Cars Made in 1974: The Complete List

The mid-1970s was a truly transformative period for the automotive industry, shaped by the oil crisis, evolving safety regulations, and shifting design philosophies. Manufacturers worldwide faced new challenges, resulting in unique and often memorable vehicles that serve as fascinating snapshots of the era. It was a time when innovation met constraint, producing a diverse range of cars.

If you’re curious about the specific models that emerged from this pivotal year, you’ve come to the right place. Our comprehensive list features exactly 59 Cars Made in 1974, spanning a remarkable spectrum from the American muscle-influenced AMC Matador Coupe to the safety-conscious, groundbreaking Volvo 240 Series. Below, for each vehicle, you’ll discover key information including its Manufacturer, Country, Engine (L), Power (hp), and Notable Features, all organized for a clear overview.

What were some defining characteristics of cars made in 1974?

1974 was a year heavily influenced by the 1973 oil crisis and stricter emissions standards. This led to a general trend of decreasing engine power and a greater focus on fuel economy, though V8 engines were still common, particularly in American models. Safety also became a major concern, with large, impact-absorbing bumpers becoming standard, often affecting vehicle aesthetics. Design-wise, cars were often boxier and less overtly aerodynamic than previous decades, but many still retained unique stylistic flourishes before the widespread homogenization seen later.

Were there any significant new car models launched in 1974?

Absolutely. While many existing lines continued, 1974 saw the introduction of several iconic models that would go on to define their segments or even entire brands. Notable examples include the aforementioned Volvo 240 Series, which set new benchmarks for safety, and the Volkswagen Golf (or Rabbit in North America), which became an instant global success and a template for modern compact cars. Other significant debuts included the first generation Porsche 911 Turbo and the AMC Matador Coupe, reflecting diverse market demands.

Cars Made in 1974

Images and Descriptions

Ford Mustang II

A controversial but massively successful response to the 1973 oil crisis, the Mustang II swapped muscle for fuel economy, perfectly capturing the mood of the moment.

Volkswagen Golf Mk1

This was the car that would define the modern hatchback. Its front-wheel-drive, water-cooled layout was a radical departure from the Beetle it was designed to replace.

Lamborghini Countach LP400

The definitive supercar of the 1970s and 80s began production in 1974, looking more like a spaceship than a car. Its dramatic styling became an instant icon.

Chevrolet Corvette C3

The C3 Corvette sported a new two-piece rear bumper to meet safety standards. 1974 was also the final year for the potent 454 big-block V8 engine.

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Despite the decline of the muscle car, the Trans Am remained a powerful and stylish choice, with its aggressive looks and available Super Duty 455 engine.

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

The epitome of the ‘personal luxury’ coupe, the Cutlass Supreme offered distinctive ‘Colonnade’ styling and a smooth ride that millions of American buyers adored.

Citroën CX

Introduced as the successor to the legendary DS, the CX was futuristic, aerodynamic, and offered an incredibly smooth ride thanks to its unique suspension system.

Porsche 911 (G-Series)

To meet US safety regulations, the 911 was redesigned with prominent ‘impact bumpers,’ a look that would define the car for the next 15 years.

Lancia Stratos HF Stradale

A stunning, wedge-shaped car with a Ferrari Dino V6 engine, the Stratos was a rally champion in street-legal form. Only a few hundred were made.

Ford F-150

The F-150 model name appeared in 1974 for the ’75 model year, quickly becoming the most popular version of America’s best-selling truck line thanks to its heavy-duty capabilities.

Datsun 260Z

The popular Z-car got a bigger engine for more torque, though power was slightly down due to emissions controls. A new 2+2 seating model was also introduced.

AMC Matador Coupe

AMC went for a bold, aerodynamic design for its new Matador coupe, which polarized critics but certainly stood out from the boxy designs of its competitors.

Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

A mid-engined 2+2 sports car with sharp, angular styling by Bertone, the 308 GT4 was a departure from Ferrari’s typical Pininfarina designs.

Volvo 240 Series

Introduced in late 1974, the 240 became the quintessential Volvo—boxy, incredibly safe, and built to last for decades.

Honda Civic

The little Honda Civic was the perfect car for the fuel crisis, offering amazing gas mileage, clever packaging, and legendary reliability.

Jaguar XJ6/XJ12 (Series II)

The Series II update of the beautiful XJ sedan brought a revised interior and a shallower grille, but kept the sublime ride and handling the model was famous for.

MG MGB

To comply with US crash standards, the classic MGB was fitted with large ‘rubber’ bumpers, a distinctive and often criticized feature of its later years.

Dodge Monaco

This big, comfortable sedan would later achieve cinematic fame as the ‘Bluesmobile’ in The Blues Brothers. In 1974, it was solid, traditional American family transport.

Ford Gran Torino

A popular mid-size car, the Gran Torino offered a wide range of bodies and engines, from economical family sedans to sporty coupes.

Chevrolet Camaro

Like its Firebird cousin, the Camaro received a major facelift to incorporate new safety bumpers, giving it a heavier, more aggressive look.

Plymouth Barracuda

Along with its sibling, the Dodge Challenger, the ‘Cuda ceased production in 1974, marking the definitive end of Chrysler’s run in the pony car market.

Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1

Launched alongside the Golf, the Scirocco was a stylish and fun-to-drive coupe designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro that offered a sportier alternative to its practical hatchback sibling.

Toyota Celica

The Celica offered sporty styling and nimble handling in a reliable and economical package, making it a massive international success.

