The 1974 Camaro receive significant changes to the front and rear of the car. The elegant chromed bumpers of the 1970-1973 Camaros were replaced with aluminum-faced steel bumpers. These were necessary to meet stricter new federal safety standards. The new bumper system added weight to the car and added seven inches to the total length of the Camaro. Several more innovations included a seat belt system that wouldn’t let the engine to start unless it was engaged, radial tires and front break pad wear sensors. The Z/28 even received a breakerless ignition system.
The LT or Luxury Touring model returned 1974 as did the Z/28. However, the Rally Sport or RS option package was dropped for 1974. It would reappear in 1975.
The base model or Camaro Sport Coupe came standard with the inline six cylinder engine. Buyers were more fuel conscience in 1974 and 22,210 of them chose the standard engine. This compares to 3,614 six cylinder Camaros sold in 1973.
The 1974 Camaro LT continued to be the luxury model. The standard engine was now the 350ci V8 verses the 307ci V8 of the previous year. The larger engine added ten horsepower to the Camaro LT, but the added weight of the new bumper robbed any performance gain. The LT featured such upgrades including additional sound-deadening materials, wood grained interior trim, knit vinyl or cord-ridge fabric upholstery and a color coordinated instrument panel. Exterior upgrades included Rally wheels with center caps and bright wheel rings, special badges, Hide-A-Way windshield wipers, and chrome trim for the lights.
The 1974 Z/28 included the standard performance upgrades including a bright engine accent package, a heavy duty radiator, dual exhausts, a black grille, a sports suspension with heavy duty shocks, 15x7 wheels with white letter tires, and a rear deck spoiler. All these performance items added $572 to the price of the Sport Coupe and $502 to the price of the LT. Optional items for the 1974 Camaro Z/28 included a rear deck spoiler and a unique striping package that included a bold four color “Z/28” graphics on the hood and the rear deck.
