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1974 convertible, 454, frame off restoration - value?

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Old 02-09-2010, 07:06 PM
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Mark Battersby
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Default 1974 convertible, 454, frame off restoration - value?

Hey guys,

I tripped across this car today that was traded in at a local Chevy dealer.

I havent spoken to the previous owner yet, but this what I know about the car:

1974 convertible, 454 auto, matching numbers, frame off restoration (not sure how long ago) Car was repainted red, but was originally silver. Paint is excellent condition as is the interior. Engine bay in super clean and from what I can see under the car it looks in perfect condition.

Boxes of receipts, hardtop included.

I will post some pics soon. Overall the car looks awesome!

Any idea as to price/value?

Thanks guys...
Old 02-09-2010, 07:12 PM
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thatcorvetteguy
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Last year of the big block. Cool
Old 02-09-2010, 07:46 PM
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Mark Battersby
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http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/u...tts71/side.jpg
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSC_0926.jpg
Old 02-09-2010, 08:00 PM
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silver69
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nice car
Old 02-09-2010, 08:20 PM
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vettebuyer6369
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Buy the car if it's right and you like it, but do not overlook the significant hit on value that wrong paint causes.
Old 02-09-2010, 08:25 PM
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GREGG-73
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Originally Posted by Vettebuyer5869
Buy the car if it's right and you like it, but do not overlook the significant hit on value that wrong paint causes.
and the interior color may have been changed as well....why go through all that work and not keep the original color combo is anyone's guess.

Stay in tune...
Old 02-09-2010, 09:24 PM
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Mark Battersby
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Originally Posted by GREGG-73
and the interior color may have been changed as well....why go through all that work and not keep the original color combo is anyone's guess.

Stay in tune...
Thanks Gregg....

The paint looks awesome, but I was surprised the owner didnt go with the original colour.

What is it worth?

early $20's? or is that too much for a '74?

Does being convert & 454 make a big difference?

Thanks mate
Old 02-09-2010, 09:34 PM
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GREGG-73
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Originally Posted by Mark Battersby
Thanks Gregg....


Does being convert & 454 make a big difference?

Thanks mate

Absolutely....the best of choice's.....What you are willing to pay, will determine its worth. As I mentioned in my PM to you....this is a dealer, so, expect a hefty mark-up. Whatever he is asking, subtract 30% and there you will find the value. Subtract an additional 10% for non-original color.

Stay in tune...

Last edited by GREGG-73; 02-09-2010 at 09:36 PM.
Old 02-09-2010, 10:02 PM
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Mark Battersby
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Originally Posted by GREGG-73
Absolutely....the best of choice's.....What you are willing to pay, will determine its worth. As I mentioned in my PM to you....this is a dealer, so, expect a hefty mark-up. Whatever he is asking, subtract 30% and there you will find the value. Subtract an additional 10% for non-original color.

Stay in tune...

They have $27,998 on it....

- 30% = 19,598
- 10% = 17,638

Looks like a good price to me
Old 02-09-2010, 10:11 PM
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GREGG-73
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Originally Posted by Mark Battersby
They have $27,998 on it....

- 30% = 19,598
- 10% = 17,638

Looks like a good price to me
In my PM to you I said "north of 27K"...hows that for spot on? Now, take the extra top, the frame-off into consideration and ad back in 15%....Its a 20K' ish car.

Saty in tune...
Old 02-09-2010, 10:22 PM
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Mark Battersby
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Originally Posted by GREGG-73
In my PM to you I said "north of 27K"...hows that for spot on? Now, take the extra top, the frame-off into consideration and ad back in 15%....Its a 20K' ish car.

Saty in tune...

Yes mate, I was pretty impressed when I read your asking estimate of $27k - spot on!!!
Old 02-09-2010, 10:33 PM
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Jeff_Keryk
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After buying 4 Corvettes, the best advice I got was "Buy the best car you can" and "MAKE SURE it is the car you want".
Old 02-09-2010, 11:02 PM
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Mark Battersby
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Originally Posted by Jeff_Keryk
After buying 4 Corvettes, the best advice I got was "Buy the best car you can" and "MAKE SURE it is the car you want".
Great advice I'll keep reminding myself that....

