Before the 1970s, automakers tried their hardest to make each new model bigger and better than the one that came before. The late '60s and early '70s produced some of motoring's most iconic vehicles, that is until the 1973 oil crisis ruined everything.
By the late '70s, fuel efficiency and affordability ruled the day, and many of the era's coolest muscle cars went the way of the dinosaur.
But while gas prices are still relevant today, people are willing to overlook a few things to buy the cars they want. (See your neighbor's lifted Ram 3500 he drives to his job at the bank.) So let's bring back the muscle!
Here are 20 extinct 1970s muscle cars we need back on the roads ASAP.
1
Oldsmobile 442
Were Oldsmobile to make a comeback, they’d have to make a 442.
2
AMC Javelin
The flagship AMC muscle car. RIP AMC.
3
Chevy Chevelle SS
Who would say no to a thick coupe with some serious power?
4
Plymouth Superbird
Perhaps the most recognizable muscle car ever made, we got used to seeing this one in victory lane at the hands of Richard Petty.
5
Dodge Daytona
The lesser remembered, massive winged Dodge muscle car.
6
Chevy Nova SS
With muscle and non-muscle options, this is way cooler than a modern Cruz or a Cobalt.
7
Buick Grand National
Not quite the 1970s, but as Kendrick remarks in his massive recent hit “tv off,” “All I ever wanted was a black Grand National.” GM is dumb if they don’t bring this back.
8
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Pontiac might be gone, but that GM sports niche is just waiting to be filled.
9
Ford Thunderbird
We need a fast and powerful Ford that isn’t a Raptor or a Bronco.
10
Pontiac GTO
Less pressing than the Trans Am, but I believe a GTO could cut into the Charger/Challenger market.
11
Buick GSX
Buick is making a Regal GS, but that’s not quite as cool as a pure GSX.
12
Plymouth Barracuda
Plymouth might no longer be around, but the Barracuda, and the Hemi ‘Cuda, owned the coolest names in the muscle car business.
13
Mercury Cougar
Mercury might be defunct, but who would say no to a big bodied Ford with tons of power?
14
Chrysler Valiant Charger
Chrysler isn’t doing much anymore, but this Aussie Charger would be a cool way to come back.
15
Ford Torino Cobra
The Torino Cobra, like many vehicles here, just tragically wouldn’t get made today.
16
Plymouth Road Runner
A cute little sports pony car could be cool, like a Dodge Dart on steroids.
17
AMC AMX
The cooler of the AMC muscle cousins.
18
Plymouth Duster
This list shows that Plymouth needs a comeback and I think the Duster is an easy place to start.
19
Chevy El Camino
The United States is in desperate need of a Ute. The El Camino would be a perfect way to get people away from their massive pickups.
20
Ford Ranchero
And if the El Camino came back, a Ranchero wouldn’t be far behind.
