“Change for the sake of change, no. Improvement for the sake of improvement, you bet.” 1974 Nova sales brochure
- A “Spirit of America” limited edition model Nova was made available.
- Steel-belted radial tires were introduced as an option for the first time.
- Modified bumpers added two inches to the length of the car.
If you were to line up every year model of the Chevy Nova from the time the third-generation cars were introduced in 1968 to 1974, you would see very little difference. The front end and bumpers for the 1973 and 1974 models were slightly altered, but that was only to comply with new government regulations that required 5 MPH bumpers. In fact, by 1974, Chevy was taking pride in the lack of change.
A sales brochure from that year stated that, “we’ve been building essentially the same car since 1968. We think we’ve got it down pat.” And judging by sales numbers, this line of thinking was absolutely what car buyers wanted. In fact, Nova production would reach an all-time high in 1974.
Naturally, very little changed from 1973 to 1974. Even the “Spirit of America” model was little more than a unique paint scheme that featured a white car with red and blue accent stripes. But there were a few more changes that could distinguish the car from previous years if you looked close enough.
Included along with the slightly modified bumper – which had also been slightly modified in the previous year – were new Chevy bowtie emblems up front and larger parking lights. The new steel-belted radials were a welcome addition when the option was selected. Additionally, the largest V8 engine now came paired with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission.
Engine options also changed slightly from the previous year with the elimination of a 307 CID V8 engine option and a slightly increased maximum horsepower available for the Nova. All Novas came standard with a 250 CID six-cylinder engine that produced 100 horsepower, which was the same that had been included for many years. Instead of having the 307 option, drivers wanting V8 power could choose from two versions of the 350 CID V8 engine: one rated at 145 horsepower and the other rated at 185. The latter was a 10 horsepower improvement over the previous year.
Throughout the model year, 390,537 Novas were produced. That number was more than 20,000 higher than the previous year and was about 18,000 higher than the previous record high which was set in 1963. Though the Novas would continue to sell well throughout most of the rest of the decade, production would never again equal the high of 1974.
1974 Nova Two-Door Coupe, Two-Door Hatchback, Four-Sedan
The hatchback model had been introduced the previous year as a new option for Nova-buyers, and was once again only available on two-door models. The 1973 Nova also had been the first in a decade that the Nova SS was not available as its own model, but instead as an option package. This package was available on any Nova with any engine option, and included a blacked out grilled, SS emblems and Rally wheels. 21,419 Novas were built with this option. The base price for a Nova with a six-cylinder in 1974 was $2,811.
Competition
The Nova/Chevy II line had been introduced in 1962 as a very basic, affordable compact car. And while the Nova SS had grown into something of a muscle car by the end of that decade, now it seemed the car had come full circle. No longer was it available as a performance machine, but it did provide a small, sporty car that was practical enough for everyday driving. Obviously American car-buyers responded well to this (particularly after the first oil crisis in 1973 and rising insurance rates), and they would continue to do so while the majority of the cars in the muscle and pony car genres were extinct by the end of the year.
Engine Specifications
Performance Statistics
| 0 to 60 mph | Quarter Mile | Engine | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.0 sec | 16.8 sec | 350ci | Estimate |
As a 17 year-old nerd from Houston, I fell in love with the 1974 Nova’s design and style. I saved up $1,600 of hard-earned minimum wages to apply as a down-payment on an 8-month year-old Nova two-door coupe in 1975. It had a 350 cu V8 engine with Rally wheels, and although it wasn’t an ‘SS’, I eventually spray-painted the gray plastic grill a flat black – instantly transforming the front end from mediocre to ‘bad ass’! (in my mind anyway)
It had a beautiful 2-tone exterior paint scheme of midnight blue with a smooth-metal white top (not a textured hard-top). The interior furnished blue upholstery, perforated headliner, padded dash, with a comfortable folding split front bench seat-back that allowed easy access to the rear seat. It could seat 6 people, but only had lap belts for the middle-seat passengers. Some passengers expressed how remarkably smooth the ride felt, but it could exercise plenty of muscle when needed while quietly rocketing out from a stop (no tires squealed), or when leaping confidently out of a highway cruise to pass with a sensational power-boost. Poised with these potential adrenalin rushes, I relished knowing that this humble-looking Nova was stock and pure.
The car still had its paper window sticker which indicated it was built in Van Nuys, California at a total cost of just over $4,000. It listed several options including automatic transmission, AC (not 4-season AC), power steering, the rally wheels, heavy-duty radiator, special tires, and 2-tone paint scheme. Maintained it well until moving from Austin to San Francisco which was only about 6 years. The hills of SF finally took their toll on the automatic transmission, so that was the only major thing replaced. What a pleasure it was to drive and enjoy that Nova!
Always wanted a 396 Nova, but when they were new I couldn’t get insurance. Entering my second childhood I’ve bought a 74 SS hatchback, V8, PS, PB, Auto, factory A/C. Am making it into what in my mind GM should have built. Added 396 engine (non-original 350 engine was in car), changing front end to 72 style, including 72 bumper which saves about 150lbs of weight. Replaced rear bumper with fiberglass repro wrapped in 3M chrome. Looks stock but weighs 11lbs rather than 100 pounds for stock. Retaining the factory A/C system was a challenge, but if you throw enough money at it, it can be done. Original color was one year “Lime Yellow”, ugliest color ever! Going to paint shop next month for Marina Blue 67 Nova color. “I want my money and my life to run out at the same time…if I can die by noon tomorrow I’ll come out just right!”