[papajam]

1. The VIN is AR3023997. How can I check to make sure this is a '74 and not a '73?

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the AlfaBB!

The Alfa published documentation I have states that the 1974 model year USA version GTVs (model 11501) start with chassis number 3023001. That would make 3023997 a 1974 model year vehicle.