After owning several Corvettes over the years, I now own a factory original, unmolested 1974 Corvette LS4 454 with TH400 automatic in 56L Bright Yellow and 416 Medium Saddle deluxe interior showing only 91,401 "Box A" miles on the odometer. Still has the original cast iron intake, heads, exhaust manifolds & emission equipment of EGR & Air Injector Reactor systems. Heck, it even retains the factory points-fired distributor. All I have left to do is finish installing my new weatherstripping, my Al Knoch carpet kit and send the seats to Corvette America for refreshing in 100% leather. My 1977 L82 C3, 1984 C4, 1987 C4, 1995 C4, 2004 C5 and 2006 Z51 C6 were all nice, but it's great to be back in a C3, especially a 454-powered one. After all, it's the last of the big-block Corvettes.
Sweet, got a full stable of America's sports cars. I grew up during the death of performance, I've owned a couple C3s a 1969 427 4 speed, not orgional engine and a 1972 C3. I love the C3, the best looking Vette ever. I currently own a 1990 ZR-1. It's a beast, my first C4 and I have to say, it does not deserve the much maligned reputation. It's a well engineered machine and the ZR-1 is still "King of the Hill".
Drive it before buying it. As C. Griswold would say "you think you hate it now but wait 'till you drive it!" Sometimes are memories are viewed through rose colored glasses.
And the nose of every 1974 Corvette was inevitably crushed from very minor parking lot encounters, they never were right ever again. "The transition to soft bumpers was completed in 1974 with the introduction of new body color rear bumpers. The urethane plastic skin had built in recesses for the license plate and the taillights, and a vertical center seam divided the two main sections. (Later years are one piece without the seam.) The skin covered an aluminum impact bar mounted on two telescopic brackets."
Beautiful Car's!! I've always loved the corvettes! I've owned 4 of the & I really enjoy the vintage commercials! Brings back a lot of great memories! 🇺🇸👍🍵
I love my 350ci/310hp '75 even more now. A pilot or astronaut car of choice. Completely mechanical in nature, other than the HEI distributor. It is sad to see the fading generations who loved and cared for these cars, I'm glad my grandfather and father both brought me up with respect for these vehicles and a passion and craft working in aviation maintenance and flying. I always look forward to twice a month where I inspect and do preliminary maintenance on the car. There isn't another car on the road that'll turn heads like a C3 from every walk and generation. Driving was more of a luxury and a statement back then.
The only engine options on the 75 Corvette were the L48 rated at 165hp and the L82 rated at 205hp. Not sure how you came up with 310hp from your 350ci engine but it wasn't a factory installed power plant. Sure about that hp number? I have a 75 original owner Corvette that was purchased new in May 1975 that is a true survivor car in excellent conditon. So I know a little bit about thie car.
Neither of the two 1974 Corvettes I've had handled that well. At the same time, that's part of why I love them. They keep me on my toes and make me pay attention to the road and pre plan every move.
I actually think the Corvette C3 improved in its looks once it gained the Pontiac-style bumpers. One of the very few cars after 1972 to look genuinely pretty.
glad to hear you enjoyed the film. these dealership films were only printed on super8 film with an optical soundtrack that focused on only half a millimeter wide section. 35mm and 16mm film soundtracks were 4x wider. the dynamics and frequency range are very limited. If i cut back on the hiss than the soundtrack sounds muted
That settles it, I'm sold. I'm going to order one the 454 and a 4 speed, no A/C and the removall roof panels. Maybe I'll get lucky and my Chevy dealer still has a few left over 74s.
Fascinating to watch. I had to laugh during the part where he smooth talks his way around the fact, that the "power" of the engine options wasn't there anymore by 1974. The 73 and up C3s were boulevard cruisers and not sportcars anymore. But GM did something right. The sales figures went up during the malaise era and they sold many more than during the high performance era. Go figure.
Actially there were some reasonable power options on the C3 through 1974. In 1975 the emission control devices (catalytic converter, etc.) mandated by federal regulations pushed the hp down to anemic levels. That was the real start of the boulevard cruiser era for the C3.
No power in 74? Think again. Here's a road test I'm looking at and the 74 454 Convertible with M21 4-speed and 3.70 gear just ran 14 flat at 100 mph. So much for no power in 74.
@@Yankeededandy62 I believe it. The car was low option and the 4-spd and 3.70 made the difference. No cats or really anything on the 74 and they still had the torque. And no way the magazine would make up this number.
I had the opportunity to drive a 73 454 and a 69 and 66 base 427. the 454 had nice torque but always ran out of breath when reved high. The 427 was much stonger up to the red line.
