1974 GTO

For the 1974 model year, the GTO was moved from the LeMans family to the smaller Pontiac Ventura (cousin of the Chevy Nova) platform to make the GTO an economical alternative after the fuel crisis of 1973 and the shaky economy of the time. For the first and only time during its run, the GTO was no longer Pontiac’s top performance car taking the backseat to the Pontiac Trans Am. Available in a coupe or hatchback model, the 1974 GTO was identified by the shaker hoodscoop it borrowed from the Trans Am and unique to 1974 Red, White, and Blue “GTO” decals affixed to the fenders, nose, and tail. The GTO identification on the nose was on the passenger side and the identification on the tail was on the driver’s side, opposite of where the front and rear identification appeared on all the previous model years of the GTO. Unique to the 1974 GTO hatchback model was a tent option. Yes, you read that correctly, Pontiac made the most of the hatchback utility feature by offering an optional strap-on tent. An optional four-speed transmission and Rally II wheels were nice reminders of previous GTOs.

The 1974 GTO’s one and only engine was a four-barrel carbureted 350 rated at 200 hp.

In the summer of 1974, Pontiac made the decision to end the GTO’s run. It was a nice 11 model years!

1974 GTO Production Numbers:

5,335 Coupes

1,723 Hatchbacks

Total Production: 7,058

1974 GTO Coupe

1974 GTO Hatchback with Tent Option

1974 GTO Hatchback with Tent Option – Rear