For Sale: 1974 Chevrolet Corvette in Ft Worth, Texas

A lot of guys claim they just want a great-looking Corvette to drive regularly. Well guys, here it is. With a strong 350 cubic inch V8 crate motor, two tops, a killer custom paint job, and a load of creature-comfort options, this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette convertible is made for the road. Buyers shopping for trailer queens and paperwork collectors can go somewhere else, because we're having too much fun putting this sinister beauty through its paces.

If you look at the original paint charts, you'll see that GM didn't have a shade this vibrant for the Corvette in 1974, and we can see why. The '70s hadn't quite yet encapsulated a finish as divine as the Red Metallic paint that adorns this convertible's laser-straight body, but my goodness does this modern shade looks fantastic on the car today. A cross between Burgundy and Mille Miglia Red, it's unique but by no means outrageous, and with that killer Charcoal Black stripe scheme expertly laid down to accompany it, this C3s curb appeal is through the roof. This one is strong driver-grade throughout, and there's no shame in that because once again, this is a Corvette that was built to drive. Get bugs on it, drive it in the rain (not too often though), and generally have some fun behind the wheel, it certainly won't mind. It's still nice enough to happily soak up all the attention you'll give it on a Saturday afternoon, polishing and waxing the sleek bodywork, and unlike many Corvettes of the era, this one fits together very well and all the panels line up right, so it obvious someone was paying attention when it went together. Both the front and rear bumpers are damage-free and match the rest of the car, which is saying a lot if you're familiar with urethan from the 1970s, and the luggage rack out back is a practical choice that's very stylish as well. Those wide stripes on the cowl hood and rear end set the tone for the build, and they match the unique GS-style decals on the fenders, the fender 'gills', and the blacked-out rocker panel trim. The headlight doors work properly, the badges are shiny, the front grilles aren't beat up and bent, and, well, the car looks great without being a parody of itself like so many other C3s.

The code 404 Black leather interior is correct for this particular car, and there's a lot of new stuff in this driver's compartment. Seat covers, carpets, console, door panels, and dash pad all appear to be recent replacements and there's new foam underneath those lightly worn seat covers, so they're supportive and comfortable on long hauls. Other goodies include factory A/C (although it's due for a service), a tilt/telescope steering column, and a retro-sound AM/FM/AUX/BT stereo in the stock location that powers upgraded speakers throughout the cabin. Plush carpets on the ground insulate the cabin, seatbelts keep you safe, and the woodgrain on the ornate door panels really makes things look classy inside. As a convertible, it's especially important that the weather-stripping is tight, and this is one ragtop that's surprisingly devoid of creaks and rattles, suggesting it's lived an easy life. It also includes a black convertible top and a color-matched hardtop that snugs down tight!

Powering this droptop is a 350 cubic inch V8 crate motor under the cowl-induction hood, which decodes to a 260HP rating and sounds like it might have an extra goodie or two inside. There are signs of maintenance and restoration throughout, including some shiny pieces like the chromed alternator, dual master cylinder for the power brake system, Edelbrock valve covers, Corvette fan shroud and distributor cover, and the open element air cleaner up top. Chevy orange paint adds a little contrast to the engine bay, and while it's not show-quality, you won't hesitate to just get out and drive. Long-tube headers feed into a stainless steel dual exhaust system underneath, with shorty chambered mufflers that provide a wonderful soundtrack. Underneath, the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission feeds what's likely the original rear end with 3.08 gears inside, so it's an effortless cruiser and that powerful engine doesn't mind the relatively tall gears. It tracks straight, stops smoothly, and just goes about its business the way you'd expect. Blacked-out Foose wheels make this one stand out from the crowd a little bit and they carry 225/60/17 radials that have plenty of life left in them.

This is a nicely finished and highly optioned 'Vette that moves like a much younger car. There's obviously lots more than the asking price tied up in it, so don't hesitate and call today!