That rear bumper is 1975-up or an extrenely late '74. 1974 rear bumpers have a seam down the center of the bumper as they didn't have the technology to mold the rear bumper cover in one piece.
The plastics in those neoprene bumpers took an evolution in making and the early ones disintegrated with heat and oxidation. So only aftermarket bumper covers on these cars now.
Some wheels were sold in 73 then quickly recalled, tried again for 74 but still leaking so never made it. Finally got them figured out for 76 production. Porosity issues causing leaks, same issue that plagued the 1963 wheels.
So it sounds like they had trouble getting the tire bead to seal around the lip? The first slotted wheels were made from magnesium but in the 60s they had problems converting them to aluminum? The corvette c3 wheels were a quite beautiful design.
Sort of. The sales training films were different than the ones made to show to the customers. The 1972 Camaro corvette film I have posted has a little.
Love how he mentions the Porsche and Jaguar as competition at first, then suddenly changes to 'competition in its price class' when it came to the Wal-Mart interior. And what's with the filthy carpeting at 5:12 min? If it's really clean they needed to fire the cameraman/lighting person.
these were not made to be viewed on the big screen. check Ebay and you will see. they were made to be played on a chevy mini theater system, with about a 15-inch screen
Those aluminum wheels originally came out for 73 then due to leaks were recalled. Didn't appear again on the option list til 76 but guess from this video they were hoping to offer them on the 74 but never did.
You are correct. Though listed as an option for 73, 74 and 75, they finally became available for the 76 model year. There were 4 sets supposedly put on the 73 model, but due to leaks, none were released.
Happened also in 1963, announced new wheels then had to be recalled due to leaks and didn't appear again until 1966. Believenthe 63 Ford Thunderbird also had leaky aluminum wheels that had to be recalled. What a mess!
I have a question to put on the table for anyone else who can answer. The 74 Vette had a split tail bumper, it this a 73 and the video was made to educate Chevy salesmen about the 74 before it was sent out from Chevy manufacturing? Thanks.
These films were made quickly usually just as they we’re releasing the new model year. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the cars were retrofitted previous year models. Between all the GM cars they had to make around 40 of these films at a time.
The car does not have a 74 rear bumper as you observed. Actually is a 75 rear bumper. The 73 model had a urethane front bumper but retained chrome bumper set up in the rear. Hope this helps.
Chevy produced this film for the sales personnel. Some of these films were made before the new model year vehicles production line had finished tooling up for production. They had to have the films finished, reproduced, and distributed by early September. Filming took place before that. I suspect July to early August, then editing started. With all of the GM line there could be over 50 films made in this short timeframe.
Good catch on not seeing the split in the rear bumper. The car shown had to be one of the early pilot cars where some preproduction items were shown. Another item was seeing the Tilt- Tele column in Black instead of being the same color as the interior.
1974 Corvette Factory Options CODE: DESCRIPTION: QUANTITY: RETAIL PRICE: 1YZ37 Base Corvette Sport Coupe 32,028 $6,001.50 1YZ67 Base Corvette Convertible 5,474 $5,765.50 - Custom Interior Trim 19,959 $154.00 A31 Power Windows 23,940 $86.00 A85 Custom Shoulder Belts (std with coupe) 618 $41.00 C07 Auxiliary Hardtop (for convertible) 2,612 $267.00 C08 Vinyl Covered Auxiliary Hardtop 367 $329.00 C50 Rear Window Defogger 9,322 $43.00 C60 Air Conditioning 29,397 $467.00 FE7 Gymkhana Suspension 1,905 $7.00 - Optional Rear Axle Ratios 1,219 $12.00 J50 Power Brakes 33,306 $49.00 LS4 454ci, 270hp Engine 3,494 $250.00 L82 350ci, 250hp Engine 6,690 $299.00 M21 4-Speed Manual Transmission, close-ratio 3,494 $0.00 M40 Turbo-Hydro-matic Automatic Transmission 25,146 $0.00 N37 Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column 27,700 $82.00 N41 Power Steering 35,944 $117.00 QRM White Stripe Steel Belted Tires, GR70x15 9,140 $32.00 QRZ White Letter Steel Belted Tires, GR70x15 24,102 $45.00 U05 Dual Horns 5,258 $4.00 U58 AM-FM Radio, Stereo 19,581 $276.00 U69 AM-FM Radio 17,374 $173.00 UA1 Heavy Duty Battery (std with LS4) 9,169 $15.00 UF1 Map Light (on rearview mirror) 16,101 $5.00 YF5 California Emission Test - $20.00 Z07 Off Road Suspension and Brake Package 47 $400.00 Base Corvette Sport Coupe (1YZ37) The base price of the 1974 