50 Years of the Chevrolet Corvette

1974

The 1974 Corvette included a new rear bumper system, including a unique urethane plastic skin covering the license plate holder and rests for the round taillights. The designers separated these two sections with a vertical center seam. This particular setup makes it easy to identify the model year. Other new additions included an increase in the RPO ZQ3 engine’s output, a tougher Turbo Hydra-Matic (put in the majority of Vettes), and a redesigned radiator. Resonators were also included in the dual exhaust system making the interior even quieter. Sadly, ’74 was the last year Chevrolet included the option for a big-block 454 cu in V-8 Engine. In 1986, Hot Rod Magazine placed the 1973-74 Corvette LS4 454 in their “10 most collectible muscle cars.”