Thanks Jeff
Old 02-09-2010, 11:52 PM
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After recently finishing a full nut and bolt rotisserie restoration of a 74 BB convertible I would like to say that I am somewhat of an expert on these cars...(at least my version of one)

A couple words of advice...

1. 74's - you either love them or hate them...although it was the last year for the big block blah blah blah...that car will never be looked at like the same car from 1970 - rubber bumper cars are worth less and are less sought after - and always will be...

2. 74's have many "one year only" parts...and finding the big block stuff for these cars is very difficult...I searched for some parts for years!

3. Before you invest big money - and just shy of $30k is huge money for that car - please have someone that knows a thing or two about corvettes look it over...and make sure that it is indeed "numbers matching" - there are less than 80 "known" 74 BB converts out there right now...and in my opinion...the value in the car will be in its originality...

On a side note...I will be happy to share all my knowledge on these cars if you have any questions...also..Mayberg is keeping a database on these cars..so make sure that you get him the vin number!
Old 02-10-2010, 12:01 AM
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MY CAR...

Old 02-10-2010, 12:13 AM
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Mark Battersby
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Originally Posted by ROBRICCI
After recently finishing a full nut and bolt rotisserie restoration of a 74 BB convertible I would like to say that I am somewhat of an expert on these cars...(at least my version of one)

A couple words of advice...

1. 74's - you either love them or hate them...although it was the last year for the big block blah blah blah...that car will never be looked at like the same car from 1970 - rubber bumper cars are worth less and are less sought after - and always will be...

2. 74's have many "one year only" parts...and finding the big block stuff for these cars is very difficult...I searched for some parts for years!

3. Before you invest big money - and just shy of $30k is huge money for that car - please have someone that knows a thing or two about corvettes look it over...and make sure that it is indeed "numbers matching" - there are less than 80 "known" 74 BB converts out there right now...and in my opinion...the value in the car will be in its originality...

On a side note...I will be happy to share all my knowledge on these cars if you have any questions...also..Mayberg is keeping a database on these cars..so make sure that you get him the vin number!
Hey thanks Rob!!

Here are the numbers:







Im new to the whole matching numbers thing, but these looked right...
however im all ears
Old 02-10-2010, 06:43 AM
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Paul L
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The numbers match. CWR is 454cid, 270hp, AT. Exterior paint was Silver Mist and interior was Saddle Leather. That's a very nice car.

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To 1974 convertible, 454, frame off restoration - value?

Old 02-10-2010, 09:39 AM
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mayberg
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Originally Posted by Mark Battersby
Here are the numbers:
Thanks for providing the pics. I'll (try to remember to) double-check my 1974 VIN database tonight. Can you confirm whether the car has power windows, power steering, tilt? It looks like it have power brakes and originally came equipped with AC, right?

I like mine. In this day and age, I wouldn't be too concerned about the color change as long as it was "positive", as in not a color change from red to lime green, or blue to puke-brown. Blue, tan leather, and white top......mmmmmmmmm good.

Me? I'm just black and white, I mean white and black.
Old 02-10-2010, 10:00 AM
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Mark Battersby
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Thanks guys,

any more thoughts on pricing?

Cheers
Old 02-10-2010, 12:45 PM
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Alan 71
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Hi Mark,
The engine compartment is quite nice. From the one picture it appears the frame off was done a while ago.
It would be a help to see lots more pictures since definitions of what and how things are done during a frame off restoration vary GREATLY.
Those pictures would help knowledgeable owners like RR offer their opinions and tell you what they see.
I'll only caution you to be careful that you don't get caught-up in the 'gotta have a car NOW fever'!
Regards,
Alan

PS: Didn't 74 BBs still have shielding on the spark plug wires? I also believe there were brackets for the wires not plastic ties.

Last edited by Alan 71; 02-10-2010 at 12:48 PM.


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