 Dodge Challenger. Click image to enlarge |
Dodge Challenger
Late to the Party, Dodge rolled out its own Pony car in 1970 and dubbed it the Challenger. Designed to ‘challenge’ the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Pontiac Firebird for sales, what the Challenger lacked in name creativity it made up for in performance. Optional engines for this car included the 440 ci V8 as well as the awesome 426 ci Hemi. It was also such a good-looking car that Dodge basically replicated, as far as shape goes, with the reborn Challenger in 2008.
 Ford Mustang II. Click image to enlarge |
Ford Mustang II
Many Mustang enthusiasts try to forget the years of 1974 through 1978. Initially with just four- or six-cylinder models available, the newly created Mustang II disappointed many enthusiasts. When a V8 did arrive in 1975, it was limited to just 140 hp, as was the norm at the time because of the gas crisis. This car reflected the old adage “All show and no go.” True Stang-lovers, though, still do defend this vehicle as appropriate for the times.
 Ford Gran Torino. Click image to enlarge |
Ford Gran Torino
Popularized by the 1975 television show “Starsky and Hutch”, the Ford Gran Torino was one of the baddest police cars in the world. Although it seemed able to perform better on television then it did in real life, people still flocked to Ford dealerships and many of these big coupes were sold during its lifespan.
 Ford Pinto. Click image to enlarge |
Ford Pinto
The poor Ford Pinto. It has been 40 years since the first Pintos rolled off of the assembly lines (and subsequently caught fire) and the rear-end explosions jokes still haven’t stopped. Ruined by the lawsuits and bad press associated with these fires, the Pinto never stood a chance—even after it was fixed and no longer became an instant ‘car-b-cue’.
 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird. Click image to enlarge |
Plymouth Road Runner Superbird
Essentially a corporate twin to the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, the Plymouth Road Runner Superbird was sold for one year and one year only—1970. The car was designed exclusively for the NASCAR circuit and featured excessive power, excessive aerodynamics, and (for its time) an excessive price tag. This car is a favourite among collectors and draws huge numbers when rolling across the auction block.
 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Click image to enlarge |
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Pontiac really has two iconic Firebirds from the 1970s. First there was the last of the big-block Birds, the 1974 SD-455 that many consider to be the last of the true muscle cars. The other was a car made famous by Hollywood, the 1977 Trans Am, which will forever be remembered as the Smokey and the Bandit car. Adorned with the trademark black and gold paint scheme, the car could even be had with in excess of 200 hp, which was quite a feat for 1977.
 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Click image to enlarge |
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The original ‘hot hatch’, the first generation Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a lightweight body with a high revving powerful motor. Proving that both a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive could still be a recipe for a sporty car. The GTI surprised a lot of people in the 1970s with its handling performance, especially those in Camaros and Mustangs.
