Vehicle Description
The mid-'70s were not the kindest to performance and muscle cars.
The federal government pushed for smog reduction and extra safety
measures from the Big Three. In 1973, with the introduction of the
third-generation (C3) Corvette, Chevrolet took the opportunity to
begin its transformation into a touring sports car. By 1974, the
necessary modifications were evident from the swoopier lines to
accommodate the front and rear urethane bumper covers.
Unfortunately, the sports car transformation also signaled the swan
song for some muscle car attributes. 1974 was the final year
without catalytic converters, and it was the end of an era for the
big-block LS4 454 engine and the true dual-exhaust system. 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.
Today, Art & Speed is happy to present 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 to be in stock condition 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 and shows
in good condition. 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!
