This 1974 Chevrolet Corvette hides its light under a bushel. It is an extremely tidy vehicle that could comfortably be described as a turnkey driver. However, upgrades made to its numbers-matching 350ci V8 should unlock a considerable power increase, recalling the badge’s glory days. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty listed here on Craigslist in Springfield, Virginia. The seller set their price at $30,000 for a classic that appears to need nothing.
The 1974 model year was a significant one for the C3 Corvette, with the chrome rear bumper joining the matching front one on the extinct list to comply with legislative requirements. I sometimes feel like a lone voice in the wilderness because, while I am not a huge fan of the one fitted to the front, I quite like the look of the urethane rear unit. The first owner ordered this 1974 example in Dark Brown Metallic, a shade that was very typical of the era. The seller describes the finish as “a good 5-footer,” suggesting that close inspection will probably reveal a few minor cosmetic imperfections. However, it shines nicely, the fiberglass shows no evidence of distress, and there is no mention of existing or previous rust issues in the frame or the birdcage. Overall, this classic makes a positive first impression.
The first owner’s decision to order this Corvette with its interior trimmed in Saddle not only complements the dark exterior paint shade, but gives it a classy look that is guaranteed to draw positive comments. Its spotless presentation is understandable because the seller recently treated it to a complete retrim. There is nothing about this interior that will draw criticism, and the only obvious deviation from factory specifications is the retro-style stereo. It is equipped with a freshly refurbished air conditioning system, and the seller confirms that everything functions as it should, including the clock.
Okay, we’ve reached the point where we can discuss what makes this Corvette special. It features its numbers-matching 350ci V8, and since it is the L48 version, it delivered 195hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque when this car was shiny and new. The ponies were fed to the road via a four-speed Muncie transmission, providing respectable performance by the standards of the day. However, while this Corvette retains its original engine block and four-speed, it has received a long list of upgrades. A better Competition Cam is the starting point, with the engine also sporting an aluminum intake, an Edelbrock carburetor, aluminum cylinder heads, upgraded rockers, and ceramic-coated headers. Improved breathing is a recipe for significant power gains, and that should be the case here. The seller didn’t stop there, refreshing the brakes, the suspension, and a range of other mechanical components. They hold receipts totalling over $18,000, demonstrating that they were serious about making this Corvette a complete package. The buyer will reap the rewards, with this classic running and driving perfectly. It appears that the new owner won’t need to spend a dime beyond the purchase price.
The seller states that this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette turns heads at any Cars & Coffee, and that claim is believable. It isn’t perfect, but with no pressing needs, the engine upgrades seem to guarantee a rewarding driving experience. It also demonstrates why it is worth undertaking detective work before investing money in a classic purchase. I located a previous listing for this car dating back to January 2025. It indicates that this Corvette sold for $14,500. Since it appears to be in the same location, it makes me wonder whether the seller fell foul of a non-paying buyer on that occasion. With the seller’s current price more than twice that figure, do you believe that they are being optimistic?
30 large is a lot of money for a mid70s C3. The 15K price it first sold, or didn’t as the case may be, is more realistic.
We’ll see though.
The condition and the engine work justify a premium price, but not nearly as much as the current ask. My son-in-law bought a ’76 in this color combination a couple of years ago. The brown is not normally a first choice color option but in person it is strikingly attractive. The car gets compliments every time he drives it.
Personally I prefer the ’81-’82 rear bumper cover with the integrated spoiler lip. It’s more aggressive and recalls the iconic shape of the chrome bumper cars.
Hot rod parts on a Corvette like this are a take away rather than an enhancement.
Overpriced for what it is.
I have driven the ’76 L48 of my son-in-law. It’s not fast. I had a ’95 LT1 with 300hp. It was fast and fun. I now drive an ’07 with 400hp. It’s way fun. Many C3 owners of post-’73 cars modify them for more power. It enhances the driving experience. It’s surprising the number of critics there are of people who just want to have more fun with their cars.
Very nice clean corvette and it is a four speed last of the muncies.price is a little high but there have been a lot of parts and labor by a tech put into this car. Sometimes the labor is not Al ways thought of since I am Aaron tech to for three decades.
Pretty car and probably a hoot to drive. That being said, I certainly question the price difference between the January ’25 listing and the Sept. ’25 listing. Did they do the $18,000 worth of upgrades during that time or what? Be that as it may, this thing checks a lot of boxes, but I’m not convinced that it is $30,000 dollars worth of boxes.
At 30K, this is going to be a hard sell. I understand the seller trying to recoup their investment, but they put it into the wrong Corvette. Admitting that it has a 5 foot paint job is not going to get you top dollar. I can’t imagine very many ’74 coupes have sold for this much.
@PRA- This and the 1973 will be tough sells as I think the audience is getting smaller by the year. Too many options in the noted price ranges.
Maybe if it were a drop top. But even then it’ll be a tuff sell.