HowStuffWorks Newsletter
The early 1970s oil crisis saw sales of muscle cars and other gas-guzzlers wane while smaller, compact cars gained popularity. Learn more about 1970s cars in this section.
Pontiac stylists had the ability to periodically impart a refreshing new look to the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and Formula without serious modifications to the actual sheetmetal. Learn more about these Pontiacs in this article.
The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and 10th Anniversary Trans Am debuted a new look for Firebirds. Learn more the 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and the 10th Anniversary Trans Am in this article.
Bill Mitchell, GM's design chief, had complained that the first Firebird "had no real identity." This was not the case with the 1970 1/2 Pontiac Firebird. Learn more about this muscle car here.
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Because both the 350-and 400-cid V-8 engines were available this year, the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula model lost its "400" suffix. Learn more about the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula in this article.
Trans Am already was in the process of developing a legion of aficionados, but you wouldn't know it from the year-end figures from 1972. Learn more about rare 1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
A bold new eggcrate grille decorated the front end of the base Firebird, Esprit, and the 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula; but something far bolder could be tucked beneath the Formula's hood. Learn more about the details surrounding the 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula.
By the time the 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am hit the market, Trans Ams had found their niche. Despite ever-higher prices, output rose again as Pontiac sold one Trans Am for every three Firebirds. Learn more about the 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
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The 1976 Pontiac Formula Firebird had a new appearance package that featured bold FORMULA graphics along door bottoms and rocker panels. Learn more about the 1976 Pontiac Formula Firebird in this article.
The 1971-1973 Buick Riviera was a combination of luxury, performance, and elegant styling. But this was something not everyone agreed on. The Rivera was a car most people either loved or hated. Find out why.
The 1966-1977 Ford Bronco offered the best of both freeway and off-road driving. Ford developed the Bronco as an answer to the growing popularity of off-road vehicles. Learn more about the 1966-1977 Ford Bronco.
The 1973-1977 Pontiac Grand Prix had little performance gains due to strict emissions standards. As a result, GM turned to luxury as a selling point for the Grand Prix. Learn more about the 1973-1977 Pontiac Grand Prix.
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The 1976-1979 Cadillac Seville started an automotive revolution of downsizing due to high gas prices and smog regulations. The Seville became the smallest and most fuel-efficient sedan in Cadillac's lineup. Read more about this classic American luxury car.
The 1970 Cadillac NART Zagato was built by GM and Luigi Chinetti to compete with Ferrari's legendary gran turismo cars. GM later dropped out due to numerous delays and the economic difficulties. So what became of the Cadillac NART Zagato? Read on to find out.
The 1970 Ford Torino GT Convertible was flashy and fast and could reach 60 mph in 8 seconds thanks to its 429-cubic inch Cobra Jet engine. NASCAR tapped it to be the official pace car of the stock-car racing circuit. Read more about this powerful classic.
The 1968-1974 AMC Javelin was a competitive response to the successful Ford Mustang. The Javelin's performance rated high, with excellent handling and speeds that could match the likes of Mustangs and Camaros. Learn more about the AMC Javelin.
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The Chevelle SS earned a place among the top muscle cars of the era. It came in a number of trims and colors while the 350 engine was rated at 145 net horsepower. See pictures and learn why this classic car was one of the era's finest.
The XSR was a 1977 Toronado sent to American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) for a T-top conversion. This was no typical conversion, but a power T-top with glass panels that slid under a wide center bar. Check out the 1977 Oldsmobile Toronado XSR Coupe.
The 1970-1976 Plymouth Duster was a slick, fastback model that was enthusiastically snapped up by buyers. Featuring a vibrant paint job and sporty touches like Rallye wheels, it was an attractive and popular mini-muscle car. Read more.
The 1972-1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV was the brain child of Lee Iacocca. Though the name was used on a 1950s Lincoln, it was reincarnated in the 1970s as a luxury personal coupe. Learn more about the 1972-1976 Lincoln Continental.
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Ford Motor Company thought it was launching a European Mustang when its British and German branches developed the sport coupe. The Ford Capri, first sold in Europe, was a hit as a Mercury in the United States. Check out the Capri/Capri II and see pictures of this car.
The 1971 Ford LTD Convertible Coupe was the first ragtop introduced in the very popular LTD series. Standard equipment included power front disc brakes, a self-regulating clock and woodgrain interior appliques. Read about and see pictures of this classic car.
The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner hardtop coupe had a sleek look and great performance. The car was first introduced by Plymouth as a stripped-down cheaper alternative to the more stylish GTX. See photos and explore features of the 1971 Road Runner.
Revived from near-death the 1969-1972 Pontiac Grand Prix proved popular with sharp styling and powerful engines. John DeLorean is the man who made the Grand Prix a success when he suggested a new design based on the Le Mans. Learn about the 1969-72 Grand Prix.
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The 1971-1976 Pontiac models marked the end of a successful era of large performance-oriented cars. Government-mandated emissions standards and rising insurance rates cut into sales of high-performance cars. Follow the Pontiac story in the early 1970s.
The 1969-1973 Chrysler Imperial was known for its fuselage theme because the cars called up images of aircraft. The car was meant to give buyers a sense of class and luxury. The Chrysler Imperial did just that. Read about 1969-1973 Imperials in this article.