Top 10 Iconic 1970s Cars You Should Know

The 1970s gave the world some of the best cars ever produced—vehicles that still command respect at car shows and auctions to this day. The 1970s cars are capable of being sleek, elegant, and highly valuable. 

But first, you have to be sure that the vehicle you intend to buy is not a replica or has not been heavily altered. That is where getting the vehicle's build sheet data comes in handy to help verify the original specs and features.

Now, let us proceed to take a closer look at ten of the popular cars in the 70s to collect.

1977 Pontiac Firebird Formula

Current Market Value: $20,000 – $35,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  Distinctive “shaker” hood scoop
• 
  Powerful V8 engine options
• 
  Bold styling and muscle car appeal

The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Formula was the epitome of American muscle cars in the late '70s. It had aggressive styling, dropped stance, and an assortment of potent engines. 

The Formula model provided the Trans Am's performance without any of the tacky decals. The Firebird Formula, with its 400 cubic-inch V8 and dual-scoop hood, was fast and handsome. It’s one of the 1970s cars loved by collectors for its raw power and classic Pontiac styling.

READ ALSO: Popular Cars of the 1960s: Greatest Car Makes and Models in the 60s

1972 Chevrolet Corvette

Current Market Value: $25,000 – $50,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  Iconic “Shark” body style
• 
  Last year of both chrome bumpers
• 
  Available big-block 454 engine

The 1972 Corvette was the last of its type, with its last use of chrome bumpers both front and rear. Its aerodynamic “Shark” body and sport cockpit make the car a classic among the most recognizable Vettes ever made.

 Its engine bay cradled a 454 cubic-inch V8 with ear-shattering horsepower. It is prized by collectors for its bold mix of American muscle and unique styling that can't go unnoticed in any garage.

1975 Plymouth Fury

Current Market Value: $12,000 – $22,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  Featured in TV and film (e.g., Starsky & Hutch)
• 
  Smooth ride and big body style
• 
  Rare in clean, original condition

The 1975 Plymouth Fury was a full-size car that was noted for its comfort alongside its intimidating stance. It wasn't exactly fast with its V8 engine but offered a luxurious ride and big-body confidence on the highway.

It's also very familiar to TV and movie buffs, so there's some nostalgia value to be had here. It's becoming increasingly hard to find Furys in good condition nowadays, so it's one of the 1970s cars cherished among collectors

READ ALSO: 6 Legendary Plymouth Muscle Cars That Are Worth Collecting

1974 Lamborghini Countach (LP400)

Current Market Value: $1.2M – $2.5M

Why It's Popular:

• 
  Groundbreaking wedge design
• 
  Early supercar status
• 
  Limited production numbers

The Lamborghini Countach LP400 of 1974 changed the appearance of exotic sports cars. Its wedge profile, scissor doors, and V12 mid-mounted engine gave it a futuristic look.

The LP400 was the most original and pure form of the Countach, with svelte lines and unadulterated performance. Due to its rarity and popularity, it has become one of the most sought-after cars from the 70s.

1975 Honda Civic CVCC

Current Market Value: $8,000 – $15,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  First Honda with CVCC engine
• 
  Known for reliability and fuel efficiency
• 
  Helped Honda grow in North America

The 1975 Honda Civic CVCC was a diminutive car, but it made a huge splash. It came with a fuel-efficient CVCC engine and passed U.S. emission standards without a catalytic converter—a significant factor in the '70s.

It was lightweight, easy to maneuver, and very reliable. Okay, it lacks the muscle car oomph, but the 1970s car is a collector's choice for owners who enjoy innovation and sense.

1970 AMC Gremlin

Current Market Value: $9,000 – $16,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  Quirky design with hatchback shape
• 
  Affordable and easy to maintain
• 
  Early American subcompact car

The 1970 AMC Gremlin is a cult car because it has such an unusual personality. America's first real subcompact, the Gremlin, was launched to battle smaller foreign competition, with its clipped tail distinguishing it.

While a thrift-store car back then, the Gremlin is one of the 1970s cars could be ordered with an optional V8 punch and decent handling. Today, it is more commonly restored for its uniqueness than for performance, offering a quirky taste of 1970s nostalgia.

1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Current Market Value: $25,000 – $50,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  Movie fame (Smokey and the Bandit)
• 
  Aggressive styling with hood decal
• 
  Strong V8 engines

The Trans Am was a cultural phenomenon in 1977 with its starring role in Smokey and the Bandit. Its black-and-gold paint job and "screaming chicken" decal on the hood made heads turn wherever it traveled. 

It wasn't lacking in muscle, either, with its 6.6-liter V8 engine. The mix of flash and muscle ensured its popularity at the time, and its worth as a collector's item today.

READ ALSO: The Power of V8 Classic Cars

1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Current Market Value: $10,000 – $18,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  One of the best-selling cars of its time
• 
  Smooth ride and upscale interior
• 
  Easy to restore and maintain

The 1977 Cutlass Supreme was a mix of luxury and performance in a stylish mid-size vehicle. It came with a range of engines, a V8 among them, and was also noted for its smooth, quiet ride.

Having been around in the ‘70s also translates to plenty of parts and details available to restore it, so it is a sensible, budget-friendly choice for newer collectors.

1973 Ford Country Squire

Current Market Value: $8,000 – $15,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  Classic woodgrain-panel station wagon
• 
  Family-friendly with lots of space
• 
  Quintessential 1970s suburban style

The most recognizable station wagon of the time is the 1973 Ford Country Squire. With its phony wood-grain paneling and roomy interior, this 1970s car was the family hauler of its time.

With its big V8 engine, it could haul kids, groceries, and even a trailer. Today, it is a favorite at vintage car shows among those who love the nostalgia of the vintage family wagons.

1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible

Current Market Value: $15,000 – $30,000

Why It's Popular:

• 
  Rare convertible body style
• 
  Luxury touches compared to Mustang
• 
  Smooth V8 performance

The 1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible gave the look of a muscle car but with a softer, more elegant touch. It was the cousin of the Mustang but slightly classier because of its premium interior and sporty looks.

 The 351 V8 gave it more than ample cruising ability, especially with the top down. Not many were made in convertible form, so it is very much sought after by collectors.

Conclusion

These classic cars from the 70s offer more than mere good looks—there's history, there's style, and there’s a sense of liberation. If you’re the muscle type, luxury seeker, or oddball enthusiast, there's something for everyone on this list.

Before you buy one of the 1970s cars, use our accurate classic car VIN check tool. It helps reveal any hidden records like accidents, title brands, thefts,  and more. This ensures you're buying the real deal—not an imitation or heavily altered knockoff.