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe without any optional equipment. A 350 cubic inch, 195 horsepower engine, 4-speed wide ratio manual transmission, vinyl interior trim, and T-tops were included in the base price. Base Corvette Convertible (1YZ67) The base price of the 1974 Corvette Convertible without any optional equipment. A 350 cubic inch, 195 horsepower engine, 4-speed wide ratio manual transmission, vinyl interior trim, and a convertible top were included in the base price. Custom Interior ( - ) Optional interior trim upgrade that included a number of custom modifications to the base interior. The custom interior trim included leather seat trim, wood-grain accents and carpet trim on door panels, wood-grain accents on the console, and cut-pile carpeting. Power Windows (A31) Factory installed power driver and passenger windows. Custom Shoulder Belts (A85) An addition to the standard lap safety belt that crosses over the shoulder for added safety. The shoulder belts option was included with all Corvette coupes at no additional charge. The option was also available on the Corvette convertible, but at an additional cost. Auxiliary Hardtop (for convertibles) (C07) An optional hard-top that could be installed in lieu of the convertible top. Vinyl Covered Auxiliary Hardtop (C08) This option allowed consumers to install an auxiliary hardtop on convertible models. The vinyl covering provided a faux convertible top appearance even when the hardtop was mounted on the car. Rear Window Defogger (C50) An optional rear window forced air defogger. Air Conditioning (C60) Factory installed air-conditioning. System includes evaporator, blower, condenser, receiver-dehydrator, refrigerant (freon) tank, air intake assembly and duct assembly for both systems. Includes an integrated heater. Optional Rear Axle Ratio Rear axle ratio selection. Gymkhana Suspension (FE7) An optional, heavier-duty suspension system for higher levels of performance. Included a stiffer front sway bar and stiffer springs. It was automatically included as part of the Z07 package. There were no restrictions on ordering this option. Power Brakes (J50) Vacuum power assisted brakes; includes dual circuit master cylinder. 454ci, 270hp Engine (LS4) Optional high-output, big-block V-8 engine. This was the last year for the 454 cubic inch “big block” engine in Corvettes. 350ci, 250hp Engine (L82) Optional higher-output, small block V-8 engine. 4-Speed Manual Transmission, Close Ratio (M21) A close ratio version of the M20 Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. The gear ratios for the RPO M21 Close Ratio 4-Speed Manual Transmission are: 1st Gear - 2.20:1, 2nd Gear - 1.64:1, 3rd Gear - 1.28:1, 4th Gear - 1.0:1 (Direct). Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission (M40) An optional, three-speed automatic transmission. The Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission consisted of a 3-element hydraulic torque converter and compound planetary gear set. It was equipped with the following gear ratios: 1st Gear - 2.48:1, 2nd Gear - 1.48:1, and 3rd Gear - 1.00:1. The M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission was a no-cost option with the base 350 cubic inch, 195 horsepower engine, but cost an additional $103 ($97 early in production) when ordered with the 454 cubic inch, 270 horsepower LS4 engine or the 350 cubic inch, 250 horsepower L82 engine. Tilt Telescopic Steering Column (N37) An optional, adjustable steering column and tilt-angle adjustable steering wheel. The Telescopic Steering Column changes the drivers distance from the steering wheel by literally telescoping the steering wheel closer to or further away from the vehicle operator. Power Steering (N41) Hydraulically assisted power steering. Magnets were added to power steering units to attract and collect metallic debris caught in the power steering fluid. White Stripe Steel Belted Tires, GR70x15 (QRM) Standard size tires with a special 3/8″ wide white sidewall stripes. White Letter Steel Belted Tires, GR70x15 (QRZ) Standard size tires with special raised white lettering. Dual Horns (U05) An optional, dual tone horn. AM-FM Radio, Stereo (U58) A standard/stock dealer installed Corvette radio. The radio received broadcast in FM 2-channel stereo, FM monaural, and AM monaural. 16-transistor 9-diode circuitry. Two-speakers. Fixed height rear antenna. AM-FM Radio (U69) A standard/stock dealer installed Corvette radio. The radio receives broadcast in FM monaural, and AM monaural. 