The 1970s is not just about disco lights and bell bottoms. It’s also an awesome period with the most fantastic cars on the road. The best cars of the 1970s represent a transition period in automotive history. It was a time of bold designs and powerful engines. American automakers got more creative because of the emission regulations, rising fuel prices, and increased competition from other parts of the globe. We compiled a list of some of the 1970s best cars that ooze charm and elegance, and if you have them now, eyes will be glued on you because they are super cool!
1. Dodge Challenger R/T
The first Dodge Challenger was unveiled in 1970, and up to this day, it is one of the coolest classic cars to have in your garage. The name of the vehicle is quite ambitious in the truest sense. The car was meant to have a head-on collision with the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro , Ford Mustang, and the Mercury Cougar. The top-tier version of the RT (Road & Track) edition of the Challenger came with a Hemi V-8 powerplant under its hood that roared 425 horsepower. While today’s Challenger might be more aerodynamic, powerful, and packed with the best technologies, a lot of car enthusiasts will still prefer the old guy, considered, perhaps, as the ultimate muscle car of its era.
2. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The Pontiac Firebird is another iconic car from the 1970s. Its production started in 1967, going through several generations of the nameplate until 2002. The first Pontiac Firebird Trans Am rolled out of the factories in 1969. Its design was all about performance, but it did not just strut on the road. It walked the talk. The 1970 iteration had a powerful Ram Air IV engine under its hood that brought the car to a quarter mile in 13.9 seconds while cruising 104 mph. Through the years, it remained a symbol of its era and an appealing collectible to every generation of autophiles.
3. Chevrolet Chevelle SS
The list of the 1970s best cars wouldn’t be complete with the Chevrolet Chevelle SS. For those looking for a vintage steel, the Chevelle SS can be considered the Holy Grail. In response to the competition, Chevrolet rolled out the Chevelle SS with a 454-cid V-8 engine that churned out 450 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque. The big LS6 block made this car a superstar on the road. As one of the best cars from the 1970s, it can hit 60 mph from a standstill in 13 seconds. Today, this car is a highly sought specimen. Love for it won’t be enough and you need a deep pocket to get behind the wheel of a Chevelle SS.
4. Chevrolet Corvette C3
The third generation of the Chevrolet Corvette was the longest production run for the nameplate. It was produced between 1968 and 1982. The Sleek American sports car gained royalty status and fandom, ending up in the homes of sports stars and celebrities. The 1970 Corvettes had either a 5.7-L or a 7.4-L powerplant mated to a three or four-speed manual transmission. The mid-1970s iteration of the vehicle suffered due to the prevailing energy crisis and tougher emission rules. But the late 1970s saw its reemergence with better brakes and power steering as standard. Aside from its timeless design and wide range of options, the Corvette C3 is considered an affordable classic.
5. Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z is the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan and other markets. It has design lines that can be likened to a Chevrolet Corvette, and it drives like a Porsche. Isn’t that a perfect combination? More importantly, the Datsun 240Z did not have a hefty price tag. Like the other 1970s best cars on this list, this iconic ride was a visual delight, with a long hood, flowing lines, and overall refreshing design. But don’t be fooled by its clean lines. It can play dirty with its inline-six that, while not delivering monstrous horsepower, was responsive and smooth.
6. Aston Martin Vantage
The Aston Martin Vantage was first announced in 1977. It’s the first true English supercar. When it rolled out, it became the fastest four-seater production car of its time. The Vantage can go from 0 to 60 in a matter of 5.2 seconds and hit a top speed of around 170 mph. The V-8 engine under its hood was a reliable beast mated to a ZF manual gearbox. True to the design philosophy of Aston Martin, the Vantage was an elegant, capable ride. Some called it a brute in a suit, which perfectly explains its true nature. The car marque only built a few hundred samples of the Vantage during its 1977 to 1989 run. So, if you plan to get one of the 1970s best cars, be prepared to do some good searching and spending.
7. Mazda RX-7
This revolutionary Japanese automotive wonder first hit showrooms in 1978. Aside from its captivating design, it was bold to use a rotary engine in an automotive world using piston powerplants. Its lines were all about performance and efficiency. Everyone was in love with its coke bottle figure and pop-up headlights. Beyond the looks, it was fun to drive. The rotary engine was an aural delight, and its handling revealed a master of winding roads. It tipped the scale at just 2,350 pounds and was able to hit 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is not bad too at 134 mph.
8. Ford Mustang Boss 302
The Ford Mustang Boss was first brought to life in 1969. It’s a high-performance ride for the Trans Am racing series. Compared to the ordinary pony, the Mustang Boss 302 sports a more aggressive look backed up by a very capable 5.0-L V-8 and up-specced components. It came with upgraded suspension, aerodynamics, which made it impressive on and off the track. The interior was all about the driver. The ride came with a sporty steering wheel, supportive bucket seats, and a full range of gauges to help keep an eye on the vitals of the beast. The performance of this vehicle was hard to match during its time. Owning one today will make all car lovers envy you.
Classic Cool: The Best Cars from the 1970s
Whether drawn to the bold design or their powerful engines, owning one of the 1970s best cars today definitely means oozing with wow factor. They might not be the fastest cars by today’s standards, but they will turn heads wherever you go and will most likely transcend generations. They are not just vehicles but symbols of an era and big chunks of automotive history.