The 1970s were unapologetically over the top, a decade where bigger, louder, and bolder was always better. The spirit of excess mingled into every corner of culture, everything was brighter and cars were no exception.
Automakers weren’t afraid to experiment with wild shapes, shocking colors, and graphics that turned every drive into a statement. Neon colors, stripes, flames and even gold screaming birds on hoods were just a couple of the options, but in reality, they were badges of personality.
No matter what kind of car you had, the important thing was what you did with it and how you expressed yourself through it, ’70s cars captured the vibe of a world that believed subtlety was overrated, and lived like it.
1
A Citroën SM that was part spaceship, part car.
2
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T in panther pink. Subtle wasn't in the 70s vocabulary.
3
Burgundy Buick Electra land yacht with enough chrome to blind the sun.
4
Lotus Esprit S1 in sunshine yellow that even Bond couldn't resist it.
5
When even the police wanted to stand out in disco neon.
6
You didn't even need bright colors when this Dodge Charger had that much attitude.
7
A gold Stingray Corvette ready to cruise into a sunset soundtrack.
8
Metallic magenta and stripes so wild they belong on a Funkadelic album cover.
9
Plum Challenger, a muscle car power color.
10
High impact yellow, a bee that can sting.
11
Stripes, stance, and pure ’70s muscle attitude in this Chevelle SS.
12
1978 Pontiac Trans Am with the flaming bird that defined cool.
13
“The mini Corvette” that winked with its sideways pop-up headlights.
14
Ford Gran Torino in red and white, a TV star on four wheels.
15
Because even family cars in the ’70s looked like spaceships.
