GM was getting into the spirit of America’s 200th birthday a little early when it came out with the 1974 Chevrolet Impala Spirit of America edition. This example is on Craigslist in Havre, Montana with an asking price of $2,000. Let’s check out this patriotic little number. Wait, at 18.5-feet long it isn’t little but there were a couple of smaller Spirit of America models available from the General in 1974. Thanks to Levi A. for sending in the tip on this rare car!
GM produced 2,500 examples of the Impala Spirit of America based on the Impala Sport and they came in either white as shown here or in a dark blue. I have never seen a blue one in person but they sure look sharp. In the same spirit as the Impala, Chevrolet also offered a Nova and Vega in Spirit of America editions, both in hatchback body style. There are only three photos of this Impala version that show the car and one that shows the special badge. 1974 was an interesting year, to say the least. Former president Nixon was still in the news and the 1973 oil crisis changed things forever when it came to these gigantic cars. Not to mention that the Bicentennial was still two years off.
This car has the blue carpet and dash but red was also available in the Spirit of America edition. You already know that this one will need some restoration but the interior looks surprisingly nice other than the dash top which I’m assuming has seen better days . The seller says that this one is “Ready for restoration, untouched except for engine. 350 V8 runs, with automatic trans. PS, PB, AC Minimal rust, title in hand.” These are really rare and interesting cars, have any of you seen a Spirit of America Impala, Nova, or Vega?
I would rock one of these for sure and the price seems reasonable. a loaded big block one would be even cooler!
COOL!! The featured car above is mine. And it’s still for sale. I was very surprised to see it. Funny how the internet works. 68 custom, reply and we can talk. Very solid car. Thanks to all.
Is the 1974 Chevy Impala the one you are talking about for $2000.00 ? If so do you still have it? and what is the condition>
New one on me, I thought 1973 was the last year of the “true” two door hardtops. this is, however, the first year for the stationary rear quarter glass on most models in compliance to federal safety standards.
Rear quarters do roll down. I have one in my backyard as we speak…
My dad bought one brand new…and when he went on vacation and made the mistake of leaving the key to it at home, I flipped the air cleaner over and had the time of my life…very nice smooth cars in their day…
71-76 impala/caprice coupe
Nope.never knew these special edition
Cars existed.
That’s one thing about cars
I’m always learning!😎
I think in 76 they had red and blue pin stripping on the white body.
Correct. Mine has Red dash and carpet, although it has been replaced with black,red lower door panels and white seats.They came with a factory 400 engine as well.
If I look real close at the pic above, the red pinstripe is above the blue one. Faded out of course.
I see white and blue, where’s the red? Red heater hoses, maybe.
Mine had red (dash, carpet, seatbelts) and white (seats, door panels) interior with red and blue double pin striping. I guess with the white paint, that covered it.
I had one until 2001. It was a 400 ci
All I have left is the two badges.
The neighbor took it for the engine and trans
I happened to be standing right by the box lol
Unless badly rotted underneath or missing many parts, it’s definitely worth $2000.
Obscure fact….the spirit model Impala used truck rally wheels that were body colored. Five inch bolt circle.
My parents had 76 Caprice Classic.
19 feeeet looooong
Glass House.
This one should go fast.
I have Mom’s 76 Caprice Classic Landau coupe. Its white too. 400 C I. Its in wonderfull shape. I have had it since 1988.
Some day I will post it here
John at Canton Fast Lube, Canton, Ct has a clean, low mileage, stock Nova Spirit Of America, white. all stripes & decals, and best of all a Factory 4 Speed car.
John at Canton Fast Lube, Canton, Ct has a clean, low mileage, stock Nova Spirit Of America, white. all stripes & decals, and best of all a Factory 4 Speed car.
I had a blue one.
I never knew these existed either….. My 74 was a Caprice with 454. Thankfully everywhere I went was within a couple miles of home. I never checked the mileage on it, but I only had to fill it up every other week. It was a great car til my nephew took down a telephone pole with it. Usually no one wanted to borrow it cause they knew they’d have to feed that beast. It was the only car I’ve ever had that didn’t give me a backache after a long trip
The two door hardtop body was phased out in anticipation of a federal roll over standard that never materialized. What a shame as it was the prettiest body style ever produced.
My neighbor used to call mine “The Red Neck Sled” I thought it was a beautiful car. I paid $700 for it with 66k mi., lot of bondo but clean as a whistle.
It slowly rotted away after 12 years owning it.
Minnesota winters tend to do that.
Loved the Vega Spirit of America. Seemed to me it rode better than the stock Vega. Peppy with the 4 speed and it handled well. It was a fun car
Loved this car always have I was in high school when this beauty came out. What a car sprite of america model I do remember the Nova as in this sprite model was slick too but never a Vega huummmm go figure. I loved the 74 Caprice esp the conv laid land yacht. I almost bought this sprite of america model in the early 80s but funds was an issue on finance the price is very good for this car she don’t look eat up with rust and beat to hell and back wish I was closer I go get that one.
1974 Impala Spirit of America. Seen one? I own one. It’s sitting in my garage right now.
I have never seen one since I traded mine in in 1982. I drove the wheels off of mine. I have posted a picture of it below in 1982 before I traded it in.
My Grandmother owned a Blue Spirit of America and at 16 years old I drove her in this fine car from Florida to and around Ohio and back to Florida in 1976. I’d love to have one now
I bought a Spirit of America in 1978 for $2,500 as a used car. My daughter loved this car and cried when we traded it in. It is kind of ironic because she now drives a big newer Impala. The girl knows what she likes.
My very first car. Bought it used in 1981 for $1400 from original owner. Midnight blue with metal fleck. White vinyl top with gold SOA emblem. White rims with blue/red pinstripe. Fender walls (I think that’s what they were called) covered the top half of the tires. White vinyl interior blue carpeting. Loved my tank. Ended up catching on fire on the Ventura freeway got off exit lost steering crashed into Forest Lawn cemetery lol.
Wanted to know was the 1974 white Chevy was still for sale