In 1974 Chevrolet built 37,502 Corvettes in coupe and convertible versions; only 3,494 LS4 big-block Corvettes were built in 1974, making them one of the rarest of all big-blocks. This 1974 Corvette only has 30,631 original miles on it, and the owner reports that it runs with its correct drivetrain. It is further represented as a solid, well-presented Corvette that beautifully represents the end of an era for this type of powerplant.

The owner further conveys that: “It has been extensively refinished, and is a top-notch driver that can be proudly shown at just about any show you attend. Starting with a solid, original car, it was completely stripped and refinished in September 2010 because the original paint was finally showing its age. The urethane bumpers were replaced front and rear, and any flaws in the fiberglass were expertly repaired now showing a laser straight body. David Johnson of Avon Lake, Ohio undertook the body restoration single-handedly, and his fastidious nature and expert workmanship is evident on every square inch of the body. The car has never been hit or in an accident, and the only repairs involved the usual Corvette issues that come with age.”

The owner proudly continues with: “Note that the doorjambs were left in their original state, showcasing not only the quality of the original paint job, but the fact that the new PPG 2-stage urethane matches that Code 48 Dark Green Metallic exactly. Of course, while the car was disassembled, it was the perfect opportunity to replace all the weather seals and window channels, so now the car seals up like a new car and feels tight and quiet on the road. Any trim pieces that were not up to the standards set by the new paint were replaced with N.O.S. replacements or top-quality reproductions. There's a new windshield up front, and everything has been expertly polished and detailed. The 1974 LS4 454 V-8 churns out a respectable 270 horsepower and 380-ft/lb of torque. The engine has been removed and the engine bay detailed.”

“All the original stampings and factory indicators are still present. The engine was dressed with chrome (some original and some aftermarket) which add a much-desired sparkle to the engine bay. Satin black was used on the engine compartment itself, and provides the perfect canvas for the bright orange 454 engine block. The original Rochester Quadrajet carburetor (code 7044225) is still in place with the correct date codes and stampings, as well as the original air cleaner housing and snorkel, which were often the first things discarded by a new Corvette owner in the 1970s. You will also notice a lack of emissions gear, 1974 was the last year of true dual exhaust, as in 1975, single exhaust with a catalytic converter became standard equipment on the low-compression small-block-only Vettes. Backing up the big-block is the original, TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. There is a reason you find these transmissions behind everything from street rods to 8-second drag cars, and that's because they're virtually indestructible. The chassis is very solid and is in overall good condition, having just come from the RK Motors restoration shop where quite a bit of detailing and new parts were installed.”

Among the items replaced were the brake calipers, E-brake cables, brake pads, and shock absorbers, as well as a new battery behind the seats. The Rally wheels were refinished in correct GM Argent Silver paint and wear N.O.S. trim rings and center caps. The code 400 black interior was originally vinyl, but has recently been upgraded with full leather seat covers in the original pattern. Aside from the seats, however, everything is what you would expect from a low-mileage original car. The newer black carpets are clean and were properly installed with new sill plates, the dash pad is excellent, and the door panels are good save for some minor cracking on the driver’s side armrest (which is typical of these cars). The gauges are all functional and original, showing only light age on the faces and chrome. An aftermarket stereo head unit lives in the dash, but an original AM/FM unit is included with the car, just in case you want to take the interior back to 100-percent original condition. The original steering wheel is excellent. The rear stowage area features new carpet and a new mat. It has a new tire-well liner as well as an original -style spare and jack assembly.”