1974 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454

Front disc brakes were standard, long with all coil suspension and flow-through power ventilation. New options included luxuries such as swivel bucket seats and a center console, s well as Turbine I wheels. Payload was a respectable 1/2 ton.

During this time, hevrolet used the El Camino (which was subjected to different rules and regulations since it was classified as a truck) to fill in for diminishing power in muscle cars. An SS El Camino could be equipped with either a 350-cid V-8 or a 454-cid big block, nd plenty of enthusiasts so equipped their El Camino.

The 1974 El Camino received a new work-oriented small-block option with a 400-cid V-8. The 1975 El Caminos followed GM's decree that all new cars would utilize catalytic convertors and high energy ignition, nd with those legally mandated changes, missions and power went down and gas mileage stayed about the same. The 1976 model year saw the introduction of GM's new rectangular dual stacked headlights on the El Camino, nd the new option of a 305-cid V-8. The 454 engine was discontinued across the brand, ymbolically ending the performance era. The 1977 model year saw the line continue without the 400 V-8. GM would down-size the El Camino in 1978 with a complete redesign.

Today the Chevrolet El Camino of this era has a loyal following. The trucks are instantly recognizable, nd especially the earliest years of this generation offer a semblance of performance. They weren't necessarily used as work horses when new, o attrition isn't a serious problem with these trucks. More of an issue is the fact that the El Camino was bought by enthusiasts who often customized their cars, aking stock examples somewhat difficult to uncover."