Water pump went in 2005.
Running on 4 cyclinders in 2005.
Ball joint was about to snap.
Everything replaced that is listed above. Except I still need to replace one more cyclinder, so I am running on 7 cyclinders.
The interior is in very good shape. The head liner has held up though all those years. The seats are immaculate.
The best thing about the car is the ride. The experience is like no other. It's like taking your most comfortable couch and riding it down the street.
The engine is a 400cubic inch big block V8. Has no problem climbing up any mountain. I have never slipped in the rain or snow with this car.
The body is solid and has no dents. My uncle got hit by one of these in a box truck and it totaled the truck. The only thing that happend to the Newport was a head light went out.
I would recomend that if you haven't had the Newport experience that you go out and get one before they are all gone.
"I would recomend that if you haven't had the Newport experience that you go out and get one before they are all gone."
- I don't know how to tell you this, but I think that by now they are all gone.
My dad had a 74 Newport back about 18-19 years ago. He bought it for the motor, he was planning on pulling the 318 V8 that someone had put into the 69 Roadrunner he bought and dropping in the 400 from the Newport. He did manage to get it in, but he had to tilt one side of it because of a lack of room. There was so little room that I think he told me he would have had to remove the engine to change the left side spark plugs.
My father drove only Chryslers since he said they manufactured tank engines in World War II, and he bought his 1974 Newport 4-door sedan with vinyl top in March 1973 (for about $3,500.00). I've been driving it since I got my driver's license in 1978 (although I've driven it less than 500 miles a year for the past 10 years). Its suspension system and 400 c.i. engine delivers a wonderful, smooth ride. My dad took many high mileage highway trips with it, as have I. The electrical system needs babying. It tends to discharge if there's too much drain on the battery (say if you have headlights, heater, rear defroster and windshield wipers going at the same time), but if your foot's on the gas pedal constantly, you're OK. The car has 180,000 miles on it, and I've replaced most of the major parts over the years (pumps, transmission, alternator, wire harness, radiator, exhaust system) but it's still a classic and classy chariot and fun to drive. Heat from the engine compartment's quite toasty in the winter, and the AC's still quite cold (if you replace the freon when necessary) and a life-saver in the summer. Of course it gets about 7 miles to the gallon and looks like it needs small tug boats to navigate into a parking space, but it seats 6, 7, 8 (!) comfortably, and there's room for a small family in the trunk. In most fender bender confrontations, it's won. (There was the time it met up with a 3-foot high brick wall, but now with a replacement fender, it's okay.) Even though it sits in a garage for a month or two between cruises, it still starts up (knock wood) for me. By the way, I could use a new headliner and all the fasteners that go with it!
Anyone intrested in a rust free garage kept 1974 newport 4 door e-mail me nocarlikemopar@comcast.net
vehicle has original fender skirts and interior is flawless.
First $3,500.00 takes it.
I bought it for me 17 year old son who hates it.
His loss.
I have a 1974 Newport 4 door sedan. Frosty green with vinyl top. I bought it Nov.5,1979. Over the years, we took it on our honeymoon and brought 4 daughters home from the hospital. In 1986, while at a wedding reception, it went under in a flash flood that stranded all of us. We were rescued by boat. The Firemen used the Newport as the dock for all of our rescues. My daughters (then 3yr and 2yr) were heart broken. Their "Chrissie" was drowned. The next day I had it towed back home and, began the process of saving it for my daughters!! I removed the entire interior, taking the upholstery off of the frames and washing it in our washer. The flood was on a Friday and by Monday the car was running again!! With a mighty whoosh all of the mud and water came roaring out of the exhaust pipes!! The engine oil was still clean. I said that they sure made quality air cleaners! It took 3 good months to get her back as she was. What you will do for your daughters!! We drove in for another 5 years until I retired it. I have it to this day, however, I really need to do some restoration on her. She still starts and runs like a champ. Anyone know of a clean front fender clip for her?
Keep the forgotten '74 Newports going!
Rick Myers
rambler_merc@yahoo.com
Yes, I have other survivors also.
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