The 1970s were the pinnacle of automotive design. Cars were no longer a means of transportation they became art. I had the pleasure of selling these rolling art pieces and I saw how the public captured America’s imagination during that time selling everything from muscle cars to luxury cars. The following twelve models defined the era where cars were built for looks and performance.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1977)
- 2 2. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (1973)
- 3 3. Ford Mustang Mach 1 (1971)
- 4 4. Cadillac Eldorado (1976)
- 5 5. Dodge Challenger R/T (1970)
- 6 6. Lincoln Continental Mark IV (1972)
- 7 7. AMC Gremlin (1970)
- 8 8. Plymouth Barracuda (1970)
- 9 9. Chevrolet El Camino SS (1970)
- 10 10. Mercury Cougar XR-7 (1973)
- 11 11. Oldsmobile 442 (1970)
- 12 12. Ford Gran Torino Sport (1972)
1. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1977)
The Pontiac Trans Am and Smokey and the Bandit were forever linked. The black and gold Special Edition Pontiac with T-tops and a screaming eagle hood decal is one of the most recognized muscle cars ever built with a 6.6L engine. After the movie came out, sales boomed and it became one of Pontiac’s best-selling models.
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2. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (1973)
The Corvettes of the 70s were the last ones to have a chrome bumper. These Corvette models were the last of the era until they received a massive design update. These models had a sugar scoop rear window and fenders that were edgy. The lost a lot of horse power due to new emissions regulations but it was still the top sports car in America.
3. Ford Mustang Mach 1 (1971)
The Mustang was the best muscle car of the whole era. It had a powerful 429 Cobra jet engine and one of the best hoods of the time with a NASA inspired hood scoop. These cars were very powerful and provided a comfortable driving experience.
4. Cadillac Eldorado (1976)
This car was the last great American convertible before the decline in the mid-’80s. This car is the definition of a luxury and excess. The engine of this car is a 500-cubic-inch V8 which was the largest engine available for passenger cars. Due to the last 200 models being convertibles, they became instant collector items.
5. Dodge Challenger R/T (1970)
Challenger arrived late to the muscle car party but made up for it with striking looks and aggressive engine options. The R/T with the 426 Hemi became iconic. Its role in movie \\”Vanishing Point\\” also ensured it got a place in history.
6. Lincoln Continental Mark IV (1972)
Seventies style was characterized by long opera windows and extended bonnets. Designer editions by Bill Blass and Cartier became coveted possessions. The covered in vinyl roof and concealed headlights were the epitome of luxury car design of the era.
7. AMC Gremlin (1970)
America’s first sub-compact car launched on April Fool’s Day became a surprising hit. Its truncated rear styling was instantly distinct and recognizable. The Gremlin X performance package made small cars fun for the first time. This was also the first iteration of a hot hatch in the land of the free.
8. Plymouth Barracuda (1970)
Redesigned ‘Cuda was the battle flagship muscle for Plymouth. Its wide stance and Hemi engine options made it a legend on the street and strip. Today the convertible Hemi ‘Cuda is one of the most sought after muscle cars.
9. Chevrolet El Camino SS (1970)
Performance of the car trunk hybrid El Camino peaked with the SS 454 model. It was the most versatile vehicle of its time with the luxury of a muscle car and the performance of an American pick-up. With the El Camino you could go street racing after hauling lumber.
10. Mercury Cougar XR-7 (1973)
The ideal luxury muscle car seamlessly merged comfort and performance. It was the distinct features like hidden headlights, and sequential turn signals that differentiated it from standard offerings. Sophisticated buyers were drawn to the XR-7 package with its European touch and added modern luxury.
11. Oldsmobile 442 (1970)
Oldsmobile’s muscle car peak is represented by the 442 (4 barrel carburetor, 4 speed manual, 2 exhausts). This model’s W-30 package offered special forced-air induction and unique striping. It showcased that GM’s more prestigious divisions could construct performance vehicles.
12. Ford Gran Torino Sport (1972)
The fastback Gran Torino later became known as the vehicle featured in Starsky and Hutch. It became iconic for defining the street machine of the 1970’s. It’s Volcanic styling and the combination of a long hood and a short trunk and influenced the rest of the car industry for the rest of the decade. It’s optional laser stripe made it one of the most recognizable cars of that time.
