Make those engines roar, nostalgia pilots ‘cause this ride’s dipping straight into the golden glow of the 1970s, when cars were loud and cool, a time were every dashboard felt like a backstage pass to freedom.
Picture a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am sliding onto the scene, all swagger and feathers, the type of car that made you feel like rock-and-roll was written just for you. Then the Dodge Challenger, flexing like it knew every stoplight was secretly a stage. And the Chevrolet Chevelle SS, a pavement-pounding thunderstorm that turned Sunday drives into small legends.
These were declarations, rolling proof that attitude could be engineered. Today’s automakers keep promising thrills, yet somehow the magic slipped out the tailpipe. Maybe it’s time to bring these icons back so a new generation can understand why the ’70s never really let go of the wheel.
1
Porsche 928 (’77–’79)
The front-engine grand tourer Porsche once bet the brand on. Smooth, stable, V8-powered, built for autobahn miles in total comfort.
2
Nissan Skyline C110 “Kenmeri” (’72–’77)
The Skyline that posters were invented for. Long hood, perfect proportions, unmistakable taillights.
3
Mazda RX-3 (’71–’78)
A compact rocket powered by rotary magic. The RX-3 mixed featherweight agility with a soundtrack like nothing else.
4
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (’68–’73; iconic into the ’70s)
The Daytona was Ferrari before Ferrari got polite: long, low, and loud enough to rearrange your soul.
5
Toyota Celica GT Liftback (’74–’79)
The “Japanese Mustang” in everything but the price tag. Sharp lines, reliable guts, and a fun personality.
6
Datsun 240Z / 260Z / 280Z (’70–’78)
Light, pure, and beautifully balanced. The early Z cars were Japan’s answer to European sports coupes and often better.
7
Jaguar XJ-C (’75–’78)
A pillarless coupe cut from pure British charm. Long hood, velvety ride, effortless luxury. In a world drowning in SUVs, a modern XJ-C would be a breath of wood-trimmed sanity.
8
Lancia Stratos HF (1970)
A rally weapon disguised as a spaceship. Short wheelbase, big V6, mid-engine madness.
9
Volkswagen Scirocco (’74–’79)
VW’s lightweight front-drive coupe was the playful sibling the Golf envied. Crisp lines, eager handling, and affordable fun.
10
Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC (’72–’81)
A long-roof coupe with real grace: pillarless windows, leather elegance, and that bank-vault Mercedes feel.
11
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (’70–’79)
The Trans Am mixed a rowdy V8 with T-top freedom and decal bravado nobody has dared copy since.
12
BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” (’72–’75)
Featherweight, flared, and fearless. The Batmobile proved racing tech could look like rolling sculpture.
13
Dodge Magnum XE (’78–’79)
Long hood, fastback lines, and a vibe straight out of a detective show. Reboot it as a muscle-flavored wagon or hatchback.
14
Buick GSX (’70–’72)
The GSX delivered torque that could relocate city blocks, wrapped in upscale comfort. A modern GSX would be the perfect antidote to sterile crossovers.
15
AMC Javelin AMX (’71–’74)
The Javelin AMX was the underdog that punched way above its class, crazy fender flares, Trans-Am racing roots, bold interior colors.
16
Ford Torino Cobra (’70–’71)
A fastback built like a highway bullet. The Torino Cobra had sweeping lines, NASCAR DNA, and a V8 that snarled.
17
Chevrolet Chevelle SS (’70–’72)
The Chevelle SS was the street’s heavyweight champ, big-block rumble, clean lines, and that no-nonsense Super Sport presence.
18
Oldsmobile 442 (’70–’72)
“4-4-2” meant four-barrel, four-speed, dual exhaust and all attitude. One of GM’s sharpest performers ever.
19
Plymouth Barracuda / ’Cuda (’70–’74)
The ’Cuda was the wild child of Mopar: big engines, shaker hood, pure trouble.
20
Dodge Challenger (1st Gen, ’70–’74)
The original Challenger was a wide-shouldered, lightweight street brawler built before muscle cars got bloated. A true retro reboot (smaller, meaner, and manual) would be the revival Mopar diehards actually want.
