MIA. The ‘Vette is in Fontana, California, and available here on craigslist for $9,000.

1973-74 Corvettes are distinguishable from predecessors to a lack of chrome front bumpers. With Federally mandated 5 mph bumper requirements, a urethane-covered snout became the order of the day. For 1974, models had the same thing happen to the rear of the Corvettes. Engine choices had narrowed to 350 and 454 cubic inch V8, small block vs. big block, depending on your choice. The seller says this ‘Vette had a 350 and it may be lurking around the garage someplace, but no photos of it are provided nor is there any reference to its condition. Whatever transmission this Corvette had is long gone.

This car wears a color that the seller calls “Lamborghini Orange” which we suppose differs from “Corvette Orange” a stock color. The car sits atop a set of “old school” Western Wheels which look good on this Chevy. We don’t know the condition of the interior or what attention the car needs from sitting 23 years other than the drivetrain. If this car needs nothing more than propulsion, it might serve as a decent foundation to work from, but the seller doesn’t build a convincing case.