Split Tail ‘74

   We’ll let Gerald Darnell, the owner of this ’74 Corvette, tell his story:
   "Split tail — that’s what made the ‘74 Corvette unique. With the transition from chrome to fiberglass bumpers, the ‘74 was introduced with a double unit bumper clip. That was the first and only year of this design and makes it not only different but also easily recognized — at least from the rear. I wasn’t looking for a project when I found this abused but serviceable ‘74. The owner had painted it gold -several times — with black/gold stripes and red interior (ouch!). He had drilled holes in the door panels for cup holders, screwed plastic pockets to the console, mounted a ‘fuzz buster’ on the dash and had left a bra on the front for so long that the fiberglass clip had rotted and turned to dust when I removed it! However, everything worked — power windows, air, power brakes and a solid engine. It was a driver.
    "The frame-on restoration began with total removal of interior and extensive bodywork by Buffalo Body Works in Longwood, FL. The car had been ‘born Green,’ but had many layers of paint, numerous inferior fiberglass repairs, European tail lights, and evidence that paint had been used to cover many of the repair flaws. New carpet, interior panels, weather stripping, trim painting, new gauges, and some aftermarket goodies were next in the restoration process. The final step was adding original Rally Wheels and Firestone tires to complete the ‘74. It is show ready and show active.
    "I have an 11-year-old daughter. She can now share and remember this car. When she’s my age, she can talk about and remember the Sharks and Stingrays. And if she’s lucky, I may let her drive it someday!"