Datsun B-210

Known as the Sunny in Japan, the B-210 was a small, no-frills economy car that became incredibly popular worldwide during the fuel crisis.

Triumph Spitfire 1500

The classic British roadster received its largest engine yet, providing better performance. Like the MGB, later models also got large black bumpers for the US market.

Bricklin SV-1

A Canadian-built ‘Safety Vehicle’, the SV-1 was a quirky sports car with advanced safety features for its time, but it was plagued by production issues.

Cadillac Eldorado

With a massive 500 cubic-inch V8 engine and front-wheel drive, the Eldorado was a huge, opulent coupe that defined 1970s American automotive excess.

Lincoln Continental Mark IV

A direct competitor to the Eldorado, the Mark IV was the embodiment of personal luxury, featuring a long hood, short deck, and opulent luxury features.

Jaguar E-Type Series 3

One of the most beautiful cars ever made, the E-Type ended its 14-year run in 1974. The final series was powered exclusively by a smooth V12 engine.

Fiat X1/9

Designed by Bertone, the X1/9 was an affordable and fun mid-engined sports car that brought exotic car design to the masses.

Alfa Romeo Spider

The timeless Italian roadster, made famous in the film ‘The Graduate’, continued in its Series 2 form with a distinctive chopped-off tail design.

BMW 2002

In its final years, the 2002 was still the benchmark for a compact, fun-to-drive sedan. The ultra-rare 2002 Turbo variant also ended its run in 1974.

Maserati Khamsin

A sleek V8-powered grand tourer, the Khamsin featured a number of high-tech Citroën systems, including power steering and pop-up headlights.

Ford Falcon (XB)

The Australian Ford Falcon was a rugged sedan and coupe that offered powerful V8 options, making it a true Aussie muscle car.

Holden Torana (LH)

This new generation of the Torana was a formidable performance car, especially in the SL/R 5000 trim, which became a legend on Australian race tracks.

Subaru GL/DL

Before Subaru was famous for standard AWD, they offered a rugged and affordable 4WD system on their small cars, a feature that was revolutionary for a passenger vehicle.

Mazda RX-4

The RX-4 offered V8-like smoothness from its unique rotary engine, packaged in a stylish coupe, sedan, or wagon body.

Peugeot 504

The 504 was a tough-as-nails sedan with a supple long-travel suspension that made it a massive success in Europe and developing countries, particularly Africa.

Renault 5

Called ‘Le Car’ in the US, the Renault 5 was a clever and stylish small car that was a huge hit in Europe for its practicality and charm.

Triumph Stag

A stylish V8-powered 2+2 grand tourer, the Stag offered a unique combination of open-air motoring and structural rigidity.

Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

The standard of automotive luxury for decades, the Silver Shadow was hand-built and offered its occupants a ride of unparalleled silence and comfort.

Chevrolet Vega

A subcompact built to fight imports, the Vega was a stylish and good-handling car, but was unfortunately plagued by serious reliability issues with its engine.

Plymouth Duster

The Duster was a popular compact that offered practicality with a touch of style and, when equipped with the 360 V8, impressive performance for the era.

Dodge Charger

The Charger’s third generation was now firmly in the personal luxury camp, focusing more on comfort and style than the raw performance of its 1960s predecessors.

Ford LTD

The LTD represented the traditional American family car: big, comfortable, and V8-powered. The pillared sedan was new for 1974.

Chrysler New Yorker

The all-new 1974 New Yorker moved to a more formal, squared-off ‘waterfall’ grille design, epitomizing the Brougham era of luxury.

Volkswagen Type 2

The beloved VW Bus continued to be a symbol of counter-culture and adventure, serving as a camper, van, and family hauler for millions.

Jensen Interceptor III

A hand-built British grand tourer, the Interceptor blended a massive American V8 with a sleek body designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Italy.

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla had already built a global reputation for being an incredibly reliable, efficient, and affordable small car.

BMW E12 5-Series

The first-generation 5-Series combined the practicality of a four-door sedan with the responsive handling and performance that BMW would become famous for.

Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class

Widely considered one of the best cars in the world at the time, the W116 S-Class was an engineering tour de force with a major focus on safety and build quality.

Aston Martin V8

With styling reminiscent of an American pony car but with a hand-formed aluminum body and a powerful V8, the Aston Martin was a blend of brute force and British craftsmanship.

Lotus Europa Special

The Europa was a lightweight, mid-engined sports car that offered incredible handling. The ‘Special’ model used the Lotus-Ford twin-cam engine.

Saab 99 Combi Coupé

Saab introduced the ‘Combi Coupé’ body style in 1974, offering the cargo flexibility of a hatchback with the profile of a sporty sedan.

International Scout II

The Scout was a tough, no-frills off-road vehicle that was available with a removable hard or soft top, perfect for work or adventure.

Jeep Cherokee (SJ)

The new two-door Cherokee was a sportier version of the Wagoneer, offering powerful engines and legendary Jeep 4×4 capability.

Ford Bronco

The first-generation Bronco remained a simple and highly capable off-road vehicle, popular with enthusiasts for its compact size and rugged simplicity.

Chevrolet C/K Truck

This generation of Chevy trucks set a new standard for comfort and convenience, making them as capable on the highway as on the job site.

Dodge Ramcharger

Based on the Dodge D-Series pickup, the Ramcharger was a big, tough two-door SUV designed to compete directly with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

Cars Made in Other Years