For Sale: 1974 Chevrolet Corvette in Ft Worth, Texas

Inexpensive fun doesn't have to include some off-brand '80s leftover. Instead, you can have this very clean, numbers-matching 1974 Chevrolet Corvette, complete with T-tops, a strong 350 V8, and a quick-shifting 4-speed, all for the price of a used Honda. At this price, why the heck WOULDN'T you put a Corvette in your garage?

No, it's not a show-stopper trailer-queen, but it sure looks good for its age and price range. It was painted a few years ago and the point wasn't to make a show car out of it, but rather to create a fun, fast C3 that could go anywhere without worries and still look darn good while doing it. And at that, they succeeded. Fit and panel alignment are par for the course in the mid-70s Corvette market, but the paint shines up well and looks great hammering down the street. The '74s were the first to use the urethane bumpers front and rear, leading to a very clean, monochromatic look that even Larry Shinoda admits is closer to what the designers had in mind when they first sketched the C3. And to find one this clean and unmolested is no easy feat.

The black interior shows a lot of new pieces, including the seat covers, front carpets, and dash cover, and it's pretty obvious that this car has always been enjoyed with a level of respect. Sure, the original parts that were left show some age, specifically the door panels, gauges, and back storage area behind the seats, but those are relatively simple fixes that can be upgraded over time, or enjoyed as is. After all, this C3 is a nice driver. Closing the door seals this 'Vette up like a tomb, and while the middle console shows a little age as well, it houses what is probably the funnest part of the car: the 4-speed shifter. The factory gauges look decent in the vintage Corvette's interior and other than the tachometer they all work as they should, framed by a factory 3-spoke steering wheel with a leather rim. A newer AM/FM/Cassette stereo in the center stack, and factory A/C make this a Corvette you can drive every day without complaints, and if you're not using the A/C, why not pull off the T-tops and enjoy this Corvette as the General intended? In terms of get-in-and-have-fun, this car needs nothing more than an enthusiastic new owner.

The original, numbers-matching 350 cubic inch V8 L82 is still providing the power and it looks great sitting under the hood with its black dual-snorkeled air cleaner and finned valve covers. No, it's not detailed for show, but you get the things Corvette guys expect, including Chevy Orange paint on the block, "ram's horn" exhaust manifolds feeding a throaty dual exhaust system, and a 4-barrel carburetor up top. It's got great throttle response and low-end torque, making it a lot of fun to drive and this is one hobby car that will always be affordable to own because of the simple hardware. The quick-shifting 4-speed manual was what every drive wanted, even on small block 'Vettes, and it's very tough so you'll never have to worry about hurting it or the rear end out back. Power steering and power 4-wheel discs ensure a great driving experience for all levels of driver. It's quite solid underneath, albeit not restored, and the handsome Rally wheels look awesome with 225/70/15 Goodyear Eagle white-letter radials wrapped around them.

Bargains exist, and this Corvette is proof. Fast and still looking great, you can easily own the icon you never thought you could afford. Call today!