16-transistor 9-diode circuitry. Two-speakers. Fixed height rear antenna. Heavy Duty Battery (std. with LS4) (UA1) Optional, heavier-duty battery with increased cranking amps/capability. Map Light (on rearview mirror) (UF1) Light mounted on inside rearview mirror. California Emission Test (YF5) An assembly line emissions test to conform with California registration requirements. Not available when the LS4 engine was ordered with the car. Off Road Suspension and Brake Package (Z07) Stiffer suspension/brake package for more rugged driving conditions. Available with optional engines L82 and LS4 only. Required the close ratio, 4-speed manual transmission (RPO M21.) Z07 was not available with air conditioning (RPO C60.) It included special front and rear suspension, and heavy-duty front and rear power brakes. The FE7 Gymkhana Suspension system was automatically included with the Z07 package. Notes: The transition to soft bumpers was completed in 1974 with the introduction of new body color rear bumpers. The urethane plastic skin had built in recesses for the license plate and the taillights, and a vertical center seam divided the two main sections. (Later years are one piece without the seam.) The skin covered an aluminum impact bar mounted on two telescopic brackets. This was the last model year for the Corvette to exclude catalytic converters. It was the last Corvette of the era with true dual exhaust. Resonators were added to the exhaust system. Exhaust tailpipes exited below the bumper. Fuel requirements were 91-octane leaded or low lead. Radiators were redesigned for more efficient cooling at low speeds. Shoulder belts on the 1974 coupes were integrated with lap belts for the first time. Shoulder belts remained optional in convertibles and, if so equipped, were separate from the lap belts as before. Also the locking mechanism was changed from a pull-rate type to a swinging-weight type activated by the car’s deceleration. The alarm activator moved from the rear panel to the driver side fender. The stock inside rearview mirror increased in width from 8 to 10 inches.
Tell your prospect the 454 corvette weights as much as a station wagon and gets about 8 mpg, and with the fuel shortage he will be waiting on line for gasoline every other day
The C4 is a terrible car yet somehow i think this C3 is worst 🤮🤮🤮🤮 big engine, no power. Crude handling and just all around ewww. Think of what Porsche had at the time
![This is one LOUD 1974 Corvette [4k] | REVIEW SERIES](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/48NjzCxNbjg/mqdefault.jpg)
My neighbor bought a new '74 coupe, orange with a 454. I was 15 and he let me drive it. What a thrill. Thanks for the memories :)
After owning several Corvettes over the years, I now own a factory original, unmolested 1974 Corvette LS4 454 with TH400 automatic in 56L Bright Yellow and 416 Medium Saddle deluxe interior showing only 91,401 "Box A" miles on the odometer. Still has the original cast iron intake, heads, exhaust manifolds & emission equipment of EGR & Air Injector Reactor systems. Heck, it even retains the factory points-fired distributor. All I have left to do is finish installing my new weatherstripping, my Al Knoch carpet kit and send the seats to Corvette America for refreshing in 100% leather. My 1977 L82 C3, 1984 C4, 1987 C4, 1995 C4, 2004 C5 and 2006 Z51 C6 were all nice, but it's great to be back in a C3, especially a 454-powered one. After all, it's the last of the big-block Corvettes.
nice, keep it original. and whatever you do, don't leave it parked at the grocery store, someone will back into the nose.
That's the car Zora took into his retirement from GM, a 74 454 automatic Coupe.
Sweet, got a full stable of America's sports cars. I grew up during the death of performance, I've owned a couple C3s a 1969 427 4 speed, not orgional engine and a 1972 C3. I love the C3, the best looking Vette ever. I currently own a 1990 ZR-1. It's a beast, my first C4 and I have to say, it does not deserve the much maligned reputation. It's a well engineered machine and the ZR-1 is still "King of the Hill".
I also have the 74 LS454 all original with the 4 Speed :). Most of the big blocks were autos.
Thanks for posting this! I owned a 77 years ago and I’m feeling the C3 itch again. Miss that “king size” speedometer! ;-)
Drive it before buying it. As C. Griswold would say "you think you hate it now but wait 'till you drive it!" Sometimes are memories are viewed through rose colored glasses.
@@ohger1 yeah, I have a C6 now. The best C3 restomod is a C6.
@@sstearns2 Last Vette I owned was a C5, amazing freaking car. Never drove a 6 or later.
Very cool…I have a 73 with 64k miles…thanks for sharing this video
Right on, glad you enjoyed.
John Davis would be proud of the comprehensive gauge package
He'd still find something to nitpick about…😂
I bought my 74 2 years ago, and love it. Have rebuilt the entire front suspension and steering, and the handling is going to be better than stock
And the nose of every 1974 Corvette was inevitably crushed from very minor parking lot encounters, they never were right ever again.
