1974 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

You already know we love Corvettes, and there's really no such thing as a bad one. Good ones are still out there, and this tidy 2-owner 1974 example is just more proof that you can get a lot of plastic fantastic for not a lot of cash.

OK, so white isn't exactly the most exciting color offered in '74, but it was popular and looks classic and elegant on the swoopy C3 bodywork. Besides, we don't all want to act like we're 16, some of us just want a clean old 'Vette that's fun and affordable. White is this car's original color, and it was repainted several years ago so it looks quite good overall. Two owners (they're actually the same family) means that there are no secrets hiding in its past, so the fiberglass is the way the factory made it and fits together better than most folks expect from mid-1970s General Motors. The front and rear bumper caps fit flush and don't show any major cracks from flexing or age and experts will note that this '74 still carries its original split rear bumper, a 1974-only design. Correct emblems and Stingray script were fitted, just in case onlookers can't recognize the shape (yeah, right) and the lenses are in great shape all around.

The tan interior has been completely restored and looks virtually new. Tan is a nice, low-key complement to the white and gives the car a classically understated look which is rare among Corvettes, and it really works well here. The seat covers, door panels, carpets, and dash pad are all in excellent condition, and like many 'Vettes of the period, it's loaded with options including power windows, a tilt/telescope steering column, and A/C. A newer AM/FM/iPod stereo head unit has been installed in the center stack, right below the auxiliary gauges, and it powers a set of seriously big speakers in the rear storage area. This highly optioned Corvette also includes two sets of T-tops, solid white to match the body and smoked glass for a more custom look, and there are correct storage bags and hold-down straps in the trunk.

The engine is the original 350 cubic inch V8 that's been freshened with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, some bright Chevy Orange paint, and good attention to detail throughout the engine bay. The big open-element air cleaner dominates the engine bay, but underneath is a burbling small block that's still a joy to blast through the gears. It's backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and the original rear end, so it's an effortless high-speed cruiser that's also content to idle in rush-hour traffic if necessary. Nicely finished ram's horn exhaust manifolds feed a dual exhaust system with cherry-bomb type mufflers, so it definitely has an edge to it, and the undercarriage is tidy and shows off years of being carefully maintained. The goal was to make it a reliable driver, and thanks to a new gas tank, fresh lines and hoses, and new bushings throughout, that mission was certainly accomplished. It also looks to be carrying fresh shocks and the factory Rally wheels spin 215/75/15 white-letter radials.

It won't make you rich, but I challenge you to find more grin-inducing V8 fun for less money than this Corvette. Call today!