Stunning '70s Sports Cars

Hi guys, well it's a new month, so I thought of posting something on a different topic. Me being a fan of vintage sports cars thought of publishing a list of stunning sports cars from the 70's which I have done below. Do enjoy

While the United States was entangled in the Malaise era of the '70s, car companies from Europe and Japan created some of their finest works. 

The 1960's are often referred to as the golden age of car design, with many companies creating some of the most beautiful and influential cars of all time. In contrast to that, the 1970's are often seen as the dark ages for car design. That holds especially true for American cars, where many automotive icons were choked by stringent emissions regulations. The 1974 oil crisis is what led to the demise of many sports cars state-side.

However, many gems capitalized on the demise of the American sports car. Car companies from Europe and Japan created some of their finest works. Many of the world's most beautiful cars, like the Datsun 240Z, Ferrari 308, and BMW 3.0 CS, were all products from the 70's era. Those cars, along with many others, gave car enthusiasts hope at a time when the sports car was seemingly dying off.

Here is the List of the top 10 Stunning cars from that time period.

10. Fiat X1/9

Often mistaken for a baby Ferrari, the Fiat X1/9 is a gorgeous wedge-shaped gem of the 1970's. It was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the same man responsible for designing the Lamborghini Miura, Countach and Lancia Stratos. Iconic features include pop-up headlights, a removable targa-top roof, and a mid-engined layout. The X1/9 was never a particularly quick car, with the most powerful versions producing around 75hp from either a 1.3 or 1.5 liter inline-4. What it lacked in speed and power, it gained in dynamics. The X1/9 proved to be incredibly fun to drive due to its low weight and short wheelbase.  

9. BMW 2002

BMW's compact coupe, the 2002, is widely considered as one of the best drivers cars of the 20th century. In its day, critics raved about the 2002's peppy engine and excellent handling characteristics. It was made even better by the fact that it was as practical as well it was sporty. As a result, the 2002 was an incredibly successful car for BMW. The 2002 created the perfect connection between a rear wheel drive sports-sedan and an economy car; a formula which has seemingly been lost in modern times. As a result, enthusiasts have flocked to BMW's compact for years. The Touring, Tii, and Turbo models have skyrocketed in price due to heaavy demand by enthusiasts in the US as of late. 

8. Datsun 280Z

In 1969, Datsun (now part of modern-day Nissan) took the world by storm with the release of the 240 z. The Z-car was so popular that it single handedly kick started the import craze of Japanese cars in North America. Although the early Datsun Z cars lacked the power of American muscle cars, they proved to be equally as fast and handled much better. With its 3 variations (240,260,280 Z), Datsun managed to sell well over 100,000 over the car's 9-year run. The 280Z was released in 1975 and featured a larger 2.8 L inline Six with 170 hp and fuel injection. 

7. Lancia Fulvia

The year 1963 saw the release of one of Lancia's last cars as an independent company which was the Fulvia. Originally released as a sedan, the Fulvia featured an innovative V4 engine driving the fronts wheels. In later years, Lancia released a gorgeous coupe designed by Ercole Spada of Zagato. Despite the car's odd FWD layout, the Fulvia Coupe proved to be an incredibly fun sports car also thanks to its nimble handling it went on to win the 1972 International Rally championship (precursor to WRC) as well as various other rally titles. 

6. Toyota Celica - 1st Generation

 

 Toyota following the success of the Datsun 240Z, entered the import rush with a sport-compact coupe of its own 'with the Celica,which looked more like a pocket sized late 60's mustang  which became an icon of the 1970s. However, unlike the Datsun Z, this was an inline-4 engine between 1.6 and 2.2 liters. With the Celica's lack of weight meant that it handled well and was quicker than its power figures suggested. Consumers and enthusiasts alike took notice and was attracted to the Celica for both its looks and pony-car-rivaling performance. Overall, the Celica continues to this day as a great and reliable option for both veteran and young car enthusiasts. 

5. Mazda RX 7 / FB

As with the Datsun 240Z and Toyota Celica, the RX - 7 was designed to be Mazda's entry-level sports car for the global market. It was instantly successful, with enthusiasts who flocked for the RX 7's excellent handling, iconic wedge styling, and it's twin rotor 12a engine under the hood. Over its 1st generation alone (FB), the RX-7 would sell over 500,000 units globally. It was so successful that ín fact was the main reason Mazda didn't go bankrupt in the 70's and 80's. Car enthusiasts of all ages continue to flock to the RX-7 for its fun, high-revving engine and it's affordability.

4. Triumph Spitfire 1500

Staying in production from 1962 to 1980, the Spitfire was meant to be an affordable little brother to the TR5 and TR6. It perfectly captured the essence of all the other British roadsters of the era which was light, fun, and always meant to be driven with the top down. In its final iteration, Triumph dropped in a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder making between 53 (US Spec) and 71 horsepower (UK spec). Also, it had an incredibly low curb weight of 790 kg (1750 lbs). Although the horsepower numbers in the US spec cars seemed not unattractive the Spitfire 1500 proved to be an incredibly fun machine. Sure, the 0-60 mph time for US cars was around 16 seconds, but that didn't matter as the spitfire perfectly embodies the saying "smiles per gallon", as you don't need to drive fast to have a blast. 

3. MG MGB

Chances are that if enthusiasts hear the term "British Roadster", the MGB is one of the first cars that comes to mind. Produced from 1962 to 1980, this was one of the greatest success stories in the history of British sports cars. Over its various iterations, the MGB sold more than 500,000 units. The MGB was loved for its nimble handling, affordable price, seductive styling and respectable performance in its day. Generally, the pre 1974 cars are more desirable as they didn't have the ugly rubber bumpers which was fitted to 1974-80 cars. 

2. Lotus Europa Twin Cam - Special

The release of one of the world's first mid engined sports cars the "Europa" was seen in the year 1966. While the first iteration of the Europa (S1) was not particularly successful, the S2 iteration which was from 1968-1970 greatly improved the styling of it's Europa. All models of the Europa Featured fully independent suspension and a lightweight fiberglass body. The 1971-75 Europas would swap the previous Renault-sourced engines for Lotus-Ford 1600 Twin cam engines. These engines made between 105 (Twin-Cam) and 126 hp (Special), which was more than enough considering the car weighed which was only 740 kg. Only about 4700 Europa Twin Cam - Specials were made, so they are rather difficult to find.

1. Mercedes Benz R 107 SL/ SLC

 

1972 saw the replacement of one of Mercedes' most beautiful cars,the Pagoda 280SL.  Its replacement which was codenamed the "R107", featured major different styling cues from its predecessor. The R107 SL was produced between 1972 and 1981 in coupe form (SLC), but the convertibles stayed in production until 1989 (SL). Over the years, the R107 was offered with either an inline-6 or V8 engine with various displacement options. This superb comfort and classy styling made the R107 an incredibly successful car for the Mercedes. Just over 300,000 SLs and SLCs were sold between 1972 and 1989, with the majority of them being convertibles. The R107 wasn't particularly agile but it still handled very well for a large sports / GT car. 

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