1970s Style Icons: The Cars That Defined Cool During A Decade Of Dull

We don’t typically look back on the 1970s as a decade of great cars and great car designs. Those years are largely defined by “Malaise Era” design, the oil crisis and tailpipe emission laws robbing cars of their horsepower.

However, there were some great cars, great car designs, and innovative technology that shaped the decade and continue to influence car design today. Wedge design, pop-up headlights, and the emergence of the supercar are just a few of the trends that hit the streets in the ’70s. From amazing concept cars to innovative technology and competition pedigree, here are 40 cars, concepts, and designs that shook up the status quo and made the 1970s bearable.