1974 Chevrolet Corvette 454 Convertible Four-Speed
Description
The popularity of America’s Sports Car, the Chevrolet Corvette, exploded during the 1970s, thanks to the Corvette’s combination of sleek styling, V8 power, and handling prowess. Even with the U.S. auto industry reeling from the gas crunch in 1974, Corvette sales rose to 37,502 units (from 30,464), only 5,474 of which were convertibles.
Soft color-keyed urethane bumpers were now fitted front and back, and the rear bumper was made in two parts, split vertically — all future bumpers would be one-piece. Performance remained modest; the base 350 cu-in V8 generated 195 horsepower, but options included the 270-hp 454 cu-in big-block, which was built for smooth power, not all-out performance. Automatic transmission, power windows, air conditioning, power steering, and tilt/telescopic steering column were fitted to the majority of 1974 Chevrolet Corvettes, although it would be final year for the 454, catalytic converters, and true dual exhausts, and the second-to-the-last year for the convertible option until 1985.
Chevrolet’s 1974 sale brochure called the updated Corvette a car “for anyone who truly loves the road and where it goes ... A car that combines the road holding and handling qualities of a true sports car with the grace and refinement of a personal luxury car.”
Highlights
Finished in Corvette Medium Blue (922) paint with White convertible top over silver interior
Leather seat trim, woodgrain accents and carpet trim on door panels, woodgrain accents on the console, and cut pile carpeting
Powered by an LS4 454 cu-in V8 engine rated at 270 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque
Four-speed manual transmission
Goodyear Eagle GT II P225/70R15 tires
Recently underwent a touch up and polishing at CB Restorations ($3,737.24)
The chassis number (1Z67Z4S428964) decodes as:
1 – Chevrolet
Z – Corvette
67 – Two-door convertible
Z – LS4 454 cu-in, 270 hp V8 engine
4 – 1974 model year
S – St. Louis assembly plant
428964 – Sequential production number
Features
Power steering, windows, and brakes
Air conditioning
Leather-wrapped, tilt steering wheel
160 mph speedometer/odometer and 7000 rpm tachometer
Center-mounted fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure, and battery gauges, and analog clock
AM/FM pushbutton radio
Known Imperfections
Leather upholstery is cracked on seats and center console and is discolored on the edges of the seats
Scuff marks on center console
Scuffs on door sills and door sill trim
A/C unit runs, but you can hear the clutch clicking (needs freon or modern equivalent)
Included
Removable hardtop (in Corvette Medium Blue paint)
Spare tire
Jack
Original purchase invoice with warranty card
Original owner’s manual
Original sales brochure
1974 specifications manual
Full owner’s history since new with mileage noted
Ownership History
The consignor of this 1974 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is offering it through the trust of its longtime owner, who purchased the car in 2011.
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.
Contact: Hunter Harris Phone: 772.925.9304 email: hharris@hagerty.com