"The transition to soft bumpers was completed in 1974 with the introduction of new body color rear bumpers. The urethane plastic skin had built in recesses for the license plate and the taillights, and a vertical center seam divided the two main sections. (Later years are one piece without the seam.) The skin covered an aluminum impact bar mounted on two telescopic brackets."
He didn't say which Porsche remember cheap 911 T and cheaper 914
That was awesome ! Thanks for posting .
Glad you enjoyed it, i was lucky enough to have found it
1:44 Clever filming to avoid showing the headlights popping up asymmetrically. 😎
They pop up one two. :)
That was the winking feature if you were driving past a pretty woman.
Beautiful Car's!! I've always loved the corvettes! I've owned 4 of the & I really enjoy the vintage commercials! Brings back a lot of great memories! 🇺🇸👍🍵
The car America still wants to own, i have a 75 I'm restoring. Loved this video.
America's first original sports car and one of the longest running models in automotive history.
...and still going strong. Corvette is now in its eighth generation.
if you ever get a chance you have to check out the Corvette musem in Bowling Green
I love my 350ci/310hp '75 even more now. A pilot or astronaut car of choice. Completely mechanical in nature, other than the HEI distributor. It is sad to see the fading generations who loved and cared for these cars, I'm glad my grandfather and father both brought me up with respect for these vehicles and a passion and craft working in aviation maintenance and flying. I always look forward to twice a month where I inspect and do preliminary maintenance on the car. There isn't another car on the road that'll turn heads like a C3 from every walk and generation. Driving was more of a luxury and a statement back then.
The only engine options on the 75 Corvette were the L48 rated at 165hp and the L82 rated at 205hp. Not sure how you came up with 310hp from your 350ci engine but it wasn't a factory installed power plant. Sure about that hp number?
I have a 75 original owner Corvette that was purchased new in May 1975 that is a true survivor car in excellent conditon. So I know a little bit about thie car.
Neither of the two 1974 Corvettes I've had handled that well. At the same time, that's part of why I love them. They keep me on my toes and make me pay attention to the road and pre plan every move.
corvettes did not handle really well till the 4th generation.
Corvette c3 - a masterpiece of art on 4 wheels !!
I know many a person that got the heebie-jeebies when that anti theft alarm was going off.
Majestic upload win for the internet. 🎉
Gotta love the Vette
Beautiful car
Stunning!
keep it coming
Love my 76!!!
I actually think the Corvette C3 improved in its looks once it gained the Pontiac-style bumpers. One of the very few cars after 1972 to look genuinely pretty.
I disagree but I respect your opinion.
@@GoodOlRoll I figured it was going to be a hot take, given the unpopularity of Malaise Era cars.
@@jamiecinder9412 the 5mph Vettes still look good.
Great video, thanks for posting. Any shot at getting rid of the hiss?
glad to hear you enjoyed the film. these dealership films were only printed on super8 film with an optical soundtrack that focused on only half a millimeter wide section. 35mm and 16mm film soundtracks were 4x wider. the dynamics and frequency range are very limited. If i cut back on the hiss than the soundtrack sounds muted
That’s genuine, vintage collector quality hiss you’re listening to. Enjoy it!
That settles it, I'm sold. I'm going to order one the 454 and a 4 speed, no A/C and the removall roof panels. Maybe I'll get lucky and my Chevy dealer still has a few left over 74s.
Fascinating to watch. I had to laugh during the part where he smooth talks his way around the fact, that the "power" of the engine options wasn't there anymore by 1974. The 73 and up C3s were boulevard cruisers and not sportcars anymore. But GM did something right. The sales figures went up during the malaise era and they sold many more than during the high performance era. Go figure.
Actially there were some reasonable power options on the C3 through 1974. In 1975 the emission control devices (catalytic converter, etc.) mandated by federal regulations pushed the hp down to anemic levels. That was the real start of the boulevard cruiser era for the C3.
No power in 74? Think again. Here's a road test I'm looking at and the 74 454 Convertible with M21 4-speed and 3.70 gear just ran 14 flat at 100 mph. So much for no power in 74.
@@thud9797 With a stock engine? I doubt it.
@@Yankeededandy62
I believe it. The car was low option and the 4-spd and 3.70 made the difference. No cats or really anything on the 74 and they still had the torque. And no way the magazine would make up this number.
I had the opportunity to drive a 73 454 and a 69 and 66 base 427. the 454 had nice torque but always ran out of breath when reved high. The 427 was much stonger up to the red line.
I have a ‘76 - seems like a few design cues from the Ferrari Dino from the early 70’s.
