The Malaise era began in 1973 and was in full swing by 1974, with emissions control and safety regulations causing massive restrictions on performance. Due to these changes, 1974 muscle cars weren’t the fastest muscle cars ever produced.
Following a 1973 EPA announcement, every retail outlet across the country “at which 200,000 or more gallons of gasoline were sold during any calendar year beginning with 1971” was required to offer unleaded gasoline of at least 91 octane by July 1, 1974.
A full phase-out of leaded gasoline soon followed a change that was undeniably much healthier for the American people and the environment.
Along with the end of leaded gasoline, however, also came the end of the muscle car era with many considering 1974 muscle cars to be the last year when true muscle cars were produced.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the milestones of 1974 muscle cars, shall we?
Table of Contents
Major Milestones of 1974 Muscle Cars
Pontiac Closes Out What it Started
In what seems like the appropriate end to what it began, Pontiac closed out the muscle car era by releasing the 1974 SD-455 Trans Am—the most powerful of the 1974 muscle cars produced.
Other available variations of the Firebird included the Formula 350 with its L30 V8 and 170 horsepower, the Formula 400 with its L78 and 200 horsepower, and the Formula 455 with its L75 and 250 horsepower.
While the Firebird continued in one form or another beyond 1974, this was when the GTO was based on the compact Ventura. The GTO option was available for both the Ventura coupe or the hatchback with a 200-horsepower L76 350 CID V8.
The engine offered unleaded-friendly 7.62:1 compression along with a Trans Am-style shaker hood scoop and a single-muffler exhaust system with dual tailpipes that exited behind the rear wheels.
Options included chrome splitter exhaust tips, FR78x14 steel-belted radial tires, and the Pontiac Radial Tuned Suspension offering special shocks and revised spring rates.
The Original Z/28 Comes to an End
Meanwhile, Chevy performed a mild makeover on its Camaro, with bright and showy graphics drawing some attention. 1974 marked the final year for the original Z28, with RPO Z28 components being largely the same as in 1973.
The only real change to the 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 was to the 245-horsepower 350 Turbo Fire small-block, refitted with the more efficient High Energy Ignition (HEI).
The 1974 Camaro Z/28 was fast enough to earn the second fastest muscle car of 1974 distinction—right behind the Pontiac Trans Am 455 Super Duty.
The Chevelle Laguna S-3 replaced the Chevelle Super Sport in 1974. The Laguna S-3 came standard with a 350 CID V8, an optional 454 CID V8, and a respectable (for 1974) 235-horsepower.
Say Goodbye to the 455 Gran Sport
1974 marked the final year of production for the 455-equipped Gran Sport. The 455 CID V8 remained largely the same as it had been the previous year with 8:5.1 compression, 255-horsepower, and 390 lb-ft of torque.
The only real exception was the addition of the optional 455 two-barrel available for the last big-block GS. While the Century Gran Sport, some with V-6 power, carried over to the following year, the same power could not be achieved without the Stage 1.
Oldsmobile Holds Steady
Oldsmobile remained mostly unchanged in 1974 where its muscle cars were concerned, with the W29 option remaining available for the Cutlass or the Cutlass S. The package transformed the cars into a 4-4-2 by adding body stripes, a special grille and heavy-duty suspension along with either the 350 of 455 CID V8 engine.
The Hurst/Olds legacy also remained largely unchanged that year and was once again selected to serve as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500, with 1,800 Pace Cars being produced.
It was clear to all who had enjoyed what the past decade had produced that the muscle car era had officially come to an end with 1974 muscle cars.
The Complete List of 1974 Muscle Cars
Here’s the definitive list of muscle cars from 1974, showcasing the end of the muscle car era from all American auto manufacturers.
| Year | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | AMC | Javelin AMX |
| 1974 | Buick | Gran Sport |
| 1974 | Chevrolet | Laguna S-3 |
| 1974 | Chevrolet | Camaro Z/28 |
| 1974 | Dodge | Challenger Rallye 360 |
| 1974 | Dodge | Charger Rallye |
| 1974 | Dodge | Dart 360 |
| 1974 | Oldsmobile | 4-4-2 |
| 1974 | Oldsmobile | Hurst/Olds |
| 1974 | Plymouth | Road Runner |
| 1974 | Plymouth | Cuda 360 |
| 1974 | Plymouth | Duster 360 |
| 1974 | Plymouth | Scamp 360 |
| 1974 | Ponitac | SD-455 Firebird |
| 1974 | Pontiac | GTO |
| 1974 | Pontiac | Firebird Formula |
| 1974 | Pontiac | Trans Am |
Well, there you have the complete list of 1974 muscle cars. Be sure to subscribe if you like this kind of content!
Ryan Wheaton
Ryan has owned muscle cars since 1986 and currently owns a 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye. He combines passion and experience to create engaging content for fellow muscle car enthusiasts. In 2018, he founded Muscle Cars Illustrated, authoring hundreds of articles on tips, history, and trends in the muscle car industry. He attends national car shows, auctions, and museums to stay current with the latest developments in the muscle car industry.
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I enjoy all the Muscle car and Pony car content of your articles, I grew up driving these era vehicles as the Pony cars are still my favorite. Your content has accurate data and the debate of Muscle car vs Pony car will live on with the enthusiasts who love them.