1974 4 spd w/454 value Q:

[NewVetter]

Hi guys,
In general, is a very good cond. 1974 bb 454 with 4 spd considered a rare car? Any guess as to the going value of one? I know about cars but am I'm new to the Vette scene and still looking around at them. I saw the 454 of 1974 being the last yr of the big block and wondered if it is a wise investment choice for a vette. Seems like it would be but I would greatly appreciate all of your thoughts, Best regards, Newvetter

 

[BarryK]

in '74 total production was 40,606 cars.

The 454 motor was in 3,494 of them
the 4-sp tranny was also in 3,494 of them

of the '74's the BB cars will most likely appreciate in value more than the SB cars, but I think the '74 and up rubber bumper vettes are never going to see the high resale prices of the older cars like C1/C2 cars. The earlier chrome bumber C3's are rapidly climbing in value but at the later years hit, especially in the rubber bumper cars the HP was dropping because of all the emission crap required on them plus production numbers were typically going up so they aren't as rare of a car.

If you like a '74 and found a good deal on a particular '74 BB 4-sp than buy it if you like it but I wouldn't recommend purchasing any car as an "investment".
Between maintainance, insurance, wear and tear from driving it, gas, etc it's hard to make money on a car unless it's maybe a very rare or special car such as an L88, L89, ZL1, an older fuelie, etc.

Buy a car because you like it, not because you want an investment - that what stocks, bonds, CD's, etc are for

 

[NewVetter]

BarryK, Thanks for the great info. Much appreciated, regards Nwevetter

 

[Tom73]

in '74 total production was 40,606 cars.

The 454 motor was in 3,494 of them
the 4-sp tranny was also in 3,494 of them

454 was in 3,494 but
4-speed was in 12,359
Of the 12,359 the close ratio 4-speed was in 3,494.

Total production was 37,502.

tom...

 

[jdp6000]

Other things to consider are the options. The more the better. AC for starters.

Whether its worth it or not depends on the price. If its far less then a pre 1972 big block its probably a good deal. If its close to a pre 72 BB in price you are better off paying a little more and getting a 72 or older.

Jim

 

[BarryK]

454 was in 3,494 but
4-speed was in 12,359
Of the 12,359 the close ratio 4-speed was in 3,494.

Total production was 37,502.

tom...

I stand corrected. I got the info off the tech center pages here on CAC but they may have been incorrect

 

[en2burrell]

Didn't you mean to say "pre 1973 BB" (instead of "pre 1972 BB")?

en2burrell

Other things to consider are the options. The more the better. AC for starters.

Whether its worth it or not depends on the price. If its far less then a pre 1972 big block its probably a good deal. If its close to a pre 72 BB in price you are better off paying a little more and getting a 72 or older.

Jim

 

[jdp6000]

1972 and older. Crome bumper front and back.

Jim