Very rare are those intra-gal air inlet grilles.
very cool video
LOL! 2:05. Look at that smug look on the presenter's face when the "car alarm" goes into effect. Pretty slick, eh?
I was told those wheels were not available in 1974 yet. But looks like they were.
That rear bumper is 1975-up or an extrenely late '74.
1974 rear bumpers have a seam down the center of the bumper as they didn't have the technology to mold the rear bumper cover in one piece.
The plastics in those neoprene bumpers took an evolution in making and the early ones disintegrated with heat and oxidation. So only aftermarket bumper covers on these cars now.
Some wheels were sold in 73 then quickly recalled, tried again for 74 but still leaking so never made it. Finally got them figured out for 76 production. Porosity issues causing leaks, same issue that plagued the 1963 wheels.
So it sounds like they had trouble getting the tire bead to seal around the lip? The first slotted wheels were made from magnesium but in the 60s they had problems converting them to aluminum? The corvette c3 wheels were a quite beautiful design.
nice time capsule.
do you have any films like this showing the sales details for the 1972 Corvette?
Sort of. The sales training films were different than the ones made to show to the customers. The 1972 Camaro corvette film I have posted has a little.
The guy was hawking Mopars just a few years earlier.
Where is the split in the rear bumper?
I have a yellow racing tint C7 Corvette the interior is excellent but in my opinion the C3s are the best looking generation
someone needs to send this to the C8 Dealers maybe they will quit pricing the C8 for 40 to 60,000 over MSRP
You hate capitalism. Maximum profit is the only purpose
i am amazed what people will pay
I love my 6 mi per gal 454!
Cool, what’s the boot space like?
I always thought those key switches on the side were aftermarket.
cok guzel harika
Love how he mentions the Porsche and Jaguar as competition at first, then suddenly changes to 'competition in its price class' when it came to the Wal-Mart interior.
And what's with the filthy carpeting at 5:12 min? If it's really clean they needed to fire the cameraman/lighting person.
these were not made to be viewed on the big screen. check Ebay and you will see. they were made to be played on a chevy mini theater system, with about a 15-inch screen
@@theemulsionalchemist5688 Yeah, I assume anything of this nature was on asmall screen, possibly on a continuous loop, in the dealership.
He didn't say which Porsche remember cheap 911 t and cheaper 914
@@timwinemiller8615 Especially the 914, that thing was garbage.
A Vette sold for $6500 in 1974 and a ‘74 Porsche 911S sold for $13,800. Nobody is getting fooled by quality here.
Remember to use the rub-off sportiness!
Anyone else notice that the rims were from a Corvette of later date?
It mentioned those in the disclaimer at end of video
Those aluminum wheels originally came out for 73 then due to leaks were recalled. Didn't appear again on the option list til 76 but guess from this video they were hoping to offer them on the 74 but never did.
You are correct. Though listed as an option for 73, 74 and 75, they finally became available for the 76 model year. There were 4 sets supposedly put on the 73 model, but due to leaks, none were released.
Happened also in 1963, announced new wheels then had to be recalled due to leaks and didn't appear again until 1966. Believenthe 63 Ford Thunderbird also had leaky aluminum wheels that had to be recalled. What a mess!
195 hp at the crank
I owned a few mid 70s 'Vettes, and I can tell you that even when new, these were pure unadulterated garbage. At least they looked cool.
Great suspension uhhhhh I flipped my 2nd one only going 35 mph.
I have a question to put on the table for anyone else who can answer. The 74 Vette had a split tail bumper, it this a 73 and the video was made to educate Chevy salesmen about the 74 before it was sent out from Chevy manufacturing? Thanks.
These films were made quickly usually just as they we’re releasing the new model year. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the cars were retrofitted previous year models. Between all the GM cars they had to make around 40 of these films at a time.
The car does not have a 74 rear bumper as you observed. Actually is a 75 rear bumper. The 73 model had a urethane front bumper but retained chrome bumper set up in the rear. Hope this helps.
It drives me nuts the way he mispronounces "integral" every time! He says "intregal" instead. But I love these old films, seriously.
glad you are enjoying them. many more to come.
This vetted was not a 74. 74 had a split in the rear panel.
Chevy produced this film for the sales personnel. Some of these films were made before the new model year vehicles production line had finished tooling up for production. They had to have the films finished, reproduced, and distributed by early September. Filming took place before that. I suspect July to early August, then editing started. With all of the GM line there could be over 50 films made in this short timeframe.
Good eye...
Definitely a line down the middle. Maybe they were still figuring out the final configuration and went with the cheaper solution for 1 year? 0:11
That's not the rear bumper of a 74. The 74 had the split down the center.
