Hiya! Looking at a 74?

[Grinningsphinx]

Just wanted to say hiya all! Im not an actual owner of a corvette, but im looking at purchasing at 1974 model year or older. I live in PA and unless i want to run afoul of emmissions tests, this is the age range im looking in. Ive got my eye on an almost completely rebuilt 1974 sans interior and glass. I have the reciepts the guy has spent since 97'. They total over 10500$ all throughout the car so im fairly confident in this car. Does anyone have any advice on the 74s on what i should look out for?? Thanks,

Grinningsphinx.

 

[69MyWay]

Welcome to CAC.

The 74 model year is really cool for a number of reasons. One, it is basically the last year of low/no emissions controls. Two, it is the first year of all rubber bumpers. Three, it is the only year with a factory "split" rear bumper" design. Four, the 74 did not have the little black painted bumper extensions on front and rear so you can spot a 74 from across the highway at 70 mph if you know what to look for.

I had a 74 through highschool and into college with a heated up 350 and four speed trans. Man, that car was a blast!!!!!!!!

Rob has gone to great lengths here to be the ULTIMATE hub of corvette informaiton. Click on the knowledgebase tab above to enter an area that will supply plenty of information for your quest, as well as clicking on the tab for the specs page for the 74 model year.

Good luck!

ps----no matter how much you pay for the car, just keep that to yourself and leave us guessing. What is it worth? It is worth what you are willing to pay. What you would pay might be different than what I would pay, but that is up to you. Have fun with the car and don't let it sit around becaus they go bad when you don't use them!

 

[basilio]

74 corvette

The 1974 Corvette is an excellent choice. It is the last year of the big block, the last year of leaded fuel (no catalytic converter), and true dual exhaust pipes. It was the second to last year of the convertible availability. It is the first year of the Gymkhana suspension option. There were countless improvements made over the 1973 from the transmission, cooling system, power steering etc. Things took a downhill turn with the '75. No factory Corvette had more horsepower than the big block until the ZR-1 of 1990!

The look of the 74 is sublime without the front bumperettes and without all that chrome that can rust. Falconer in his book cites the '74 convertible as a design zenith.

Hemmings named the 74 big block as one the 10 best investment cars! Duntov owned a big block 74 for many years as his personal favorite. Way to go '74!

 

[Pepe Le Pew]

I can't help you much with history of a 1974 but, I will say that it sure looks like an awsome looking vette! :cool
Good Luck. You'll know if it's the right one. You will feel it!

 

[Shark Chief]

Hey Sphinx welcome,
I dont know the emission laws in Pa, but in California anything below year 73 is smog exempt. Just something to think about if your planning to sup up your car with aftermarket parts. Other than that the 74 is a cool car, it all depends on how you feel about the car, and it sounds to me that the previous owner took care of the car.

Louie

 

[Grinningsphinx]

Very good!

Thank you all for the advice. The cars vin title has it optioned with the L82 motor, not the 454 unfortunetly. It has the original 4-speed installed with rebuild and rebuilt clutch. Still, that motor is pretty versatile as far as upgrades go. Ive asked that he check if its the numbers matching engine; Its painted chevy orange so im hopeful. 1975 and up are subject to emissions here, and id rather not deal with them at all. Anything thats over 20 years old can also be titled as "classics" for an additional charge and 4 pictures of the car. This will also get you out of emissions in PA.

74's also seem to be reasonably priced which was another consideration of mine. For my first purchase, ill be financing a majority of the cost and improving the car as i go along. Thanks again,

GS

 

[smurfvet]

When I bought mine, I inspected the car as best I could. I knew the frone end bushings were bad, but the rear was done. Most all the car was original, the original block and other parts were in the car, only some of the shrouding missing on the engine. The interior was obviously original and neded replacement, and nothing except the radio was replaced.

When I sat down to do the math, it was the car I could afford. What I really wanted was a 65 small block 4 sp. convertible- almost had one in 95. The car grew on me. Now I think it's the best!

You should expect to have to replace the front end and rear end bushings, due to age. The original rubber cracks and deforms. I also found the rear spring was losing it. Time for a new one. Steering gear, front suspension parts will be normal maintenence. Luckily all mine were new, or close to it. Last of all, brakes! Mine were sleeved, but still leaking! Just another day in the land of vette brakes.

 

[Alwyn678]

74's are GREAT cars..........I personally love mine and would never sell it. I think that the Verts especially will only continue to appreciate in value in the years to come..... i would say buy it for sure

 

[Wamp]

buying class

Hello

I bought mine two years ago and don't regret one day since then. Just driving it puts me in a good mood. I have meet so many new friends with and without vettes, had so many good times going to ralleys and club stuff, that I went out and bought a newer one for christmas. One thing I was told that makes sense to me is that "buying a new vette, you are purchasing technology and the Corvette name". "When buying an old vette you are purchasing history, like buying a Picaso painting". I love my 1974, I love when it works and runs great and I love when it breaks so I can work on it. It's a sleek car, with sleek style. The younger generations may be into thier rice cars, but everyone loves a Stingray! A 74 will get up there in price sometime, but I will have mine FOREVER....