Lot 29: 1974 CORVETTE STINGRAY COUPE

Yellow with black interior

Engine: V8, overhead valve, 350ci, 250bhp at 5,200rpm; Gearbox: automatic turbo hydramatic transmission; Suspension: front, coil springs with wishbones and stabilizer bar, rear, independent with leaf sprung with coil springs; Brakes: four wheel disc. Left hand drive.

In 1963 Chevrolet unveiled the aggressively restyled Corvette aptly named the Stingray. The strong and streamlined Stingray was a hit and caused production to go as high as 21,513, a number that continued to grow in the years that followed. The new Corvette was the brainchild of the three man team of Bill Mitchell, Larry Shinoda and Zora Arkus-Duntov. Mitchell's promotion following the departure of stylist Harley Earl ushered in a new era of design and innovation. The Stingray's overall appearance was directly influenced by the one-off race car called the Mitchell Sting Ray, a car he himself financed throughout competition. The bodywork of the race car was masterfully carried out by designer Larry Shinoda and when Mitchell saw the car for the first time, he instantly commissioned Shinoda to begin working on a production model, knowing then that he had seen the future of the Corvette sports car.

Chevrolet altered the Corvette design yet again for the 1968 model year, and the revised design would remain as the principle body for Corvette until 1982. The new design was directly influenced by the show car designs of the 1965 Mako Shark II. The car's modified body was fitted to an extended chassis that had grown in length almost eight inches to accommodate the much longer, wider and bulkier 1968 model. As the years passed the silhouette remained largely the same but for minor alterations along the way. For the 1974 year model, the rear end was restyled with a sloping profile and the rear bumpers were removed but it was otherwise unchanged from the previous year.

This automatic variant is a tidy example showing lights signs of wear to both the aged, but very presentable paintwork and the interior where only the most minor of abrasion has affected the driver's seat. It is noted that a modern Pioneer stereo system with remote control is fitted. The engine bay is clean though not detailed and it is reported to be running well. Thanks to the T-Top option it is an ideal choice for those who wise to use their classics on a year-round basis and we recommend inspection of this distinctive example.