Our featured automobile is the popular 1974 Chevy Monte Carlo Coupe. The Monte Carol was a very long running Chevrolet model produced for six generations and over thirty two model years. The model was produced from 1970 to 2007 and was marketed as a personal luxury automobile. The Monte Carlo ran for 32 model years and six generations.
The Chevy Monte Carlo debuted during the height of the muscle car wars prior to the new federal regulations on emissions and safety. Right from the model’s beginning the Chevrolet Monte Carlo offered both personal luxury and excellent performance. For buyers the Monte Carlo was also considered sporty and affordable. The model was also considered Chevrolet’s version of the Pontiac Grand Prix. The 1970 and 1971 Monte Carlo also rode on the “A Special” platform also used with the Grand Prix and the car was active on the NASCAR circuit for all of it’s first production run through 1988.
The second generation of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo spanned 1973-1977 and during this time the performance declined somewhat due to the new federal safety and emission regulations.
1974 Chevy Monte Carlo Styling
The Monte Carlo received a major redesign for the 1973 model year (first year of the second generation) and was named Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year for that year.
The major change that took place in 1973 was that the Chevy Monte Carlo was no longer a hardtop but rather a pillared coupe with side opera windows. In addition, the larger side windows were frameless. These changes all carried over to 1974. In 1974 buyers had the choice of the base coupe or the landau coupe.
Standard equipment on the 1974 Monte Carlo included the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, power steering and power brakes, electric clock, deluxe wheel covers, lighter and inside the car hood release. A sporty option were side racing mirrors and pinstriping.
The 1974 models came with an extra large front bumper which was part of federal regulations and that new regulation was also required for the rear bumper. The bumper regulation required the front bumper to sustain a 5 MPH impact without causing damage to the light and/or fuel system. The requirement for the rear bumper was a 2.5 MPH impact.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was eventually discontinued after the 2007 model year. During that time there was a hiatus from 1989 to 1995. By 2007 Chevrolet was reintroducing the Camaro model and coupe sales in general were declining.
1974 Chevy Monte Carlo Specifications
A 350 cubic inch V-8 engine was standard on the 1974 Monte Carlo. Also available was a 400 cubic inch V-8 and a 454 cubic inch V-8. Horsepower was 145, 180 and 235 respectively.
Transmissions included a three speed manual and a three speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic.
Brakes were power with front discs and rear drums.
Dimensions include 116.0 inch wheelbase, 212.7 inch overall outside length, 77.6 inch width, 52.7 inch height. Curb weight came in at 4,325 lbs.
Depending on engine the Monte Carlo’s new car price in 1974 was about $3,800.
Total 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo production was a bit over 312,000 vehicles. This represented a significant increase over 1973 production which came in at about 233,500 vehicles. Total Chevrolet production for the 1974 model year was 2.4 million vehicles.
Related Auto Museum Online articles include…
The 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
The 1977 Pontiac LeMans Can.Am
Reference material for this article includes….The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars : 1955-1974 by author Mike Mueller…Compete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide…The Age of the Muscle Car by Clay Fees.
The Chevy Monte Carlo Collector Car
The Chevy Monte Carlo is a good collector automobile and is a good car to start a collection with. The 1977 Monte Carlo was stylish and sleek looking. It attracted buyers who were looking for a personal luxury car and/or a sporty looking muscle car. There was a wide choice of V-8’s available with the top one being the big block 454.
At the current time 1977 Chevy Monte Carlo’s in good to excellent condition can be found in the $20,000 to $30,000 range. You’ll also see some examples priced in the teens. Mileage, restoration, originality and particular V-8 will have a big influence on asking prices.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)