The year is rapidly drawing to a close, so I wanted to focus today’s attention on a vehicle that will be turning 50 years old in January.
The Pick of the Day is a 1974 Chevrolet Corvette coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Dallas, Georgia. (Click the link to view the listing)
“This 1974 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray represents something very unique and desirable,” the listing begins. “This was the only year for the C3 split rear end and the swan song for the big-block, and this coupe was given it all straight from the factory. This 1974 454 Corvette is in excellent overall condition.”
The third-generation Corvette launched with its unmistakable streamlined silhouette in 1968, and it lived for 15 years with incremental design and engineering changes along the way. By the early 1970s, the car had begun to transform from an all-out muscle car to more of a touring vehicle. Along with that, the exterior received a new urethane nose that was designed to withstand 5-mph impacts.
In 1973, the 454cid (7.4-liter) big-block V8 launched, and it was rated at 275 horsepower from the factory. Corvettes with this option were given a cowl-induction hood as well as “454” badging for bragging rights. The 454’s days were numbered, through, as it only lasted for two model years before federal regulations started pushing General Motors toward more efficient vehicles.
Mechanically, this ‘74 is said to be up to date: Recent work was reportedly done involving the power steering system, shock absorbers, Zoom clutch, carburetor, Delco plugs, starter, and air conditioning. While most of the equipment is original to the assembly plant, the four-wheel disc braking system has been upgraded to Wilwood components.
The seller sums up why this car holds collector appeal: “Collectors like the 1974 model because it was the last year for the big-block motor. While less than 10% opted to have the monster V8 installed, this one has the numbers-matching 454-cubic-inch V8 and numbers-matching four-speed manual transmission. But more than just collectability, this Corvette is meant to be driven.”
Happy upcoming 50th birthday to this collector-grade Corvette. If you’re looking for a vehicle that checks all the boxes for an enthusiast, this might be it.
The asking price is $32,995 or best offer for this special C3.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
