1974 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 400 from North America

Faults:

Typical issues from lightly driven older Corvettes.

In Corvette Shop during last remainder of winter, performed some of the following to date... mostly upgrading and going through mechanicals to be safer.

New stainless brake system and lines.

Urethane bushings.

Flushed all fluids - switched to synthetic oil.

New tie rods; previous owner.

Rear fiberglass rear leaf; previous owner.

HEI; previous owner.

New radiator; previous owner.

400 Decked motor Edelbrock High Rise and Carb 350 HP+; previous owner.

Long tube headers; previous owner.

Rebuilt 4 speed shifter moved up a notch to short throw shifter retain stock appearance.

New aluminum fan.

New convertible latches.

Recent interior previous owner.

New sound system with CD stock opening and no cutting anywhere; sounds great even with the top down.

General Comments:

This is the 3rd Corvette I have owned, and my second C3. I also currently own a C5 Convertible Automatic, which is stock except for stainless Magnaflow, new intake.

Owning convertibles, you get hooked and most of the time my cars have them down. I initially searched and drove a lot many nights and weekends looking for a decent chrome bumper car very solid (C3) convertible with 4 speed and with a good frame. I wanted a manual car as I currently have an automatic and another earlier Corvette convertible. Finding T Top cars is easier to locate with manuals, but not convertibles in my area. I looked at quite a few cars 69-72, and then ran across a 74 dark brown (still in original paint) urethane bumper convertible. These are quite low production as nearly all were T Tops and automatics.

I also wanted a C3 Vette with over 300 HP and stock motor was removed prior. My C5 has a lot of power and it's hard going to a low HP car. The 2 cars are totally different, and my suspension on the C3 is now vastly improved as well. The 74 has been taken out and it is quite fast.

Exterior looks stock, but the motor gives it away. I was looking for something a bit different from being in many Corvette shows with my C5. I am looking forward to getting this one out soon when the weather breaks. These cars really need to be kept in a garage, and having 2 convertibles really looks cool together. The C5 is a really great car with virtually no issues. It is going to be hard this summer to pick which one I want to take out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2010

1974 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 454 7.4L from North America

Summary:

Amazing corvettes are America's true sports car

Faults:

The battery needed changed, but the car had not been driven for 4 years prior to me owning it. RPM gauge doesn't work. The trip meter doesn't work and neither does that gas gauge. Hard to tell when I need gas, but ill learn.

General Comments:

I am a 15 year old w/o parent help I got the 74 a month before my birthday. Right now it is a little too much for me to handle because the handling isn't the greatest. It is amazingly fast for weighing close to 3,300lbs. It's an auto. I am going to repaint it this summer to a dark blue right now it is burgundy. The car will hopefully serve me well through my life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th February, 2006

8th Feb 2006, 13:38

Let's see, your 15, and you had a dodge avenger before this car? I'd like to ask why in the ___ they let their kid have a corvette with a 454 engine as a first car? Will you pay insurance on it?

And just another question:

Why buy a sports car like a corvette with an auto tranny. That's really no fun.

8th Feb 2006, 19:31

I had a loaded 1975 many years ago with the 350 small block as my first Vette. It was more of a cruiser until I had a shift kit added in the automatic. It was a nice commuter car except in the winter and anyone in my family could drive it. The automatic was also less abused than if it had been a stick. It must have left a lasting impression on my eldest son growing up as he now drives a 2000 Viper RT/10 with a 6 speed.