Logo

1974 Dodge Monaco

The 1974 Dodge Monaco: a big, boxy bruiser! Famous as the Bluesmobile in Blues Brothers, it was a comfy cruiser, representing 70s American muscle. Its massive size and distinctive rectangular shape made it instantly recognizable, a true icon of the era. A land yacht with attitude!

History of the Dodge Monaco Series DM

Launched in 1974, the Dodge Monaco Series DM became a staple of Dodge's lineup. It arrived during a time when car designs were pivoting due to new fuel and emissions standards. The Series DM left its mark with a focus on aesthetics and performance, making it popular among those who appreciated both style and speed.

Photo of a 1974 Dodge Monaco

1974 Dodge Monaco Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Dodge Monaco Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,936.00

Outstanding

tooltip
$19,500

Clean

tooltip
$14,100

Average

tooltip
$8,100*

Rough

tooltip
$2,400

1974 Dodge Monaco Specs

Body Maker: Dodge
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: DM23
Length: 220.5 inches
Width: 79.3 inches
Height: 54.2 inches
Wheelbase: 121.5 inches
Weight: 4,150lbs
Type: V8, OHV, Dual downdraft, Torqueflite automatic
Displacement: 360 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 & 3 37/64 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.2 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 185@4000
Horsepower Rated: 51.2
Torque: 315@2400
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: Stamped on block just forward of number 2 cylinder bore adjacdnt to the distributor.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
19 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Second:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Third:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
Not applicable
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 2.71 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: Power front disc, rear self-adjusting drum
Service Front Size: 11.75 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Tire Size: JR78 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 25 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting DM23K4a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Powder Blue, Lucerne Blue, Starlight Blue Metallic, Frosty Green Metallic, Deep Sherwood Metallic, Avocado Gold Metallic, Dark Moonstone Metallic, Sienna Metallic, Dark Chestnut Metallic, Golden Fawn, Yellow Blaze, Dark Silver Metallic, Bright Red, Parchment, Aztec Gold Metallic, Eggshell White, Black, Dark Gold Metallic
Hardtop: Opt
440 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
400 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Radio: Opt
Speed Control Device: Opt

Interested in buying a classic car or selling one?

Access detailed history reports for classic vehicles from hundreds of manufacturers.

  • play
    Accident Records
  • play
    Theft Records
  • play
    Loan & Lien Information
  • play
    Auction Information
  • play
    Salvage Information and more
What is Not Included in a Classic Car Build Sheet

Design and Features

The Monaco boasted a full-size sedan layout, packed with luxury and comfort. Buyers back then could jazz up their rides with various customization options — think of it as picking toppings for your pizza. From plush upholstery to advanced audio systems, options were aplenty. It even had engine choices catering diverse needs, like the standard 360 cubic inch V8 for everyday driving or the beefier options for the adrenaline seekers【4:1†file】.

Learn more about a classic car: Get Build Sheet by VIN.

Access reproduced classic build sheets to learn more about your classic vehicle details.

  • play
    Standard Specifications
  • play
    Original Base Price
  • play
    Standard & Optional Equipment
  • play
    Exterior & Interior Colors
  • play
    VIN ID & Location description
Classic Build Sheets by VIN

Market Performance

Despite grappling with the economic challenges of the 70s, the Monaco secured its place, selling around 38,566 units during its kick-off year. It offered a blend of luxury and practicality that appealed to those straddling the line between full-size traditionalism and emerging efficiency trends【4:2†file】.

Legacy of the Bluesmobile

In pop culture, the Monaco's most famous role has to be in The Blues Brothers, where it roared into fame as the "Bluesmobile". This film appearance intertwined the car's identity with music and rebellion, making it a standout cultural artifact. It's hard not to get nostalgic about the high-speed chases and the iconic black-and-white car that came to symbolize a whole generation's love for blues【4:2†file】.

Famous Figures Who Own Dodge Monaco

Over the years, the Monaco charmed its way into the garages of many enthusiasts, including Hollywood figures. Travis Bell, for instance, recreated the Bluesmobile to exact proportions, a testament to its lasting allure. Fans and collectors continue to seek out these vehicles, either to relive a bit of cinematic magic or to simply bask in its historical significance【4:3†file】.

