For the 1973 model year, the Chevy Chevelle received a clean-sheet redesign. The new Chevelle featured a body-colored urethane front nose cap with a new bumper designed to absorb a five mile-per-hour impact. The Chevelle could be had in two-door, four-door, or wagon configurations, and the two-door was restyled as a Colonnade coupe. Trim levels included the entry-level Deluxe, the midrange Malibu and Malibu SS, and the newly christened top-of-the-line Laguna. The Chevy Laguna featured a special grille, a body-colored rear bumper with an impact strip, wheel covers, moldings at the wheel openings, roof drip moldings, and Laguna emblems. The interior boasted Carpathian elm pattern vinyl dash inlays, and a color-matched steering wheel.
The 1974 model year saw the Chevy Chevelle Laguna moniker applied to only the Colonnade coupe. The Laguna became the Chevy Laguna Type S3, replacing the SS as the performance option for the Chevelle. Standard equipment included a partial vinyl roof, swiveling Strato-bucket front seats, center console, six-dial instrument cluster, four-spoke sport steering wheel, body side striping, Laguna S3 badging, stiffer shocks and springs, a front stabilizer bar, and fifteen-inch radial tires on Rally wheels. The rear bumper changed from a body-colored unit to a chrome five mile-per-hour impact version, per federal mandate.
The standard engine offering for the Chevelle Laguna Type S3 was the 350 cubic-inch Small Block V8 fed by a two-barrel carb, producing a rather anemic 145 horsepower. Optional powerplants included a 400 cube, two-barrel making 150 horsepower, a four-barrel fed 400 that made 175 ponies, and the burly 454 cubic-inch four-barrel-carbed Big Block producing 235 horsepower. A three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic was the standard transmission, though an optional four-speed manual could be had. Total production for the Laguna Type S3 was just 15,792 units.
Our feature 1974 Chevy Laguna S3 is propelled by its numbers-matching 454 cubic-inch Big Block, backed by the factory three-speed automatic transmission. It is accompanied by the General Motors Build Sheet. It is thought that only 194 Chevy Lagunas left the factory with the 454, and only 96 were finished in Tuxedo Black with Dark Red tops. The interior is a vibrant red cloth and features dual swivel bucket seats, console, factory eight-track player, power tilt steering, and power brakes. The sale of this rare Chevy Laguna S3 includes original General Motors documentation, the original intake manifold, and factory orange valve covers.
This beautiful Chevy Chevelle Laguna Type S3 will cross the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event taking place January 22nd through the 30th.
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Comments
Over the years I’ve seen very few 454 Lagunas. 1974 was also the last year of the 455 Stage 1 Century / Riveria Gran Sport.
The Monte Carlo should had died after ’73 since it was a Chevelle in a Disco suit, the Laguna should have been the top intermediate coupe.
To double down, the Grand Prix along with the M/C should had dirt naps in the early ’70s as pony cars took the sporty side only the gas crunch prolonged the PLC market for another 20 years or so.
My dad was a Chevy dealer in 74. He had sold a white 454 Laguna to people down the street. It was such a problem vehicle, burning oil like crazy. I don’t remember the resolution but I know it gave him many gray hairs!
Big blocks burn more oil because there is greater ring area. It just goes with the territory. There was likely nothing wrong with the car at all. There may have been something wrong with the customer though. Maybe they would have been happier with a Mustang II 2.3.
That thing is so ugly it hurts my eyes.
The first thing I noticed was that although it has some desirable options it does not have A/C. That being said, I’d rather have a ’64-’72 Chevelle.
Nice example except for the lack of A/C. These were a nice driving ride. Good cornering and handling capabilities. Second to last year with a 454 available but the last year of a good performing 454. Those that like to demean this car are those that have never owned or driven one.
I’m sure it drove fine. I have to wonder though, how could the people who put out the 70 SS Chevelle, put that out? I have always had two rules, no ugly women, and no ugly cars. But, that being said, you seem to like the car, so buy it and I wish you the very best with it.
It looks great to me. I like the styling. Just keep looking at it and it will grow on you.
Odd no a/c looks like no tinted glass east coast car? As in the south west most are ordered with a/ c and tinted glass Nice that One still around
Always partial to the instrument cluster shared with the Monte Carlo.