1974 Corvette Specs

Total 1974 Corvettes Built- 37,502 – 5,474 Convertibles, 32,028 Coupes

We know what you feel. We know what it’s like to possess (and be possessed by) a car so exciting to look at that it makes the scene wherever it stops. Or turns heads wherever it goes. And we know the feeling of a friendly wave of the hand (or flick of the lights) when you meet another Corvette on the road … of being a part of a whole new ad exciting life style. We know because we’ve been there. But there’s more. You can’t really appreciate a Corvette until you look past the image to the car, itself. So, for the next few pages, we’d like to show you what’s behind this dramatically styled car that captivates owners and onlookers alike. To what’s outside, inside and underneath that makes Corvette the sought-after sports car it’s been for over 20 years. It’s a great trip. Getting to know a Corvette has got to be one of the great pleasures in life. And anyone who truly loves the road and where it goes deserves that pleasures at least once in his life. Or hers. Who knows better than you that the basic Corvette formula is too good to mess with. Right? Relax! The same people who brought you your Corvette are still running the store and keeping the faith. The ’74 isn’t a totally new Corvette, just better. Take the styling. We wouldn’t just change it for the sake of change. But when we made the rear bumper stronger, we made Corvette’s entire rear styling look different. And, we think, better. Take another example. Remember last year? When we tuned the body and chassis for steel belted radials? It made the interior quieter. Quiet enough that they exhaust sounds, which had been a pleasant part of the background, seems to be too prominent. So, this year, we did some more tuning – in the dual exhaust system. We added a pair of resonators… mini-mufflers. Voila! The ’74 Corvette still delivers the growl of performance you know and alike, but at a level that now lets you enjoy Corvette’s available FM stereo radio to its hilt. So be reassured. The 1974 Corvette still represents what it set out to be: A car that combines the road-holding and handling qualities of a true-sports car with the grace and refinement of a personal luxury car. After all, that’s why Corvette is so much in demand. And who would want to change that? Not us. Not you.

We’re not about to take all the credit for the exciting shape of Corvette’s body. Basically, what we set out to do was design a fiberglass envelope that would house two passengers, one engine and four independently suspended wide-base wheels. All designed to minimize aerodynamic drag. By the time we finished our wind-tunnel testing, we had it all. We also had a big bonus: One of the greatest looking shapes on any road. Which proves that virtue is rewarded. However, we will take full credit for making sure those aerodynamic lines are wrapped around a rugged steel cage. Including side-guard beams in the doors. And protected from minor impacts by improved bumpers, front and rear, concealed under resilient body-color urethane fairings. This should add peace of mind when you leave your Corvette parked at the curb. And we’ll also take credit for all those other Corvette touches. Like power-retractable dual headlights. Soft-Ray tinted glass. An air scoop in the hood that hypos top-end engine performance. Even and anti-theft audio alarm system controlled from a convenient lock in the left front fender. For the coupe, we came up with a classic… those remove-and-store-inside roof panels that let you convert from a closed car to open car in a matter of seconds. For the convertible? A fast-folding top (black or white) that completely hides away under a flush panel in the rear deck. And that’s just the body! When talk gets gong among serious sports car buffs, the importance of independent rear suspension usually comes up. The idea behind it is simple: Help keep your rear wheels on the road by cutting down weight that has to go up and down with the wheels. In Corvette we take weight out of the rear suspension by mounting the differential on the frame. Who no massive differential to inhibit the action, the wheels are free to follow the contours of the road more closely. Which gives Corvette the kind of road holding and traction you expect of a great sports car. To boost traction more, Corvette’s equipped with a Positraction differential. It goes to work when either rear wheel starts to spin … automatically limiting torque to that wheel until it gets a hold on the road, again. Great on wet or slippery pavements. As for tires, Corvette lays four big footprints on the road with wide GR70-15 steel belted radials (more hold, more traction). And there’s a ventilated and self-adjusting disc brake at each wheel. To make everything go, Corvette’s standard power team gives you a responsive 4-barrel 350-cube V8, couples to a fully synchronized 4-Speed manual transmission. Of course, there are other outstanding power teams available, too.

