1974 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ‘454’ Coupé

There is no way to understate the impact of the Sting Ray on the American sportscar market. The sensational new design was penned by Bill Mitchell’s Art & Color Studio at General Motors, and the voluptuous body rode on a chassis with a far lower center of gravity than its predecessor, improving roadholding and ride. By 1967, the C3 was introduced, based on GM’s 1965 Mako Shark. It carried a lot of the same componentry and chassis of the previous C2, but clothed in a new Grand Tourer body, reflective of Ferrari’s 250 GTO and the other GT cars that followed. It now carried the Stingray name, one word, not two.

In 1973, the car received its first makeover. Gone was the chrome front bumper in favor of the federally required 5 mph standard front bumper system with polyurethane cover. The 454 cu in (7.4 L) LS-4 big-block V8 engine was introduced in 1973 to replace the LS-5. It delivered 275 hp and only 15% of the cars were ordered so equipped. “454” emblems adorned the hood of big block equipped Corvettes.

For 1974, a new rear bumper system replaced the squared tail and chrome rear bumper blades introduced in 1967 with a trim, tapering urethane cover carrying an integral license plate holder and recesses for the trademark round taillights. The new rear design was more up to date than the 60’s shape that it replaced with the vast majority of enthusiasts embracing the new design. For the 1974 model only, casting limitations mandated left and right bumper covers with a vertical center seam.

The motorcar offered

The 1974 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ‘454’ Coupé offered here, has been in single ownership since purchased at the Rick Cole auction in 1990 – the lot card and brochure accompany the sale. Repainted in a luxurious black with black interior, the exterior was modified with an L88 style hood scoop and a pacecar-style rear spoiler to keep the rear of the car in check.

The exterior finish is exemplary, running on standard Corvette rims shod with BF Goodrich tires with plenty of tread remaining. The interior is in generally very good original condition. Seat material remains soft, and the seats are comfortable. Door panels, dash top, and all interior panels are in very good condition. The carpets show minor wear conducive with age and mileage. Gauges are clear, while the center console is showing some loss to the finish. The interior has the right level of patina for a low mileage, well-maintained, meticulously stored car.

The car was purchased with approximately 12,000 miles on the odometer. Through inspection and collation of all the accompanying receipts, it can be determined that the odometer reading of today, at 47,000 miles, is genuine and original.

The car runs well. Very well. It starts easily and idles with the lumpiness of a 454ci V8. It shifts easily through all gears and has massive power. Brakes and suspension all work as they should and electrical systems work perfectly. The AC blows quite cold.

The car is accompanied by a substantial file of paperwork, receipts, notes, photos and two Corvette owners manuals. The registration cards from new are also included.

The receipts folder is substantial. Most notable work:

1990s: brake overhaul, service work, etc.

2012: Installation of new cylinder head, camshaft and inlet manifold, Edelbrock Power Package, Exhaust headers, Pistons, Piston rings, Ignition conversion kit, Rebuilt water pump, K&N Air Filter ($8,400), mileage 39,230

May 2012: Installation of KYB Gas shocks, front and rear, control arms, etc.

July 2012: Pace car style rear spoiler installed

January 2019: Installation of fuel injection system with high pressure fuel pump