1974 Chevrolet Corvette 454 convertible with 4-speed, no reserve

Why we picked it

1974 was the last year for the big-block Corvette, and this one has the 454 (LS4) with a four-speed manual in a convertible, which is the combination people look for. VIN 1Z67Z4S428964 decodes as a St. Louis-built LS4 convertible. It comes with a Medium Blue removable hardtop, a white soft top, leather, power steering, brakes and windows, maintenance records and a clean New Hampshire title. The fiberglass on the bumper covers was repaired and refinished in 2023.

It is selling at no reserve, and the high bid is $6,000 with almost two weeks to go, so bids will climb. A similar one-family 1974 454 four-speed convertible sold for $26,483 in June. Anything well under about $20,000 would be a good buy for a solid example.

The value check

When we found it, the bid was $16,250. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $18,000–$27,000, so the middle of the market is about $22,500. That put this car 28% under.

A one-family 1974 LS4 454 4-speed convertible sold for $26,483 on Hagerty (6/18/2026), and a modified 1973 LS4 convertible with an automatic sold for $18,250 (Hagerty 8/12/2026).

Where the numbers come from:

• 1974 Corvette 454 4-speed convertible, Hagerty 6/18/2026, $26,483
• 1973 Corvette 454/LS4 convertible w/ hardtop, Hagerty 8/12/2026, $18,250

What to check

• The listing does not say whether the engine is numbers-matching. Check the engine stamp against the VIN.
• The listing does not say whether it runs and drives. Ask for a cold-start video and a driving video.
• C3 frames rust at the rear kick-ups and in front of the rear wheels. The birdcage (windshield frame and rocker area) also rusts and is costly to repair.
• The leather is cracked and the A/C clutch clicks and needs refrigerant.
• Check the 1974 rubber-faced bumper covers and the fit of the hardtop and soft top.

Making it drive like new

Keep the 454 and four-speed and make them reliable: electronic ignition, a better radiator and fan, poly or rubber bushings, a new steering box or rack conversion, and modern tires. If you want more, a 5-speed swap and upgraded brakes are common. Keep any original parts you take off.

8 builders make a complete chassis for the 1968–82 C3 Corvette. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.

How it ended

It sold for $31,833 on Oct 21, 2026, against a market value of about $22,500 when we found it.