1974 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Breakdown

An example of a 1974 Nova VIN might read: 1Y27K4 W 100001

First Character: GM Division
1 - Chevrolet

Second Character: Series Designation
X - Nova
Y - Nova Custom

Third and Fourth Characters: Body Style
17 - 2-door hatchback
27 - 2-door coupe
69 - 4-door sedan

Fifth Character: Engine Code
D - 250-1 cid L6
H - 350-2 cid V8 (L65)
K - 350-4 cid V8 (L48)
L - 350-4 cid (LM1)

Sixth Character: Model Year
4 - 1974

Seventh Character: Final Assembly Plant
L - Van Nuys, California
W - Willow Run, Michigan
K - Kansas City, Missouri after January 1974

Eight through Thirteenth characters: Sequence Production Number
The sequential starting production number at each plant was 100001.  Each assembly plant sequenced Chevy IIs/Novas of all series/models without regard to specific series/models.