1974 Monte Carlo

The 1974 Monte Carlo was a lot like its 1973 predecessor, except for a few minor detail changes. The revised grille on the front end of this Monte Carlo was one of the biggest differences first seen, but upon a bit closer inspection, one could also notice that that taillights were not only vertical, but that they were also taller and slimmer than they had been. There was a relocated license plate as well, and the 5 mph bumper, which had been federally mandated on the front a year earlier, was also included on the back in this model. The base Monte Carlo, which had been equipped with standard suspension, a manual transmission, and bias-ply tires was discontinued in 1974, leaving the “S” and “Landau” models the only choices for buyers. These models were equipped with radial ply tires, standard power steering, disc brakes on the front end, and also upgraded suspension for a smoother ride.

In place of the old transmission was a three speed manual that was listed as standard on both of these models, with the 350 V8 being the standard motor. If you wanted the optional 400 or 454 V8 motors, then you would need to get the automatic transmission. Most Monte Carlos shipped in 1974 with the Turbo Hydra Matic transmission installed. The 350 Turbo Fire V8, which was standard on all Monte Carlos of this year, was again rated at 145 HP. If you lived in California though, your standard changed to the 350 Turbo Fire V8 four barrel, rated at 160 HP.

1974 Monte Carlo with 350 V8

The option list for 1974 brought back an old favorite in the motor department. The 400 Turbo Fire small block V8 was back, rated at 150 HP, and was outfitted with a two barrel carburetor… though you could also get it at 180 HP with a four barrel. The top engine available in the 1974 Monte Carlo was the 454 Turbo Jet big block, a V8 rated at a whopping 235 HP.

Even though the Arab oil embargo really helped to kill sales for intermediate sized cars, this classic Monte Carlo performed stronger than ever on the sales floor. Chevrolet moved a staggering 300,000 units, and that was despite long lines at the gas station and inflated oil prices! The Monte Carlo was a hit, once again! The Monte Carlo led the automobile industry with Intermediate sized car sales, closely followed by the Grand Prix. Other competition included the Mercury Cougar, the Chrysler Cordoba, the Ford Torino Elite, and even the redesigned Dodge Charger. But still, Monte Carlo outsold them all, even in a year that was tough on larger cars.

1974 Monte Carlo Rear

1974 Monte Carlo Interior

1973 Monte Carlo

1973 saw the first year of the second generation for the Monte Carlo, and some changes were definitely noticeable. First of all, it was no longer a hardtop. Second, it included dual headlights, lined up on the outside of the new egg crate grille on which Monte Carlo was displayed as an emblem. Also, the large bumper on this model was a federally mandated 5 mph bumper that was required as a result of the 1973 federal safety standards overhaul for motor vehicles that had passed. The standard engine to ship on the 1973 Monte Carlo was the 145 horsepower 350 Turbo Fire V8. There was also an optional 175 horsepower V8 with a four barrel, as well as a 454 V8 rated at 245 horsepower. This model set a new record for Chevrolet sales, selling nearly 250,000 models.

The 1974 Monte Carlo was pretty much the same as the previous year’s model, though the larger bumper was also added to the back and slimmer vertical tail-lights spruced up the back end. A three speed manual transmission was pretty much the stable equipment shipped on these Monte Carlos, though there was an automatic transmission option with the larger 400 and 454 engines. Official records show, however, that most Monte Carlos of this year shipped with the Turbo Hydra Matic Transmission. It is interesting to note that, despite the oil embargo on Arab oil in 1974, which made lines at the gas station long and prices high, the Monte Carlo managed to set a new record for Chevrolet with 300,000 units sold.

1975 saw the arrival of the Catalytic converter which was needed to meet the new California emissions requirements, which cost consumers more in the way of lower octane unleaded gasoline, but helped out with fuel economy, spark plug life, and also muffler life. The engines in 1975 were basically carried over from the previous year, except that GM’s high energy electronic ignition was made standard equipment. Also, the 454 V8, due to California regulations, was no longer sold in California. For this part of the country, the 400 four barrel was the most powerful engine available in a Monte Carlo. 1975 also saw a plusher interior, and swiveling strato bucket seats were optional.

1976 Monte Carlo

1976 saw a new 140 horsepower 305 two barrel V8 ship as the standard on the Monte Carlo, though the 145 horsepower V8 350 two barrel and the 175 horsepower 400 V8 were both optional. California vehicles got a 165 horsepower 350 with a 4 barrel carburetor as the base engine, but this engine was not available in the other states. The Turbo Hydramatic transmission became standard on all 1976 Monte Carlos, and the big block 454 V8 was discontinued.

1977 saw the last year of the 1973 vintage design, as the next year would see a downsized 1978 Monte Carlo. Only two engines were offered in 1977 for the Monte Carlo, and these were the 140 horsepower 305 2 barrel V8 and the 170 horsepower 350 with a four barrel. This year, the 400 V8 was dropped as an option, and the Turbo Hydramatic transmission was included as standard.

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