From the oil crisis of 1973 to the proliferation of competent foreign imports, car manufactures found themselves making some serious changes to their fleets over the course of the 1970s.
That meant many models found themselves discontinued, especially classic gas guzzling muscle cars.
Here are 20 cars that didn't make it out of the 1970s.
1
AMC Gremlin
AMC itself didn’t make it out of the ‘80s.
2
Chevy Vega
Perhaps the worst of all the ‘70s small cars.
3
Oldsmobile (Diesels)
The whole line of Oldsmobile diesels were so bad that they spelled the end for the engine type in the US, despite it being the more fuel efficient option.
4
Chevy SS
From the Chevelle to the Vega, Chevy’s SS performance division went away after the oil crisis.
5
Ford Pinto
The Pinto is a better car than we remember. Unfortunately its fiery fatal flaw completely did it in.
6
Ford Mustang II
Considered by most to be the worst Mustang generation. That’s what happens when you base it on the Pinto.
7
Plymouth Barracuda
One of the most iconic muscle cars of the ‘70s didn’t make it out of the decade.
8
International Harvester Scout
This boxy SUV might have died after the ‘70s, but it inspired the next generation of SUVs.
9
AMC Javelin
Like many muscle cars, AMC decided to end the Javelin thanks to the oil crisis.
10
Chevy Chevette
Small and exceedingly junky, it died with the times.
11
Peugeot 504
The 504 was a resounding success in Europe. Not so much in America, spelling the end of the French company in the states.
12
Mercury Marauder
Mercury got rid of its massive muscle offering, not bringing it back until the 2000s.
13
Ford Elite
Marketed as a luxury vehicle, the Elite only lasted a few years in the middle of the decade.
14
Lincoln Continental Mark IV
The classic looking Mark IV got a bit of a face lift after the mid ‘70s.
15
Pontiac Grand Am
The Grand Am had a stint in both the early and late ‘70s, but then took a break until the late ‘80s.
16
AMC AMX
As a more rare cousin of the Javelin, the AMX didn’t have a shot.
17
Ford Maverick
The Maverick was prone to rust and many didn’t last long.
18
Buick Apollo
This X-body platform car didn’t sell well enough to justify its continued existence.
19
Ford Torino
With both practical and muscle versions, you’ll only see the muscle versions still around today, thanks to enthusiasts.
20
AMC Concord
Mainly rear wheel drive, AMC switched to mostly front wheel drive after the 1970s.
