1974 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

You already know we love Corvettes, and there's really no such thing as a bad one. Good ones are still out there, and this tidy 1974 example is just more proof that you can get a lot of plastic fantastic for not a lot of cash.

OK, so white isn't exactly the most exciting color offered in '74, so that's why it received a repaint a few years ago in bright yellow. If you're going to have a vintage 'Vette, why not go with something that really attracts attention, right? It's been driven and enjoyed, so don't expect a show-winner at this price, but nobody will argue with the look and a lot of folks will definitely admire this car as it rumbles down the street. It's pretty close to Daytona Yellow, so it's quite appropriate and only an expert will know that there's been a color change, since it was quite thoroughly done. The front and rear bumper caps fit flush and don't show any major cracks from flexing or age and experts will note that this car has a one-piece bumper, replacing the trouble-prone split bumper that was unique to the '74s. Correct emblems and Stingray script were fitted, just in case onlookers can't recognize the shape (yeah, right) and the lenses are in great shape all around.

The Saddle leather interior is a combination of original and replacement parts and it remains in great condition overall. Tan is a nice, low-key complement to the vivid yellow paint and gives the car a classic look that's a little different from the usual black. The seat covers, door panels, carpets, and dash pad are all in excellent condition, and like many 'Vettes of the period, it's loaded with options including power windows, a tilt/telescope steering column, and cold A/C. A newer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit has been installed in the center stack, right below the auxiliary gauges, and it powers a set of seriously big speakers in the rear storage area. Oh, and check it out: it's a 4-speed! Pull the T-tops, put on your favorite music, and hit the road, because that's what a Corvette is born to do.

The engine is the original matching numbers 350 cubic inch V8 rated at 195HP and it's been freshened with some bright yellow paint on the block, intake, and some accessories, and it shows good attention to detail throughout. The big open-element air cleaner dominates the engine compartment, but underneath is a burbling small block that's still a joy to blast through the gears and pulls hard at any speed. It's backed by the aforementioned 4-speed manual transmission and the original rear end, so it's an effortless high-speed cruiser that's also content to idle in rush-hour traffic if necessary. Nicely finished ram's horn exhaust manifolds feed a dual exhaust system with aftermarket mufflers, so it definitely has an edge to it, and the undercarriage is tidy and shows off years of being carefully maintained. The goal was to make it a reliable driver, and thanks to conscientious maintenance, that mission was certainly accomplished. It also carries factory Rally wheels and big 235/60/15 performance radials.

It won't make you rich, but I challenge you to find more grin-inducing V8 fun for less money than this Corvette. Complete with service records and a bargain price, this is a great place to get started in the Corvette hobby. Call today!