Good catch on not seeing the split in the rear bumper. The car shown had to be one of the early pilot cars where some preproduction items were shown. Another item was seeing the Tilt- Tele column in Black instead of being the same color as the interior.
Agree with above, pre-production pilot car so anything goes until they decide on what will make final production.
I had a 74 corvette that you could almost surf on the waves of the rubber impact front bumper. It was not a good look .
Technology to build a nice car, but no excuse for the tunnel audio quality in this 1970s video. HiFi was invented already
1974 Corvette Factory Options
CODE:
DESCRIPTION:
QUANTITY:
RETAIL PRICE:
1YZ37
Base Corvette Sport Coupe
32,028
$6,001.50
1YZ67
Base Corvette Convertible
5,474
$5,765.50
-
Custom Interior Trim
19,959
$154.00
A31
Power Windows
23,940
$86.00
A85
Custom Shoulder Belts (std with coupe)
618
$41.00
C07
Auxiliary Hardtop (for convertible)
2,612
$267.00
C08
Vinyl Covered Auxiliary Hardtop
367
$329.00
C50
Rear Window Defogger
9,322
$43.00
C60
Air Conditioning
29,397
$467.00
FE7
Gymkhana Suspension
1,905
$7.00
-
Optional Rear Axle Ratios
1,219
$12.00
J50
Power Brakes
33,306
$49.00
LS4
454ci, 270hp Engine
3,494
$250.00
L82
350ci, 250hp Engine
6,690
$299.00
M21
4-Speed Manual Transmission, close-ratio
3,494
$0.00
M40
Turbo-Hydro-matic Automatic Transmission
25,146
$0.00
N37
Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column
27,700
$82.00
N41
Power Steering
35,944
$117.00
QRM
White Stripe Steel Belted Tires, GR70x15
9,140
$32.00
QRZ
White Letter Steel Belted Tires, GR70x15
24,102
$45.00
U05
Dual Horns
5,258
$4.00
U58
AM-FM Radio, Stereo
19,581
$276.00
U69
AM-FM Radio
17,374
$173.00
UA1
Heavy Duty Battery (std with LS4)
9,169
$15.00
UF1
Map Light (on rearview mirror)
16,101
$5.00
YF5
California Emission Test
-
$20.00
Z07 Off Road Suspension and Brake Package 47 $400.00
Base Corvette Sport Coupe (1YZ37)
The base price of the 1974 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe without any optional equipment.
A 350 cubic inch, 195 horsepower engine, 4-speed wide ratio manual transmission, vinyl interior trim, and T-tops were included in the base price.
Base Corvette Convertible (1YZ67)
The base price of the 1974 Corvette Convertible without any optional equipment.
A 350 cubic inch, 195 horsepower engine, 4-speed wide ratio manual transmission, vinyl interior trim, and a convertible top were included in the base price.
Custom Interior ( - )
Optional interior trim upgrade that included a number of custom modifications to the base interior.
The custom interior trim included leather seat trim, wood-grain accents and carpet trim on door panels, wood-grain accents on the console, and cut-pile carpeting.
Power Windows (A31)
Factory installed power driver and passenger windows.
Custom Shoulder Belts (A85)
An addition to the standard lap safety belt that crosses over the shoulder for added safety.
The shoulder belts option was included with all Corvette coupes at no additional charge. The option was also available on the Corvette convertible, but at an additional cost.
Auxiliary Hardtop (for convertibles) (C07)
An optional hard-top that could be installed in lieu of the convertible top.
Vinyl Covered Auxiliary Hardtop (C08)
This option allowed consumers to install an auxiliary hardtop on convertible models.
The vinyl covering provided a faux convertible top appearance even when the hardtop was mounted on the car.
Rear Window Defogger (C50)
An optional rear window forced air defogger.
Air Conditioning (C60)
Factory installed air-conditioning.
System includes evaporator, blower, condenser, receiver-dehydrator, refrigerant (freon) tank, air intake assembly and duct assembly for both systems.
Includes an integrated heater.
Optional Rear Axle Ratio
Rear axle ratio selection.
Gymkhana Suspension (FE7)
An optional, heavier-duty suspension system for higher levels of performance.
Included a stiffer front sway bar and stiffer springs.
It was automatically included as part of the Z07 package.
There were no restrictions on ordering this option.
Power Brakes (J50)
Vacuum power assisted brakes; includes dual circuit master cylinder.
454ci, 270hp Engine (LS4)
Optional high-output, big-block V-8 engine.
This was the last year for the 454 cubic inch “big block” engine in Corvettes.