If the outside of Corvette is exciting, the inside is fabulous. There are warm courtesy lights when you open either door. Lavish color-keyed deep-twist carpeting/ Rich textured vinyl seat trim. And the seats themselves…deep-pleated and saddle-stitched for that special Corvette look and feeling … with deep foam for comfort…contoured for the support you want on long trips. They’re even canted at the edges to keep you firmly positioned behind the wheel, during hard cornering. Tipping either seat back forward gives you access to the carpeted and surprisingly roomy luggage space. Two under-the-floor compartments (one lights and lockable) provide concealed storage for cameras and other valuables. A third gives access to the battery. Two people, going anywhere, never had it so good. Corvette controls are practically an extension of your arms and legs. The sports-type wheel is well forward for superb steering control. The center console puts the shift selector right under your palm (with the hand brake directly behind). Heater-ventilation controls, lighter and ashtray are right at your fingertips. Even the brake and accelerator are positioned so you can do a crisp and credible heel-and-toe downshift. You might say your Corvette interior is as personal and as practical as a pair of driving gloves. The real soul of the Corvette interior comes on when you start up and settle back. Everything you want to see is right in view. Tachometer and speedometer-trip odometer are over the steering column, big and prominent. Your auxiliary instruments (fuel, temperature, sweep-second-hand clock, oil pressure and ammeter, plus seat belt, door ajar and headlight door warning lights) are just to the right, over the console. This year, we also widened the rearview mirror to a full 10 inches to give you a broader view astern.

If the outside of Corvette is exciting, the inside is fabulous. There are warm courtesy lights when you open either door. Lavish color-keyed deep-twist carpeting. Rich textured vinyl seat trim. And the seats themselves…deep-pleated and saddle stitched for that special Corvette look and feeling…with deep foam for comfort…contoured for the support you want on long trips. They’re even canted at the edges to keep you firmly positioned behind the wheel, during hard cornering.  Tipping either seat back forward gives you access to the carpeted and surprisingly roomy luggage space. Two under-the-floor compartments (one lighted and lockable) provide concealed storage for cameras and other valuables. A third gives access to the battery. Two people, going anywhere, never had it so good. Corvette controls are practically an extension of your arms and legs. The sports-type wheel is well forward for superb steering control. The center console puts the shift selector right under your palm (with the hand brake directly behind). Heater-ventilation controls, lighter and ashtray are right at your fingertips. Even the brake and accelerator are positioned so you can do a crisp and credible heel-and-toe downshift. You might say your Corvette interior is as personal as practical as a pair of driving gloves.

Removable hardtop (for convertible) – the way to give your convertible top a vacation during cold weather. And yourself the added warmth and quiet hardtop. It’s styled to enhance the lines of the Corvette and can be ordered to match the exterior color, or with an available black vinyl roof cover for a more formal look. Luggage rack (dealer installed) – It’s handsome enough to be strictly a dress-up item. But isn’t it nice that it also lets you store the occasional overflow from your luggage compartment? Also available (from your dealer) – right-hand outside mirror, non-vented locking gas cap. Turbo-Fire 350-4 Special V8 – When we say that we’ve given this 350 a special carb, cam, crank, cylinder heads, pistons, rods, even finned aluminum rocker arm covers, we still haven’t said it all. Designed to come on in the higher RPM numbers, the special is obviously an engine for the enthusiast. Turbo-Jet 454-4 V8 – Like they say: “Nothing beats inches.” And with 454 cubic inches of displacement, the Turbo-Jet provides a lusty torque output over the entire RPM operating range. This engine, like all 1974 Corvette engines, features a new multi-louvered radiator for improved cooling in city traffic conditions. Console-Shift Turbo Hydra-matic Transmission – Think of this automatic three-speed as a box with dual personality. Leave it in “Drive” range when you’ve got other things on your mind. Shift it manually with the console T-handle when special acceleration or engine braking needs are called for. Available with all engines. Close-Ratio 4-Speed Manual transmission – Fully synchronized with a 2.20:1 first gear ratio, this gearbox provides less overall ratio, but more closely spaced gear ratio increments than the standard box, so you can stay closer to where the power peaks/ Available only with Turbo-Fire Special or Turbo-Jet engines. Gymkhana Suspension – Here’s a sporty package for the enthusiast (not recommended for general use). Provides higher rate springs, front and rear, for a firmer ride. Plus, a larger diameter front stabilizer bar to minimize lean. Also available – off-road suspension package (includes the gymkhana suspension described above, plus heavy-duty power disc brakes, front and rear), power steering, with fast steering ratio for quick response, power brakes (there’s nothing unpure about a power assist), heavy-duty battery (standard with Turbo-Jet engine), White stripe or white lettered GR70-15 steel belted radial tires.

