With its bigger bumpers, the Chevrolet Impala had finally reached land yacht proportions. And at a time when Americans were beginning to move away from huge automobiles (thanks to the ’73 OPEC oil embargo and soaring gas prices). Sales were down, and would continue that trend until GM “right-sized” these cars in 1977. This ’74 Impala Sport Coupe seems to be a solid survivor in search of a new home. Residing now in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, this larger-than-life Chevy is available here on craigslist for $15,000 (thanks for the tip, T.J.).
The fifth generation of the Chevy Impala was in production from 1971 to 1976. A modest restyle came in 1974 in part to accommodate larger bumpers fore and aft (in response to tightening safety standards). Two versions of the Impala 2-door hardtops continued, the Custom Coupe and Sport Coupe. The seller’s edition is the latter, which featured roll up/down side windows (the Custom had huge B-pillars with fixed glass). Full-size Chevy sales took a big hit in ’74 as buyers flocked to gas sippers: down from 941,000 units to 630,000.
We assume the seller’s Impala has the smallest V8 offered in the car, a 350 cubic-inch version that was rated at an anemic 145 hp SAE net. At 86,000 miles, this car has the appearance of a survivor, and the body, vinyl roof, and interior all look to be up to speed. The seller says he/she is hesitant to sell the car, yet says the price has been cut to help the auto move along to its next home.
It seems like a well-equipped barge, but it lacks air conditioning, which had become second nature by the mid-1970s. It comes with a complete rear defroster assembly should you wish to install it. If you like big comfortable vehicles and don’t keep track of gas mileage, this might be the only 1974 Impala you’d run across at Cars & Coffee.
These look like pics of pics .
Nice car
A nice one that deserves a new home. The rear defrost setup looks a lot bulkier than the one i had in my 72 Chevelle. had low and high settings but the grille on the rear parcel shelf had one inlet and one outlet and even the motor looked so different. Aside this tidbit a decent tune-up and fluid changes and it’ll run forever if cared for
I grew up with the 1973 version of this car. I remember those side skirts well. I grew up on a gravel road and Daddy would take them off to wash the whitewall tires lol. Ours was equipped with a 454, cloth seats, AC, and manual windows and door locks. They retired it in the late 80’s or early 90’s and I was glad to see it go. But, I’d love to have it now. Pops got a deal on it when he bought it. I assume because of the fuel crisis, the 454, and a cigarette burn in the back of the driver’s seat. My dad’s always been pretty shrewd. You can buy a lot of gas for 16 or so years of service out of one vehicle. I was raised to run the wheels off of them rather than trade every few years.
Big boat GM coupe. But no a/c means it may not meet Angel’s specs 💁♂️
Wheel covers were the same ones I had on my ’72 Caprice. Tahea dash is cracked in the usual place, almost in the center.
No a/c no deal for me, although the skirts are extra cost but standard on the Caprice (at least they were in ’72)
Stan, “may not meet Angel’s specs”; hell, she’ll probably glance and give an airy sniff of her nose! LOL!
😲👍 Jon lol. 💅
Yes sir!! We’ll have to see if my prediction comes true! LOL!
The next generation was better handling and a little easier on gas but these are great driving cars. Coil suspension rode great and that 350 could knock down mid teens mpg. I love how someone saw fit to get wire wheel covers, skirts, deluxe seat belts, vinyl interior and roof on an otherwise basic car. Ah, the good old days.
Say what you want I loved my 1973 Caprice Estate wagon with the power clamshell tailgate.
Big, roomy, comfortable Cadillac riding car. And you could fit 11 sailors from the Jacksonville, FL naval base in it plus 2 friends
😲 Angel
Hi Angel, the good news is I’ll show myself out now, after time in the corner! 😉
I have a 74. This one has that weird back window I don’t like. My rear glass lays inward.
GM got two more years out of the Custom window line and simply changed the rear glass preserving the concave window for the Caprice and Impala Custom.
@Jon & Stan
🤣 you guys are too much. When I had my Estate wagon in ’75 I was living in Miami, FL. It’s a no brainer you need a/c in Vegas, but I’m now in Maryland and although humid, I think you could probably get away with no a/c here. I’ll let you know.
And Stan….. are you saying I’m high maintenance? 💅💄👠💍
Stan, you’re on your own buddy! Lol!
Jon we all love when Angel chimes in on any ✍️ write-up.
Angel that lipstick 💄 emoji lol. Too funny. Have a good weekend everyone. 🍻
Angel, Rockville, MD guy here.
No AC, NO bumper rub strips, looks cheap and makes the bumpers look even uglier, and no power windows!
At least the custom coupe roofline like the Impala Spirit of America was a good choice
Hi Mike R!
Another Marylander, cool. You’re right, without the rubber strip the bumpers do look cheap, kind of like they belong on a Biscayne.
I like this roofline. Never cared for that huge triangle window that was stationary. My ’76 Cadillac Coupe de Ville had that. Hated it. Would almost rather have a 4 door so at least the window goes down.
“An anemic 145 horsepower?” Nah, SAE net makes it look a lot worse than it is. I had two 73s and they carried that big car around well. If you measured it in gross, it would be, say 225 horsepower?
Nice car,but I don,t like the RUST HIDER VYLYN ROOF.
@Stan
Ya’ll are just a bunch of old fōgies but I love ya all! ❤️. I’m no spring chicken myself but at least I still have my warpped sense of humor. I’m with you, Stan, lets all have a great weekend. 🥂