1974 Chevrolet Corvette

The arrival of the 1974 Chevy Corvette occurred during an abysmal period in automotive history. The period in question actually began in October 1973 when OAPEC, (the Arab members of OPEC) plus Egypt, Syria, and Tunisia proclaimed an oil embargo against the United States. Long lines for gas sprung up nationwide, and the era of the large engine muscle car was coming to an end. Instead of pure power, companies focused on conveniences, and smooth ride, and this year Corvette is exemplary of the times.

For consignment the beneficiary of a performance minded redux and since this time has been driven less than 2,000 miles. The consignor states that a 383ci stroker V8 was installed under 3000 miles ago, some new suspension parts were updated and a color change to a more exciting Copper Orange from the original Classic White.

Exterior
One has to love the design on this curvaceous Corvette. From its sting ray-esque nose, flared fenders, low slung panels, chrome rocker, and rounded off rear this is definitely my favorite Corvette design, right next to the 63 Split window. All this fiberglass is bathed in Copper Orange and it is a respray that presents very well and has just a few minor inclusions. As an added bonus dark orange bordering on red flames have been applied and lick back from the pointed nose and continue down the fenders and toward the back of the hood. We note a later model rear bumper has been installed and has a small integrated rear spoiler. The builder even went so far as to color match the side pipe covers and the look is just fab. Removable roof panels offer up the option of some open-air motoring. 15-inch rally wheels are on as well as raised white letter BF Goodrich rubber.

Interior
A sea of Saddle vinyl buckets, carpet, dash, and door panels, with just a few areas of added woodgrain make up the original interior. Original deeply sunk in round gauges front the steering wheel, center of dash, and even A/C installed in the console controlled by horizontal wheels for temperature…modern! The 3-speed automatic transmission shifter is here as well. A pop of the roof panels and you can experience open air motoring pleasure. A new dash pad is noted as is all new weatherstripping. In back, clean tan carpeting covers the extra storage area behind the seats, a pair of aftermarket speakers are seen. Overall, the interior is very nice and clean even for a lighter color.

Drivetrain
A consignor stated 383ci stroker V8 is in the black painted engine bay. An Edelbrock Performer EPS intake is seen with a 4-barrel carburetor and is topped by a chrome flamed air cleaner. All hoses are supple and soft, plus a new water pump is on. At first glance one would not know they are peering at a much larger cubic inch engine. A non-original TH400 3-speed automatic is bolted on the back and sends power back to a rear axle weighing in at a 3.36 ratio.

Undercarriage
Having the spare tire removed affords us a good view of the rear frame rails. They are solid, rust free and painted black. The condition follows suit throughout the rest of the frame with only minor surface rust showing in a few spots. We note independent coil spring suspension on the front and fully independent rear suspension with a frame anchored differential and transverse leaf springs. All new bushings are noted for the suspension and power steering is also on. Dual exhaust feeds the spent fossils out to the side pipes to create a melodious tune.

Drive-Ability
I never pass up a chance to drive a mid 70's curvy Corvette so I donned my driving gloves and off I went. The car started quickly and the idle was music to my ears. Power was more than adequate thanks to the stroker V8, the transmission shifted smoothly and with new suspension bushings the handling was like a new car. All functions were operating properly at the time of our drive, although on the day of my drive it was a touch chilly to test the A/C but the compressor did come on.

A restification if you will, retaining almost all of its exterior styling and looking just fab the whole time. A great saddle interior with a new dash pad and weather seals make for a comfortable rattle free interior. Add in a rust-free undercarriage and a souped up V8 and you have a package that will not only impress your neighbors but will draw the attention of the local John Q. Law. I know, I know...License and registration....

VIN DECODE
1Z37J4S436763
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
37-Coupe
J-350ci L48 V8 4bbl
4-1974
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
436763-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.