Radios – you haven’t heard anything yet until you’ve heard FM stereo in a Corvette. It’s an unbelievably great sound you don’t want to miss. Try it, or the FM monaural radio. Both have AM band, dual speakers, sold-state circuitry, fixed-height antenna and ignition shielding. Custom Interior Leather Trim – Frankly, gorgeous. But, then, it takes a lot to top Corvette’s standard interior. In addition to the unmistakable texture and scent of leather in the seating areas, this interior brings you the added luxury of harmonizing deep cut-pile nylon carpeting and wood-grain vinyl inserts on the doors and console. Air conditioning – cools, heats, dehumidifies, does it all. Because Four-Season air conditioning is factory-installed as an integral part of Corvette’s ventilation-heating system with all controls consolidated on the console. And now, there’s an additional cooler out – let in the driver’s side that improves the air circulation over our ’73 design. Which makes Four-Season air conditioning more desirable than ever. Tilt-Telescopic Steering Wheel – select from seven tilt positions, and six inches of telescope travel, and you put the steering wheel exactly where it suits your style (or that of another driver). Vary the wheel position for a relaxing change of pace on long trips. Tilt it up for easy entry and exit. Manu owners classify Corvette’s Tilt-Telescopic steering wheel as a desirable necessity. Also Available – Power windows (with convenient console switches), rear window defogger, near rearview mirror-mounted map light. Available (from your dealer) – compass, infant safety carrier, child safety seat (GM Love Seats), hand spotlight, 23-channel Citizens’ Band two-way radio, Fire extinguisher.

Exterior Colors: Corvette Dark Green Metallic (New), Corvette Gray Metallic (New), Corvette Brown Metallic (New), Corvette Bright Yellow (New), Corvette Medium Red Metallic (New), Corvette Silver Mist, Corvette Medium Blue Metallic, Mille Miglia Red, Corvette Orange Metallic, Classic White

Interior Trim Colors: All-Vinyl (Standard) – Silver (New), Light Neutral (New), Medium Saddle, Dark Blue, Dark Red, Black. Custom Interior (Available) – Silver (New), Medium Saddle (New), Black.

Safety and Security Features: Occupant Protection – Two combination seat and shoulder belts (convertible, seat belts only) with pushbutton buckles for driver and passenger with reminder light and buzzer, starter interlock and (coupe only) shoulder belt inertia reels. Built-in head restraints. Safety steering wheel. Energy-absorbing steering column. Energy-absorbing padded instrument panel. Padded sun visors. Passenger-guard door locks. Side-guard beams. Safety door latches and hinges. Safety armrests. Folding seat back latches. Contoured windshield header (except convertible). Thick-laminate windshield. Accident prevention – side marker lights and reflectors (front side marker lights flash with direction signal). Parking lights that illuminate with headlights. Four-way hazard warning flasher. Back up lights. Lane-change feature in direction signal control. Windshield defroster, washers, and dual-speed wipers. Wide-view inside day-night mirror (vinyl-edged, shatter-resistant glass and deflecting support). Outside rearview mirror. Dual master cylinder brake system with warning light. Starter safety switch. Improved bumper system. Anti-theft- anti-theft ignition key warning buzzer. Anti-theft steering column lock. Anti-theft audio alarm system. Inside hood latch release.

*Net horsepower rating accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers standards, represents the power output of engine as installed in automobiles
**Ratios available with off-road suspension (RPO Z07): 3.55, 3.36, or 3.08