Fun Facts about Dodge Monaco

Did you know the Dodge Monaco once held the record for the fastest factory-built four-door sedan? Talk about putting the pedal to the metal! The power under its hood, especially if you had the 440 High Performance Magnum engine, was no small feat, reminding us that even cultural icons could pack a punch【4:4†file】.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

When buying or selling a classic vehicle, digging into its history is as important as a test drive. Thankfully, the can uncover essential details such as:

  • play

    Accident Records

  • play

    Theft Records

  • play

    Loan & Lien Information

  • play

    Auction Information

  • play

    Salvage Information and more.

For those scratching their heads over vehicle identification, a can be a lifesaver. Plus, if you're dealing with those tricky old VINs, check out the tools for , and even specifics like the or .

Wrap-Up

The 1974 Dodge Monaco isn't just any car; it's an emblem of a time when vehicles were more than metal and motors. They were, and for many still are, a cherished piece of both automotive and cinematic lore【4:2†file】.

Classic Car VIN Lookup App |Now available on both Android and iOS!

At Classic Decoder, we believe that developing a mobile app is a great way to extend our classic car data solution hub to as many users as possible across the globe. Our app is built with users and precision in mind. It holds the key to unlocking the history and details of any retro car at your fingertips. It also comes with fascinating and user-friendly features that make it stand out from other mobile apps designed for this purpose.

The Classic Decoder app lets you decode and lookup any classic VIN in a flash. Access accurate vehicle information and history, make an informed decision faster, and buy and trade in classic cars with confidence.

Classic Decoder App

Download The Classic Decoder App now.

Some unique features include:

  • play
    Support all classic VIN lengths from 5 to 13 digits
  • play
    Support classic cars produced from 1910 – 1980
  • play
    Online Garage features – to add and manage your vehicles
  • play
    24/7 Customer Support
  • play
    Easy onboarding for first-time users

Explore Dodge Monaco from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see... The 1974 Dodge Monaco is pretty unmistakable, especially if you're a classic car buff. Think of it like this: it's got that big, boxy shape—you know, the kind your grandpa might've driven. Key features include the distinctive squared-off front end, a long hood, a relatively short decklid, and those iconic rectangular headlights. They're really quite something; hard to miss, especially if they’re gleaming. Oh, and don't forget the prominent chrome bumpers; that's a big part of its overall look. The overall styling is undeniably of its time; a true product of the '70s.

The '74 Monaco? A real beast, depending on the model. You had a range of options, from a relatively tame, if still sizable, small-block V8 to a pretty powerful big-block V8. I mean, we're talking some serious horsepower here; it's not your everyday econobox. There's a good amount of variation across the trim levels. Some were kinda sleepy, others were... well, let's just say they could really move. So yeah, do your research to find out which one you want before you take the plunge.

Generally, you'd find either a three-speed automatic or a three-speed manual transmission, though automatic transmissions were probably more common. It's probably worth noting that this is typical for many American muscle cars of this era. That said, some of the performance-oriented models might have had a different setup; you'd need to dig into the specifics for each model to be sure.

The '74 Monaco competed with other full-size American cars of the time, like the Ford LTD and the Chevrolet Impala. They were all pretty similar in terms of size and overall styling, maybe some minor differences under the hood. Ultimately, the choice often came down to personal preference – like picking your favorite flavor of ice cream; it’s more about taste than clear-cut differences. However, the Monaco certainly held its own; it’s not like it was a slouch compared to the competition!

Ah, yes, the potential pitfalls. Like any classic car of that age, you need to keep a few things in mind. Rust is a huge problem, especially in areas that regularly see snow and salt on the roads. Keep an eye out for rust and other signs of damage. The electrical system might give you some grief, and parts can be tougher to find or more expensive than you'd expect. Honestly, it's a bit of a gamble unless you've got some mechanical experience or know a good mechanic. It's not a car for the faint of heart, is what I'm sayin'.

This is tough to pin down precisely, as it depends so heavily on condition, options, and where you're looking. A beautifully restored one in mint condition can fetch a pretty penny. Think five figures at least, and it could go much higher. On the other hand, a project car—something that needs a serious amount of work—might only cost a fraction of that. A rusty old heap, though, might not be worth much more than the scrap value of the metal. In short, do your homework before jumping in. You don’t want any surprises.