50 years in gear: fun facts from 1974

Berkley One Classics has been protecting collector vehicles for 50 years, helping enthusiasts preserve their prized possessions with confidence and care. To celebrate this milestone, we’re taking a trip back to 1974 – a year that gave us unforgettable moments in everything from pop culture to everyday life. From iconic movie premieres to groundbreaking inventions, here are more classics that are celebrating 50 years.

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Entertainment

Movies

• • Blazing Saddles
  • Godfather Part II
  • Young Frankenstein

Hits

• • “The Way We Were”
  • “Seasons in the Sun”
  • “Jolene”

TV Shows

• • All in the Family
  • Sanford & Son
  • The Jeffersons

Sports Champions

• • Oakland A’s
  • Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Philadelphia Flyers

Toys & Games

• • Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
  • Twister
  • Connect Four

Pop Culture

Girl Names

• • Jennifer
  • Amy
  • Michelle

Boy Names

• • Michael
  • Jason
  • Christopher

Innovations

• • First barcode scanned
  • Post-it notes invented
  • First issue of People Magazine published

Events

• • Muhammad Ali & George Foreman faceoff in the Rumble in the Jungle
  • Hand Aaron breaks Babe Ruth’s homerun record

Cars

Motor Trend Car of the Year

• • 1974 Ford Mustang II

Average Vehicle Cost

• • New $2,408
  • Used $1,195

Best Selling

• • Ford Pinto
  • Plymouth Valiant
  • Chevrolet Chevelle

Safety

• • Airbags become an option for some models
  • Ignition interlock system required

Living

Groceries

• • One dozen eggs: $.58
  • Loaf of bread: $.24
  • Gallon of milk: $1.39
  • 6-pack soda: $.88

Average Tuition

• • Public college: $512 annually
  • Private college: $2,130 annually

Wages

• • Minimum wage: $2.00/hour
  • Median household income: $11,100

Entertainment

• • 30-second Super Bowl ad: $103,000
  • Movie ticket: $1.87
  • New LP album: $6.00

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Berkley One is a Berkley Company.