15 Seventies Cars We Were Convinced Were the Coolest Ever

The 1970s had lots of unique made cars, and are fun to look back on. From flashy cars to side coupled weirdly designed soft top convertibles, they all signal an era of unique automotive experimentation. Let’s look at some of the weird cars of the 70s and how they showed us the freedom of the road.

1. AMC Gremlin (1970-1978)

The compact car known as the Gremlin had a unique style that made it have an almost cult like following. The ‘X’ package offered an unique stripe and slot wheel color combination offered, that matched the personality style of the 70s.

2. Chevrolet El Camino SS (1970-1972)

A car made for contractors as a muscle car and pickup truck hybrid, the El Camino offered a 454 V8 engine and pickup truck practicality, making it a combo of business and pleasure for contractors and racers alike. When upgraded to the Super Sport package, it became a true muscle car.

3. Ford Pinto (1971-1980)

The Pinto could be seen as the start of a reputation for Ford, as compacts were first being imported. American car makers had vibrant green and blue colors like Lime Glow and Hula Blue. The station wagon version had wood paneling and was a status car in the suburbs.

4. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1977-1978)

The black and gold Firebird Trans Am, with its huge Firebird hood decal, instantly became a classic after being showcased in “Smokey and the Bandit.” Having a T-top roof and snowflake wheels also added to the car’s ’70s cool factor. This car marked the end of an era for American muscle cars.

5. AMC Pacer (1975-1980)

The Pacer was different from everything else on the road. It was recognized for its wide stance and bubble-shaped design. It even captured all the ’70s fashions with an optional interior trim package from Levi’s and real denim fabric used for upolstery.

6. Lincoln Continental Mark IV (1972-1976)

For ’70s over-the-top luxury, this car takes the cake. The optional padded vinyl roof and opera window added to the nearly 19-foot monstrosity. Between gigantic hidden headlights and a huge chrome grille, it ruled the road. Designer editions from Bill Blass and Cartier added even more class.

7. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (1973-1977)

The start of the chrome bumper years brought modern urethane front and rear bumpers, and instant convertible T-tops. Every drive was an open air experience. The Corvette continued to to be America’s sports car with its aggressive stance and swooping fenders.

8. Dodge Challenger R/T (1970-1974)

The Challenger, with its “High Impact” colors like Plum Crazy and Sublime Green, was the epitome of excessive American muscle cars. The optional “shaker” hood and a pistol-grip shifter also added to its aggressive appeal. It was the last of the Mopar performance cars before the government regulations on emissions.

9. Cadillac Eldorado (1971-1978)

With an 8.2-liter V8 engine, the world’s largest front-drive production convertible oozed status. It was ultra-luxurious with optional leather upholstery, climate control, and an early electronic fuel injection system.

10. Plymouth Superbird (1970)

The Superbird was unlike anything else on the market with its enormous rear wing and aerodynamic nose cone. The car originated for the purpose of NASCAR homologation, and so, race car technology was made accessible to the consumer. The Road Runner cartoon character graphics playfully contrasted the seriousness of the performance machine.

11. Chevrolet Van (1971-1978)

With shag carpeting, bubble windows, and extravagant bespoke paint jobs, these vehicles epitomized the peak of the custom van craze. Features such as waterbeds and disco balls were added with aftermarket conversions. These vehicles, dubbed “rolling rooms,” became the embodiment of 70s youth culture.

12. Oldsmobile Toronado (1971-1978)

The front-wheel drive coupe was distinctive due to its massive hood and retractable headlights. The rear window had a fastback design, which was also distinctive. In the fastback era, the wrap-around rear window and fastback design were also distinctive. The XS model included all the luxuries.

13. Stutz Blackhawk (1971-1987)

This handbuilt car was the definition of excess in the 70’s. It cost more than a Rolls Royce, and was favored by Elvis. The car took over 1,500 hours to build, and had a 24-karat gold trim with rare woods for the interior.

14. Jensen Interceptor (1971-1976)

This British Gran Turismo featured its distinctive glass fastback and leather interior. The combination of Italian design with American muscle car power was unique. The FF model was equipped with four wheel drive many years before it became standard.

15. Bricklin SV-1 (1974-1976)

The aim of the Bricklin was to create a combination of excitement and safety with its gull wing doors and roll cage. The colors such as red and orange were designed to be safe. The futuristic design created the look of a Sci Fi movie.