350ci, 250hp Engine (L82)
Optional higher-output, small block V-8 engine.
4-Speed Manual Transmission, Close Ratio (M21)
A close ratio version of the M20 Muncie 4-speed manual transmission.
The gear ratios for the RPO M21 Close Ratio 4-Speed Manual Transmission are: 1st Gear - 2.20:1, 2nd Gear - 1.64:1, 3rd Gear - 1.28:1, 4th Gear - 1.0:1 (Direct).
Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission (M40)
An optional, three-speed automatic transmission.
The Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission consisted of a 3-element hydraulic torque converter and compound planetary gear set. It was equipped with the following gear ratios: 1st Gear - 2.48:1, 2nd Gear - 1.48:1, and 3rd Gear - 1.00:1.
The M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission was a no-cost option with the base 350 cubic inch, 195 horsepower engine, but cost an additional $103 ($97 early in production) when ordered with the 454 cubic inch, 270 horsepower LS4 engine or the 350 cubic inch, 250 horsepower L82 engine.
Tilt Telescopic Steering Column (N37)
An optional, adjustable steering column and tilt-angle adjustable steering wheel.
The Telescopic Steering Column changes the drivers distance from the steering wheel by literally telescoping the steering wheel closer to or further away from the vehicle operator.
Power Steering (N41)
Hydraulically assisted power steering.
Magnets were added to power steering units to attract and collect metallic debris caught in the power steering fluid.
White Stripe Steel Belted Tires, GR70x15 (QRM)
Standard size tires with a special 3/8″ wide white sidewall stripes.
White Letter Steel Belted Tires, GR70x15 (QRZ)
Standard size tires with special raised white lettering.
Dual Horns (U05)
An optional, dual tone horn.
AM-FM Radio, Stereo (U58)
A standard/stock dealer installed Corvette radio.
The radio received broadcast in FM 2-channel stereo, FM monaural, and AM monaural.
16-transistor 9-diode circuitry.
Two-speakers.
Fixed height rear antenna.
AM-FM Radio (U69)
A standard/stock dealer installed Corvette radio.
The radio receives broadcast in FM monaural, and AM monaural.
16-transistor 9-diode circuitry.
Two-speakers.
Fixed height rear antenna.
Heavy Duty Battery (std. with LS4) (UA1)
Optional, heavier-duty battery with increased cranking amps/capability.
Map Light (on rearview mirror) (UF1)
Light mounted on inside rearview mirror.
California Emission Test (YF5)
An assembly line emissions test to conform with California registration requirements.
Not available when the LS4 engine was ordered with the car.
Off Road Suspension and Brake Package (Z07)
Stiffer suspension/brake package for more rugged driving conditions.
Available with optional engines L82 and LS4 only.
Required the close ratio, 4-speed manual transmission (RPO M21.)
Z07 was not available with air conditioning (RPO C60.)
It included special front and rear suspension, and heavy-duty front and rear power brakes.
The FE7 Gymkhana Suspension system was automatically included with the Z07 package.
Notes:
The transition to soft bumpers was completed in 1974 with the introduction of new body color rear bumpers. The urethane plastic skin had built in recesses for the license plate and the taillights, and a vertical center seam divided the two main sections. (Later years are one piece without the seam.) The skin covered an aluminum impact bar mounted on two telescopic brackets.
This was the last model year for the Corvette to exclude catalytic converters.
It was the last Corvette of the era with true dual exhaust. Resonators were added to the exhaust system. Exhaust tailpipes exited below the bumper.
Fuel requirements were 91-octane leaded or low lead.
Radiators were redesigned for more efficient cooling at low speeds.
Shoulder belts on the 1974 coupes were integrated with lap belts for the first time. Shoulder belts remained optional in convertibles and, if so equipped, were separate from the lap belts as before. Also the locking mechanism was changed from a pull-rate type to a swinging-weight type activated by the car’s deceleration.
The alarm activator moved from the rear panel to the driver side fender.
The stock inside rearview mirror increased in width from 8 to 10 inches.
You went all out. awesome ....
The radio options were expensive.
Tell your prospect the 454 corvette weights as much as a station wagon and gets about 8 mpg, and with the fuel shortage he will be waiting on line for gasoline every other day
Whitewall tires 😂
76 would be the last year. 😀
The unsafest car built in America; though that wasn't part of the sales presentation
You have no data to back that up!
The C4 is a terrible car yet somehow i think this C3 is worst 🤮🤮🤮🤮 big engine, no power. Crude handling and just all around ewww. Think of what Porsche had at the time