GM tried a smattering of patriotism in hopes of using the upcoming bicentennial to boost sagging sales. The sales package was known as the "Spirit of America."
Chevrolet didn't even bother putting it in their sales brochures. For the Vega and Nova, it was essentially a white exterior applique trimmed in red and blue stripes, with an eagle banner proclaiming the historical logo. The interior was as tasteful as the exterior, bright red carpeting, white vinyl upholstery.
On the '74 Vega, the "Spirit' package actually cost more than either an automatic transmission or air conditioner.
Two exist in near showroom condition: http://www.sparky.on.ca/cvoa/vegas/spirit.htm
I haven't yet found a good photo of the Impala (Apr 7 09)
why in the world do they not have women models with cars nowadays. These pics are great.
ReplyDeleteI have a '74 Spirit of America Impala that is in very good condition.P will send a pic if you like.
ReplyDeleteI also own a 74'Impala,"Spirit of America". But, mine is dark blue with red,white and blue stripping.It is the only one i know of in this color scheme. And yes, it is a unrestored 61,000 mi car in Ca.Has anyone seen one in the red paint scheme?
ReplyDeleteLouis can you send me a couple photos of it?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever seen a 74 El Camino Spirit of Ameica? I have one that was purchased in Arkansas, and built in the Texas plant.
ReplyDeleteI have a spirit of America car in the white color.The thing that is unique about it is that it has a factory 454 I have seen several ads for these cars but yet to find one with a big block. Dave
ReplyDeleteI own a Spirit in White. Original interior. Awesome original engine. If I were to sell it what would be a good price?
ReplyDeleteI've got an idea you'll have to do homework to find out. Probably track all the auction houses to see what they may have had sell, if any, like yours. Tyr Ebay motors history too. Ask Chevy car clubs and magazines. Ask Hagerty and Hemmings. But you are probably at the buyers whim.
DeleteI'm sad to say, in late '70's my father in law had a best up s.o.a. elcamino,w B.B.c! Swivelseats! We used it as a employee truck! It was ran out of oil, and left on side of road in Fla keys! Sad story!
ReplyDeleteDamn... that's hard. Do you have a photo of it?
Deletedoes anybody have a picture ( close up ) of the flag emblem on the vega? im trying to reproduce one for a plastic model and need a good picture. any help would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI doubt it... try some google fu, you might get lucky and find a Vega that was at a car show that was photographed recently with much better quality resolution
DeleteI'm on a quest to discover the true story of the El Camino "Spirit of America" I own one, and have found six or seven of them. And to document it - a press clipping of a Chevy Sales meeting at Six Flags where the El Camino was introduced into the line up - in April of 74. The El Camino has no RPO factory ordering code, yet first hand accounts I've gathered are evidence that the El Camino could be ordered from the dealer and outfitted as a "Spirit of America" at the factory - and delivered to the dealer that way. It seems to be a mystery car, almost lost to time -
ReplyDeleteyou seem to know more about it than anyone else! Compliments! Make a blog about it!
DeleteI had the Nova edition back in the mid 80s. Was in mint condition when I bought it and when I sold it to buy a 78 Trans Am.
ReplyDelete