Corvette Model Gallery

1974 Roadster

The era of chrome bumpered Corvettes was over. The tail received the energy absorbing system that had been introduced the previous year. While the new sloping soft tail provided slightly less down force it created a more attractive and streamlined package. Even the ever critical Car & Driver concurred, "we think the front and rear together produce a molded shape that speaks of function instead of decor." The new bumper was molded in two pieces resulting in a seam down the middle. This part became one piece the next year making the ‘74 tail unique. Since 1963 Corvette had always located a badge on the gas cap door, except for ‘74, the only year this tradition disappeared. The nose and tail badging was also slightly different for ‘73 & ‘74. A black ring was added.

Rather than this being a year of firsts 1974 was a year of lasts; last year for the 454 big block, last year that leaded gas could be used and the last year before catalytic converters would be an integral part of the emissions system. These changes were also making racing less important to GM as the heavier and less powerful Corvette was finding it difficult to compete against the purpose built European racers. Corvette continued to find some success in the A & B production SCCA series and individual owners were taking a new interest in a parking lot style of racing called autocross. Chey quietly admitted the change in direction with their advertising slogan, "one of the great pleasures in life," no mention of Corvette as a performance sports car.

Owners did continue to enjoy the ‘pleasure’, more than thirty-seven thousand cars were sold. Although sales continued to climb although so did price.

The model

Robert Wheeler sent us this Corvette Roadster... with a killer Orange paint job.  After reading Rob's comments.. I sure would like to see more pictures of this model.

MPC kit #6361 in 1/25th scale

Here are some of Rob's comments on the model:

Paint:

• Corvette Orange (Humbrol Orange),  Saddle interior (custom mixed).

Work Done: 

• Kit began as a '75 but was converted back to a '74.

• All panel lines rescribed.

• 454 engine fully detailed.

• Antenna added.

• Seats, wheels and mirrors from other kits.

• Interior detailed.

• Tires from spares box.

• Chassis wired and exhaust system scratchbuilt.

• Photo etched door locks.

Problems:

• Hood wouldn't fit properly over windshield glass.

Comments:

• This is one of my favorite models, both because I think this year was the best looking of the soft nose C3's, but also because it turned out so successfully for me.  The paint job was one of my first efforts at polishing using a polishing kit.

If you have any questions or comments for Robert, you can email him at  r.wheeler@sk.sympatico.ca

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Page updated  02/05/01