Lot number 1 - Lot No. 1 – Classic Car: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Colour: silver metallic Date of manufacture: July 1974 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 1Z3J4S29273 One vehicle key is available. A technical inspection can be carried out by a specialist workshop. Replacement brake components are available for purchase from a specialist workshop. The German Vehicle Registration Certificate Part I is available. Owing to the vehicle’s extended period of storage, it has not been possible to conclusively determine all potential defects or damage. The vehicle will be auctioned in its present condition. No further technical inspection has been carried out. On behalf of and as instructed by the entitled party, we shall sell the vehicle by public auction, in the name and for the account of that party, pursuant to a transfer of title by way of security, on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, commencing at 12:00 noon. Bids may be submitted in writing, by telephone or as advance bids until 22 September 2026. Online bidding will also be available. Each bid shall be deemed to have been submitted on the basis of the bidder’s own inspection and assessment. By submitting a bid, the bidder confirms that he has independently inspected the auction property or has knowingly waived the opportunity to conduct such an inspection. The highest bid received or submitted in person at the place of auction on the date of the auction shall be accepted. Participation in the auction is subject to prior registration and payment of a deposit of EUR 1.00 for identity verification purposes. Buyer’s Premium The successful bidder shall be charged a buyer’s premium on the hammer price, plus 19% VAT on the buyer’s premium, in accordance with the following scale: 20% plus VAT for a hammer price of up to EUR 99,999.00; 18% plus VAT for a hammer price from EUR 100,000.00 to EUR 199,999.99; 15% plus VAT for a hammer price from EUR 200,000.00 to EUR 349,999.99; 12% plus VAT for a hammer price from EUR 350,000.00 to EUR 499,999.99; 10% plus VAT for a hammer price from EUR 500,000.00 to EUR 699,999.99; 6% plus VAT for a hammer price from EUR 700,000.00 to EUR 999,999.99; 3% plus VAT for a hammer price from EUR 1,000,000.00 to EUR 3,999,999.99; 2% plus VAT for a hammer price of EUR 4,000,000.00 or more. The hammer price itself—excluding the buyer’s premium—will be stated without VAT. Auctioneer F. Eberhard Ostermayer Generally authorised, publicly appointed and sworn auctioneer Property to Be Auctioned The property offered for sale is a Chevrolet Corvette. Since its first presentation in 1953, the Corvette has been regarded as the embodiment of the American sports car. General Motors originally developed the vehicle in response to the growing success in the United States of European sports cars manufactured by Jaguar, MG and, subsequently, Porsche. At the same time, the Corvette was intended to enhance Chevrolet’s brand image as its technological and stylistic flagship model. The vehicle offered here belongs to the third generation of the Corvette, known as the C3, which was produced from 1968 to 1982. Owing to its distinctive body shape, this generation is also known as the “Shark Corvette”. Its design was substantially influenced by the GM Mako Shark II concept car presented in 1965. Under the direction of Bill Mitchell, then GM’s head of design, designer Larry Shinoda developed the principal design language, characterised by a long bonnet, prominently sculpted wings, a low passenger compartment and a short rear section. The transformation of the spectacular concept into a production-ready vehicle was undertaken with the significant involvement of Henry “Hank” Haga’s design studio. The Corvette’s technical development was substantially shaped by Zora Arkus-Duntov. The engineer and former racing driver, who became known as the “Father of the Corvette”, transformed a model originally conceived primarily as an attractive showpiece and image-building vehicle into an internationally respected sports car. The C3 combined a lightweight fibreglass body with a separate steel frame, a front-mounted V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension and disc brakes. General Motors positioned the Corvette as Chevrolet’s prestigious flagship model. It was aimed particularly at successful businessmen, professionals, senior executives and sports-car enthusiasts seeking a powerful, exceptionally styled yet comfortable and practical vehicle. The Corvette combined the performance and high torque of an American V8 engine with the appearance of a European exotic car. With an automatic transmission, power steering, air conditioning and other comfort features, it increasingly developed into a sporting grand tourer during the 1970s. In the market of its time, the Corvette competed particularly with the Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type V12, Datsun 260Z, De Tomaso Pantera and Mercedes-Benz 450 SL and SLC. In the American market, it also competed indirectly with the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Compared with European sports cars, the Corvette generally offered a large-capacity V8 engine and a striking appearance at a comparatively lower purchase price. The 1974 model year occupies a special position within the C3 generation. It was the only model year to feature a visibly divided rear bumper cover. This characteristic central seam resulted from modifications made to comply with stricter American safety requirements. The 1974 model year was also the final year in which the Corvette was offered with the large-capacity 454-cubic-inch big-block engine and the last year before the introduction of the catalytic converter. A total of 37,502 Corvettes were produced for the 1974 model year. Of these, 32,028 were coupés with removable T-top roof panels and 5,474 were convertibles. Approximately 542,861 examples of the entire C3 generation were produced between 1968 and 1982. According to the information available, the coupé offered here was first registered in July 1974 and is equipped with an automatic transmission. The stated output of 143 kW, equivalent to approximately 194 metric horsepower (PS), indicates that the vehicle may be fitted with the 5.7-litre L48 small-block V8 commonly used at the time. A total of 27,318 examples equipped with this engine variant were produced for the 1974 model year. No definitive determination is thereby made regarding the engine variant, the originality of the vehicle’s components or any possible matching of the vehicle, engine and transmission numbers. These matters remain subject to the prospective purchaser’s own inspection and verification. The 1974 Corvette C3 represents an important period in American automotive history: the transition from the performance-oriented sports cars of the 1960s to the more comfortable grand tourers of the 1970s. Its Mako Shark II-influenced body shape, traditional V8 powertrain and unmistakable design continue to give it a high degree of recognition. The vehicle is therefore intended primarily for knowledgeable bidders, restoration businesses, Corvette specialists, collectors and investors capable of assessing the appeal and development potential of a classic Corvette Stingray project.