That ’70s (car) show: iconic cars of an unforgettable era

In the 1970s, turbulent and uncertain times led to a diverse and unlikely collection of cars rising to popularity. Sales of foreign cars increased as their quality improved, while the domestic industry wrestled with internal problems that included a 57-day strike at General Motors. It was a decade that brought big changes to the way cars were made and what buyers wanted.

As the 1970s began, muscle cars were still extremely popular – but that changed quickly. New federal emission limits and safety standards altered the way engines ran and required automakers to use sturdier types of metals: something that improved safety but slowed performance.

At the same time, the U.S. faced an oil crisis and the ensuing fuel shortages gave Americans sticker shock at the gas pump. Suddenly, those gas-guzzling muscle cars were less attractive, and many buyers found themselves looking for more compact, fuel-friendly cars.

The same decade that introduced disco, pet rocks and 8-track tapes turned out to be an interesting part of automotive history. Take a look at four very different cars that tell the tale of that memorable decade in the motor industry.

Ford Pinto

This subcompact debuted in 1971 and seemed like the perfect car for its time. It was lightweight, low-cost and easy on the gas, making it the ideal competitor for the affordable, fuel-efficient foreign models hitting U.S. soil. The Pinto lived up to its promises, providing great gas mileage and a favorable safety record – untiluntil problems started cropping up with cars catching on fire after being struck in the rear. Ford ended the car's production in 1980 but, even today, its fan club lives on.

AMC Pacer

It's hard to believe, but when the AMC Pacer hit the road in 1975 it was hailed as an automotive innovation for its fishbowl shape, complete with lots and lots of glass. It was billed as the "first wide small car" and was sold on the merits of its aerodynamic design, which should have helped save fuel. America's love affair with the Pacer was short lived, however, as it wasn't nearly as fuel efficient as many of its competitors. By the end of the decade, it rolled off into the sunset, but not before earning an unofficial title as one of America's ugliest cars.
 

Plymouth Barracuda

Before muscle cars got kicked to the curb, the ‘Cuda enjoyed a healthy following – one that led moviemakers to feature it on the silver screen in films like Psychomania and even Jumanji in 1995. Although it originally made its debut in 1964, it was overshadowed by the release of the first Ford Mustang two weeks later. In the '70s, however, the ‘Cuda managed to regain its footing and find a reputation as a muscle machine that came in unusual, ‘high-impact’ colors, with sporty options like decal sets and hood modifications to make it look as good in the driveway as it did on the road.

Stutz Blackhawk

For those who weren't concerned with saving money on gas or on the price of the car, the Stutz Blackhawk was fit for a king – literally. Elvis Presley bought the very first Stutz Blackhawk in 1970, no doubt attracted to the sleek Italian design, not to mention the gold-plated trim and shag carpet. Hand-built and carrying a factory price tag of $22,500 (over $170,000 today), the Stutz was the true status symbol among 1970s cars. Elvis went on to buy three more Blackhawks and the luxury car also attracted other star-studded owners including Liberace, Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. It bid farewell to the market in 1980 with a total production run of just 350 cars.

What is your favorite four-wheeled innovation of the '70s? Share your memories with us on Facebook.