Vehicle Description
The mid-'70s were not the kindest to performance and muscle cars,
but this fact offers the market a few highly collectible and rare
cars as the performance era faded away. For the C3 Corvette, 1974
was the final year without catalytic converters, and it was the end
of an era for the big-block LS4 454 engine with true dual-exhaust.
It was also the last convertible big-block. The big-block
Corvette's significance was not lost on Hot Rod magazine in 1986
when it was the only muscle car produced after 1970 named in its
"10 Most Collectable Muscle Cars" list.
Art & Speed is pleased to offer this rare, numbers-matching 1974
Corvette Stingray Convertible with an LS4 454 and Turbo Hydra-Matic
automatic transmission. With only 3,494 LS4 engines and 5,474
convertibles produced in '74, this appears to be a pretty rare
vehicle with the original owner's options.
Showing only 34,326 miles on the odometer, it is believed to be
accurate. Some features that further push this car into the
ultra-rare category are the auxiliary hardtop, power steering,
power brakes, air-conditioning, AM/FM stereo, power windows, custom
interior trim, tilt-telescoping steering column, dual horns, map
light, FE7 Gymkhana suspension package, optional rear axle ratio,
and the white stripe tires.
This Corvette appears as original and shows to be in terrific shape
with a basecoat/clearcoat repaint of the Classic White finish with
a white convertible top and the matching hardtop. There are no
visible signs of any scratches, cracks, or even rock pecks on the
body. The vacuum-actuated headlights work as they should. It even
wears the correct 1974 rear bumper, as evidenced by the
one-year-only vertical center seam. The factory Rally wheels are in
very good shape wearing the white stripe, steel-belted GR70 tires
(215/70R15).
The 454 appears it has never left the engine bay but presents
nicely. All the accessories are present and working, including the
smog pump, power steering, power disc brakes (front disc, drum
rear), and even the air-conditioning. The engine seems to run near
the advertised torque of 395 lb-ft and 270 horsepower, while the
Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission shifts as it should when
transferring power to the 3.08:1 differential.
Recently updated with a new carpet and replacement O.E. leather
seats, the black custom interior trim package with wood accents is
in great condition. The white vinyl top moves correctly but would
benefit from replacement as it has been stowed for many years and
the plastic window has cracked. The factory steering wheel is in
good condition atop the tilt-telescoping column, which also works
as designed. The power windows go up and down as they should.
For a 46-year-old survivor, this '74 LS4 Corvette convertible
proves to be a rare bird. It is not perfect; there are some minor
flaws, but if you are looking for a collector car that is sure to
rise in value, you can never go wrong with a classic Corvette. To
find a big-block convertible with this many options in a
running-and-driving condition that you can still enjoy on weekend
cruises is like finding a unicorn.
Come by Art & Speed Classic Car Gallery and check this one out! Or
give us a call at 901-850-0507 for more information.
MECHANICAL
454ci (7.4-Liter) V8 (270hp)
Three-Speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic transmission
3.08:1-Ratio Differential
Factory Intake
Factory Exhaust
Power Steering
Power Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum)
Air-Conditioning
CHASSIS
Cooper G70 White-Stripe Tires (215/70R15)
Excellent Condition Chrome Factory Wheels
Solid Rust-Free Frame
Factory FE7 Gymkhana Suspension Package
EXTERIOR
Repainted Original Classic White
Flawless Front and Rear Bumpers
Excellent Glass
Stainless Shows Well
Factory White Soft Top
Matching Classic White Hardtop
INTERIOR
Custom Interior Trim Package With Wood Accents In Excellent
Condition
New Black Leather Bucket Seats
New Black Carpet
Gauges in Clear Working Condition
Factory Tilt-Telescoping Column and Steering Wheel
Factory AM/FM Stereo
Factory Map Light
Factory Seat Belts
Power Windows