Chevrolet's Corvette: Often called "America's Only True Sports Car," it has captured the hearts and minds of millions of enthusiasts since 1953.
Mouse Over the Photos to Enlarge.
The third generation ("C3") Corvette's body with its long, sweeping front fenders has curves in all the right places. No Corvette since the C3 can boast of such an iconic and sexy design. The convertible verson arguably is the best-looking one of the bunch.
One of just 5,474 open-topped 'Vettes manufactured for 1974, VIN *1Z67J4S418410* is a numbers-matching, low-mileage, 2-owner Southwestern car. Its list of optional equipment is quite long. The 'vert was ordered with power brakes, power steering, power windows, and Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, to name a few of the accoutrements. There's also a set of owner-installed, very attractive and functional side pipes.
Its dazzling original color, Dark Green Metallic -- factory code #948 -- still graces the car. 'Glass body is smooth and straight, and there are no boo-boos to note. The correct 8" x 15" Rally wheels -- featuring proper BFG raised white letter radials -- look stunning.
Off-white (Factory parlance: "Neutral") convertible soft top looks virtually new. When lowered, it disappears underneath a flush fiberglass tonneau cover.
Corvette's finish presents excellent throughout, with no bubbling, paint crazing, stress cracks or other maladies to report. Paint is very smooth and glossy. Brightwork and weatherstripping are 100% complete and in very good to excellent condition throughout.
The good news continues under the cowl induction hood.
Very fitting for a true-blue American icon, the classic 'Vette comes factory-equipped with a stout 350 cu.in. V8 engine. This is the L48 version, here good for 200-plus horses.
The '74 was the last Corvette without a catalytic converter, featuring a true dual exhaust and making possible the installation of side pipes. The car runs excellent on 91 octane unleaded fuel.
Apart from a set of HOOKER exhaust headers, engine bay looks bone stock and toothbrush clean.
Engine number incorporates part of the car's VIN. Check out the picture above -- you're looking at the original stampings throughout. Yep, it's a 100% numbers matching Corvette!
Corvette's classic cockpit looks very exciting, indeed. The "Neutral" interior presents itself original and "as delivered."
There are no cracks or splits in the dash.
All lights, switches and gauges -- apart from the clock -- work as intended, including the heater. 34,904 miles are indicated as "actual mileage" on the title, current mileage is a mere 35,306.
Center console houses auxiliary instruments, original-appearing but updated "Corvette" AM/FM stereo, shifter for the TH400, Astro Ventilation as well as power window controls.
Comfortweave upholstery of bucket seats appears close to new. Carpets feature neat protective mats sporting the "Stingray" moniker.
Driver's seat up close.
Area behind the seats is nicely finished as well. Below the lids reside battery and tire jack. Note convertible top storage compartment.
Well-hidden auxiliary stereo speakers.
First to feature the rear soft bumper system, one can spot a '74 by its vertical seam.
Untouched undercarriage is of reference quality. This fine 'Vette has never been exposed to inclement weather and remains free of corrosion or accident damage of any kind.
Pristine floors of a lifelong Southwestern car. There are no annoying fluid leaks to bemoan.
Friday, January 10th was another sunny mid-winter day here in beautiful San Buenaventura and we were excited to take the 'Vette out for a test drive.
Stingray starts promptly with one turn of the key. In city traffic, it rolls along almost at idle, propelled solely by gobs of torque from its 5.7-liter V8. No rattling or shaking diminishes the pleasure; the steering is precise, the front suspension tight. Transmission shifts almost imperceptibly, 4-wheel disc brakes anchor the car with the authority of a CanAm racer.
It plain feels good to pilot the Stingray. The deep rumble from its side pipes enhances the driving experience greatly.
Returning home, we are very impressed by the Chevy's prowess. Of all the open air roadsters we've owned, this one resides near the top. It's an impressive automobile, iconic, American through-and-through, an exciting ride when prodded, but easy to own and care for.
Here she is, one of the last affordable classic Corvette roadsters. C3s -- especially low-mileage, matching numbers examples such as this fine example -- will continue their steady rise in value; considering that you'll be able to use this 'Vette as a daily driver without a second thought makes the ownership experience even sweeter.
You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid.
Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time.
Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.
TERMS OF SALECopyright © 1999-2020 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved.
Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark.
E-mail inquiries to the Webmaster.