1974 Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu

1974 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3
The 1974 Chevrolet Chevelle series included this
Laguna Type S-3 model, which featured opera windows,
swivel bucket seats, and two-toning.

The 1974 Chevrolet Chevelle and Chevrolet Malibu series saw some lineup changes. The hallowed Chevelle Super Sport was finally dropped, but a new Laguna Type S-3 sport/luxury coupe served as the SS replacement.

The Laguna name had debuted on the 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle coupe and sedan, but the stylish 1974 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3c ame only as a Colonnade coupe. Lagunas featured a "soft" urethane front end that resisted cracks, dents, and scratches, and was supported by hydraulic cylinders.

Front occupants rode in swivel bucket seats, and the driver faced a six-dial instrument cluster. Narrow opera windows could be covered with horizontal ribs for a few dollars extra. Production of the Laguna S-3 totaled 15,792 cars, with prices starting at $3,723 -- but with plenty of options to send the bottom line past $5,000.

Except for the Laguna, all 1974 Chevrolet Chevelles -- coupe, sedan, and station wagon -- were known as Malibus. A new upscale line was named Malibu Classic and was offered in those three body styles. Classics had classier interiors, extra body trim, and a stand-up hood ornament above a special grille.

Base engine was a 250-cubic-inch six, but Chevelles might have any of four V-8s: 145-horsepower 350-cubic-inch, 160-horsepower 350 (with four-barrel carburetion), 180-horsepower 400, or the big-block 454 rated at 235 horses.

All Lagunas had V-8 engines, as well as firmer shocks/springs, a front stabilizer bar, and fat HR70x15 tires on Rally wheels.

1974 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3
The 1974 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3
combined sportiness and luxury.

1974 Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu Facts
Model
 Weight range (lbs.)
 Price range (new)
 Number built
Chevelle
3,573-3,951$3,049-$3,800265,943
Station Wagon
4,191-4,315$3,701-$4,42444,108

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