1974 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray (RHD)

Vin no. 1Z67T4S401024

Engine no. 14S401024 V0817CLD

Registration no. 352JUG

When Chevrolet unveiled the C7 early last year at the Detroit Show, people went crazy. A marque deeply bound by its heritage, it comes as a settled law what Corvette stands for: front-engine, V8-powered, rear drive, fastback roofline; and an alluring axle-to-dash length.

1973 started Corvette’s transformation from muscle to touring sports car. Radial tires became standard and this was the only year that combined the new soft body-colour front with chrome rear bumpers. Larry Shinoda was quoted expressing that the 1973 model was one of his favourites because its front and rear styling was the closest to what designers had originally hoped for in this series. Other major changes for 1973 were a new domed hood, body colour urethane plastic front bumper and a fixed rear window which created more boot space. The ‘73 also introduced a new coolant recovery system, new chassis mounts, and steel-guard beam doors.

The 1974 Stingray saw the first year of the revised spoiler-less, body-coloured rear end incorporating the now mandatory energy-absorbing bumper. Being both stronger and more attractive, the new rear design was embraced by the vast majority of enthusiasts. Factory shoulder belts were introduced in the coupes, and resonators were added to the dual exhaust system to further reduce noise internally.

Prior to resigning in 1974, President Richard Nixon imposed a 55 miles per hour speed limit on the nation’s highways. Considered a safety measure, it too had an economic impact limiting the supply of gasoline in order to save energy. Nevertheless, a 1974 Stingray equipped with the L48 195 hp (145 kW) small-block was capable of 0-60 in 6.8 seconds; comparable to the 6.5 second time of the 1968 small-block rated at 300 hp (224 kW); proof the 1972-74 Corvette engines had ample power regardless of reduced horsepower and net (bhp) ratings. The L-82 engine remained at 250 hp (186 kW) and the 454 cu in (7.4 L) LS4 dropped slightly to 270 hp (201 kW).

Restyled and improved annually, the Corvette in this form lasted well into the 1980s. By this time the Stingray name had been replaced by in 1984 by the sixth generation of America’s classic sports car.

Fletch’s Corvette passion began in the early 1980’s when he was working at his camera shop along Sydney’s Pitt St “I looked out the window and saw this car parked at the front door, “ he said. “It was a C3 Series Corvette and I fell for its magical shape and how it looked like a perfect muscle car. I eventually bought a 1974 example and it took off from there.”

This 1974 Stringray, of Californian origin, was purchased in 1992 from Victoria. Being a right hand drive (RHD) automatic example, converted by Scott Girard, with hard/soft top is a matching number car fitted with a L82 350 cubic inch V8 engine. This vehicle has had an extensive overhaul to the motor, transmission, drive train, brakes, steering, suspension and body paint, since acquisition. Included with the sale, the original purchase invoice from Harry Mann Chevrolet Los Angeles, original owners manual and sales brochure, engineering certificate from 1992 and other related documentation. Odometer reading approximately 9,200 miles.

Sold registered in Queensland (352Jug) with no RWC (Exp Nov 14).