Vehicle Description
Awesome 1974 Corvette in great colors. Numbers on L82 engine and
transmission match VIN. Recent paint in original Mille Miglia Red
with newer interior. New top. Runs and drives very well. An
affordable red Corvette convertible?what could be better for
summertime fun?Mid-70s Corvettes are coming on strong as values of
their older siblings skyrocket, making this a great time to get
into this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. 1974 was the first
year for the urethane bumpers front and rear, giving the car a
cohesive look that many find quite appealing. And thanks to a
recent repaint in the original code 76 Mille Miglia Red, it looks
spectacular. Finish quality is excellent, with a deep shine that is
worlds better than whatever GM was doing in 1974 and we can find no
evidence of previous accident damage or fiberglass repairs
underneath?this sucker is straight! It's a deep, rich red, not
orangey, and suits the swoopy Corvette shape rather well. Even gaps
all around suggest they took their time to get it right. Chrome
bumpers were gone, but that doesn't mean there's no brightwork, as
the optional luggage rack, anodized rocker panels, and stainless
windshield surround add some contrast. Correct 'Stingray' emblems
were installed as needed and yes, the headlights pop up with vigor
and don't show any of the usual cracks around their openings. It's
worth noting that 1974 was the only year for the 2-piece rear
bumper, so that split down the middle is 100% correct, no worries
there. From any angle, this Corvette looks the part of America's
favorite 2-seater.The black interior was restored along with the
bodywork, featuring new seat covers, fresh carpets, and restored
door panels. The woodgrained appliques are bright and crisp and it
appears that most of the weather seals were replaced. It appears
that the three-spoke steering wheel is original, as are the gauges,
and we believe the mileage shown on the odometer is an accurate
reading. All the gauges work except the clock, and the original
AM/FM stereo radio sounds good. There's also an aftermarket power
antenna that uses a pair of toggle switches under the dash. Notable
other options include a tilt/telescope steering column, factory A/C
(still R12 so we are unable to charge it to verify operation), and
an unusual rear window defogger that still works. That's kind of
cool. Overhead there's a recent black convertible top with a clear
rear window, and with a little practice it stows in seconds under
the rear deck. There's also a bit of storage space behind the seats
for a weekend trip.The engine is a 350 cubic inch L82 V8 which
carries a stamping pad that matches the car's VIN. It also has a
correct CLD suffix code, which is a 1974 L82 for an automatic
transmission. The L82 was the top small block in 1974 and while it
isn't a smoking big block, it delivers a wonderful punch of low-end
torque and should be durable enough to outlast us all. It's nicely
refinished in correct Chevy Orange engine enamel with finned valve
covers, and even the chrome ignition shields are still in place.
There's evidence of recent work, including fresh belts and hoses, a
big new aluminum radiator up front, and a recent master cylinder.
It starts easily, idles nice, and makes the kind of V8 engine
noises that are part of why owning a Corvette convertible is so
awesome. Corvettes with automatic transmissions all used the TH400
3-speed unit that's probably the best, most durable automatic ever
created, and this one also carries a stamping that matches the VIN.
The undercarriage is quite clean with no signs of accident damage
or corrosion issues in the usual areas ahead of the rear wheels or
in the birdcage area. There's more recent equipment underneath,
including the power steering unit and shocks, so it drives rather
well. The only possible issue is a small hole in the battery box
area where a battery may have leaked at some point in the past, but
it isn't critical to the car's health. There's a full-sized spare
stowed underneath, and it sits on correct Rally wheels and
225/70/15 performance radials.Documentation includes a factory
owner's manual.These Corvettes are reliable, easy to maintain, and
a lot of fun to own. You'll be the center of attention every time
you stop for gas and everyone respects Chevy's plastic fantastic.
With a lot of recent work, a great pedigree, and a wonderful look,
this Corvette convertible is a great choice for summertime fun.
Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal
or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior
to purchase.
