1974 Corvette

No question about it. My 454 Convertible Corvette is the best car I have ever driven. I have driven Corvette ZR-1, Porsche, Ferrari, and other vehicles that have been blessed by the high priests. This is the only car that combines incredible power, beauty, and elegance in 1 vehicle. Just turning the key and starting the car gives me goose bumps. It is an automatic and an unrestored original vehicle. The sound that it makes is just like race car. Don't let the advertised 270 net hp fool you--in reality it is 325 hp. Torque is 395! My wife has driven it only once in the 20 years I have owned it--the power scares her. it will crush the Mustangs and the Rice boxes with ease. The handling is not the best but it is right up there for 70's vehicles. It is easy to work on and it is a sure collectable. The last year of the big block, dual exhaust, unleaded gas, no catalytic converter, no computer, and a real convertible, no bumper guards on the urethane bumpers. American hardware and European style--yes Corvettes have always tried to emulate Pininfarina. There were only 310 of these built and imagine how many few are left.

I live in Australia & also own this exact model Corvette (matching numbers).
However it is far from standard with many engine mods. Bored to 468 cubic inches running hi comp pistons, roller cam, Scorpion roller rockers,MSD ignition, Edelbrock torquer2 manifold topped with a 870 street/strip holley.
Runs a massive set hooker headers into 4" side pipes.
Full Bilstein race suspension keeps this beast on the road but I must agree with Gary..... it is a handful to drive & you need nerves of steel. Sinking the pedal on bends is fraught with danger as the torque & power can be unforgiving should you not show it the utmost respect. Give it some straight open road & this monster chews up the bitumen with mind blowing acceleration.
Its not hard to get loose in all gears.
Fuel economy is terrible running on 98 octane but who cares. It is a small price to pay for so much fun & enjoyment the car brings.
The alloy muncie 4 speed box handles all the punishment you can throw at it.
I have owned many cranky small block engined cars from 351's, to 400 chevs but they dont compare to the ground pounding power & torque of a big block.
As the car is over 30 years old (pre 1980),there is no legal requirement to convert it to right hand drive. The car is fully restored inside & out rolling on a brand new set of Cragars.
Overall assessment: Not the most practical car I have owned being a 2 seater but definitely the best performing, toughest & most beautiful curvaciously designed cars ever built.

I have owned a very Rare LS4 4 sp Close Ratio for over 15 years now. This car is very fast, very powerful, and can be very scary. This is not a kiddy car. Since I live at altitude "6000-9000 feet and up here in Colorado " the humidity has an extreme effect on power. Typically humidity here is 5-12 percent. The 454 Big block stuffed into a corvette is rare. It weighs more than the small block, but, what it lacks in the turns because of the added weight, it more than makes up for in the straights with its awesomely powerful big block. I have grown up racing dirt bikes, and riding street bikes to include turbos. I must say.. This is the only car I have ever owned or driven that makes me smile, and... Makes me nervous with apprehension. Not knowing if I will be grown up and mature and not put my foot into it.. or not? To put your foot down is to light a cannon for sure !! It is a rush. IT handles well in the turns and can scrub tires with the best of them. IT is a blast to drive. Just be careful as it is not an easy car to drive fast. You have to be in control of both power and torque. Rated at 270 and 395 may not seem like much.. But.. To have 395 pound feet of axle twisting torque at the rear wheels is a thrill like no other. The LS4 motor shares a lot of part with the small block 350. A lot of the Tune up parts. They are inexpensive and can be found most anywhere. LS4 454 motor is bullet proof. Car is electronic free and never causes any problems. Engine and car can be fixed with Kitchen tools if something does go wrong. That is one of the many beauties of these old Big Block Corvettes. The cost of admission is not cheap being that LS4 Corvettes are rare and expensive. But..Once in, you will not regret it. Low Maintenance fun for sure !! There is just something that attracts me to the simplicity of the Cars of 1975 and older... They were so simple back then.. The only things that have been a problem for me have been the clock.. IT has never kept time since I have owned the car. And.. I had a serious problem with the Motor wanting to lay down when the ambient temperature got over 70 degrees. After much tinkering, testing and jetting with the carb, problem was solved completely by adding an electric pusher fuel pump near the tank. IT now can get to over 100 degrees outside and it no longer will lay down. Obviously a Fuel vapor locking problem with these new fuels. Also.. I can get away with burning mid grade fuel and I only hear some slight knocking on only the hottest of summer days.. There were not many LS4's made. Only 1,200 or so. Of which only 150 were 4 sp CR's and 2 were WR's or wide ratios. Must have shipped those to Europe for Auto Bhann runs.. So.. Out of the 150 Standards, and the others were autos.. No telling how many are left... IT would be safe to assume,, Not many.. Rare to be sure.. If you have a line on one and it is a stick, you have found a rare bird for sure. Enjoy the ride.. !!!