The 1974 Corvette featured a sleeker body than its predecessors, with a back bumper that tapered down instead of up. But not all the changes were aesthetic. Corvette installed an additional rear-end bar to protect drivers from rear collisions, and they improved the shoulder straps to keep drivers safe.

In many ways, the 1974 Corvette marks the end of an era in luxury automotive history. Due to the oil embargo at the time, world views changed on how cars were using oil. The 1974 Corvette would be the last to offer the 454 big-block engine, and all future models would require lead-free gasoline—as opposed to the 1974s low-lead recommendation.

Corvette’s 1974 models sold at nearly record-breaking levels, with a total of 37,502 cars sold. While that number may seem small by today’s standards, it beat the previous years’ sales by over 15,000 vehicles—and did so in a time of distress for the auto industry.

You’ll need to know a lot about Corvettes if you’re looking to invest in a classic model. That’s why the #1-rated

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Ownership costs for a 1974 Corvette

At face value, a 1974 Corvette can sell for anywhere from $6,700 to $26,500. But the real cost of buying a 1974 Corvette depends on the trim and condition. Since many classic cars aren’t well-kept, their value drops significantly. And since so many 1974 models were sold, they’re more common than some of the earlier Corvettes.

The 1974 Corvette came in three trims: base model, L82, or LS4. Each trim could be bought for a coupe or convertible body, and every trim was marked by a more powerful engine. While the base model only had 190 horsepower, the L82 had 250 horsepower, and the LS4 boasted 270 horsepower.

But owning a car costs more than the initial price of the vehicle. Especially when it comes to classic cars, you can expect to pay more in

car repairs

than you would with a newer vehicle.

Where to buy a 1974 Corvette

Finding classic cars can be difficult in person, so you’ll probably have the best chance of finding a 1974 Corvette by shopping online. You may also have some luck on an online Corvette forum.

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What does the 1974 Corvette bring to the table?

As the final Corvette with an LS4 trim option, the 1974 Corvette offers the best specs to match the 454 engine. The 1974 Corvette also features more advanced safety components than its predecessors, along with a sleek, streamlined design that would continue in the following decades. It’s also worth noting that the 1974 Corvette’s popularity means there are plenty of spare parts in circulation in case you ever need to make major repairs.

MORE: What is the fastest Corvette?

Strengths and weaknesses of the 1974 Corvette

While the 1974 Corvette is an iconic car with a lot of history, owning it comes with pros and cons alike. Here are some of the most noteworthy aspects of owning a 1974 Corvette.

The good: handling

With an almost even weight distribution between the front and back, a relatively low center of gravity, and a reliable suspension system, the 1974 Corvette has great handling for all kinds of conditions.

That’s not to say you should take it offroading, but you’ll feel a solid grip and consistent control whenever you’re behind the wheel.

The good: aesthetic

Let’s be realistic—every classic Corvette has a sleek, classic look. But the 1974 Corvette incorporated a downturned back bumper that makes the car look especially smooth.

It’s also worth mentioning that the lights and license plate are placed in depressed areas on the body, so they don’t impact the overall aesthetic as they do on other models.

MORE:

Which Corvette has butterfly doors?

The good: reliability

You’d be hard-pressed to find a car that drives as well for as long as the 1974 Corvette. Even after 50 years of innovations and changes in the auto industry, the 1974 Corvette still performs at peak level.

On top of that, the feel of a manual transmission on a classic car is something you can’t find in cars today.

The bad: maintenance

Like most older cars, the 1974 Corvette is liable to face mechanical problems. That means you may be on the hook for major repairs before you even hit the road!

Since it’s been nearly 50 years since they were produced, replacement parts are generally out of production. While you can usually find used parts from other models, they may be more expensive because they’re in limited supply.

The bad: mileage

Like most classic cars, the 1974 Corvette doesn’t have very good mileage. Altogether, the car only gets an average of 14-15 miles per gallon. With that in mind, owning and using a 1974 Corvette will end up costing far more in gas than you’d normally spend.

MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car

The bottom line—should you buy a 1974 Corvette?

If you’re an auto enthusiast with a passion for classic cars, then the 1974 Corvette may be for you. With a relatively low cost of $26,000 for a high-end model, a reputation for reliability, and a classic aesthetic, the 1974 Corvette is a must-buy for any major Corvette fan.

Of course, if you’re just looking for a ride to work, then this may not be for you. Maintaining an older car isn’t always easy, and the value of a classic car could be lost on someone just looking for a fun ride. Don’t fret, though—there are plenty of great options out there, including new-model Corvettes.

How to save money on car insurance for the 1974 Corvette

When you buy a Corvette, you’ll need the right

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