The use of fiber optics came to all 74's as standard fare. Connected to the connector hubs for the headlights, parking lights and tail lights; these fiber optic lines would conduct light to indicators located on the fenders as well as the top of the inside rear window frame. The indicators would instantly alert you if any bulb was burned out.

74's also had driver and passenger side air bags as an option. Very few Cadillacs of this year were ordered with this option; one which I believe will add to their special interest value in the future.

Also, anti-lock braking research was at its infancy (for cars - aircraft have had ABS for at least 25 years to this time) around this time. Another option that could be ordered for Cadillacs of this vintage was an ant-skid system that controlled the rear brakes. The system consisted of reluctors embedded in the rear axle that would release pressure to the brake cylinders if there was an excessive change of input signal. (In other words, it would release the brakes to any of the rear wheels that locked up) Once again, another feature that was not ordered in a high quantity.

The dawning of emmissions restrictions forced this year's models to reduce their horsepower output considerably. Though the body sports a new style for 1974, it is based on the 1973 underpinnings. And it was highly refined in many ways. The car is quieter than its early siblings, especially at highway speeds. This was due to additional insulation in the interior as well as the trunk area. At nearly 5200 pounds, the Sedan de Ville is not designed for quick cornering. The tuned-down 472 still provides plenty of power though especially once the inertia barrier is broken. Enough to embarass any four cylinder sports car in a 55-100 MPH dash.

It is the opinion of the author that although this car may never reach the kind of collector appeal of other Cadillacs, it is a milestone car in the technological areas that define Cadillac, and GM for that matter.

Back home