Through the lens of a car enthusiast, the decade was typified by European wedge-shaped exotics, indisputably-American muscle cars, and peculiarly impressive Japanese imports. While angular silhouettes appeared to be the dominating design philosophy, there was also a cohort of manufacturers who opted for sleeker, more curvy lines. Performance by today’s standards will of course seem meager, but that didn’t preclude the existence of roaring 12-cylinder configurations and large-displacement engines. However, it was also an opportune time for manufacturers to develop and improve smaller power plants, many of which would end up being the key reason behind their respective models’ successes.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s our shortlist of 15 such cars, which we have curated:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
BMW M1<\/h2>\n
The BMW M1<\/a> is a bit of an enigma. Those who love it, really<\/em> love it – and for all the right reasons too. First off, it should be stated that we have the M1 to thank for beginning a long line of BMW M cars<\/a> which have come to define, and propagate BMW sports car performance globally. The M1 was BMW’s first mid-engined sports car and fashioned the much adored wedge-shaped silhouette; the dominating design philosophy for exotic cars at the time. It featured an impressive 3.5L naturally-aspirated inline-6 engine which produced 273 hp. So, what’s not to love? Well, BMW would have to eventually chalk the M1 up as a learning opportunity, as the car ended up being a commercial flop.<\/p>\n Starting off as a collaboration between BMW and Lamborghini, the car had lofty ambitions right off the bat as well; to dominate all the racing series\u2019 it was envisioned to compete in. This particular plan never came to fruition as Lamborghini \u2013 tasked with building the cars \u2013 ended up filing for bankruptcy before production ramped up. BMW managed to scrape together some new partners to get a production version on the road, but only 455 units were ever built before it was axed for good; its asking price of 100,000 DM had a lot to do with that.<\/p>\n Some of those units were even built for competition, but none of them ever saw any noteworthy success on the circuit. While the BMW M1 didn’t realize its main objectives, it nevertheless remains one of the best and most important BMW cars produced to this day.<\/p>\n The Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird were produced under the direction of their parent company, Chrysler. Dubbed the “Aero Warriors”, the two “sister” cars which were part of an ensemble which included the Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II. All of these cars earned those nicknames because of their huge nose cones and enormous rear spoilers that made them legendary among the competition. They are considered to amongst the very first stock cars to be modified aerodynamically.<\/span><\/p>\n Due to homologation requirements, both Dodge any Plymouth<\/a> had to produce the Aero Warriors in substantial numbers. Dodge would only end up producing 503 examples of the Charger Daytona, though in Plymouth’s case, 1,920 Superbirds would roll off the assembly line. While the race versions got full blown Hemi engines, most of the cars got 440 Super Commandos or 440 6-packs rated at 385 hp. Only a small fraction of models would come equipped with the top-gun Hemi 426, which produced 550 hp. The Aero Warriors were so successful in competition that NASCAR had to change the rules to make the playing field more even in 1971.<\/p>\n In 1974, Porsche introduced the first production version of a turbocharged 911. Although it was referred to as the Porsche 911 Turbo<\/a> in Europe, the car was marketed as the Porsche 930 in North America. Porsche had injected all of its sportscar experience with exhaust-gas turbochargers into its series production models. At the onset only a small number of Turbos were planned. However, in the light of its amazing impact, production figures were boosted. Compared to other 911 trims, the Turbo was visually unique with wider wheel-arches, larger wheels and tires, and a large and soon-to-be-iconic \u201cWhale Tail\u201d rear spoiler. Early models were equipped with a 3.0L 260 hp engine. which was eventually upgraded to a 3.3L unit producing 300 hp, for the 1978 refresh.<\/p>\n The Porsche 930 Turbo is widely considered to be the original \u201cwidowmaker\u201d, as it was the first car to really become synonymous with the term. This reputation was earned due to the car\u2019s difficulty to be controlled at the limit, and was one of the scariest road-going Porsches ever built. A less foreboding distinction the 930 had is that it is the very first turbocharged 911, making it the forefather of the long and successive line of series production 911 Turbo models that followed it.<\/p>\n The Lamborghini Countach<\/a> represents the early beginnings of the legend that has become ‘Lamborghini’ as we know it today. Sure, the Miura came first and wowed crowds, but it was the Countach that took the brand to an entirely new level. Once again, designer Marcello Gandini managed to draw a fascinating, unconventional car that left everyone speechless. Lamborghini wanted to build the most spectacular supercar ever made; one that would be far more advanced than its time, one that would make an even bigger impact than Miura did, one that would become the poster car plastered on every young person’s bedroom walls.<\/p>\n The first generation of the Countach was given the codename “LP 400<\/a>“. The bodywork was made of aluminum alloy, bonded to a lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis which was designed by Paolo Stanzani. The suspension was designed such that it was double-wishbones all around, coupled with strong ventilated disc brakes. The engine was originally supposed to be a 5.0L V12 good for around 440 hp, but overheating and reliability problems would force Lamborghini to settle on its proven Bizzarrini-designed 3.9L V12.<\/p>\n The innovations in engine and transmission placement worked marvelously, with the first-gen Countach producing 325 hp @ 7,500 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque @ 5,500 rpm – this translated to a very quick 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.9 seconds, and an impressive top speed of 181 mph. Lamborghini has just released a remake of the Countach,<\/a> but will it ever be able to compete with the original car<\/a>?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In March of 1969, Pontiac quietly announced a new performance\/trim option for its popular Firebird model, but things did not stay silent for long. Dubbed the Trans Am (after the Trans American Racing Series), it quickly became a pony car icon and one of the best-known American muscle cars ever produced, ultimately dethroning the mighty GTO as Pontiac\u2019s most popular performance model. This event also marked the end of the first generation Firebird, though the Trans Am would pick up right where things left off when the second generation car was introduced in 1970.<\/span><\/p>\n Styling changes aside, the Trans Am remained entirely familiar in terms of being Pontiac’s flagship performance model. Although things started out with a bang for the second-gen series – and particularly the Trans Am models – the aforementioned oil embargo amongst other factors, would see the car subjected to significantly decreased power outputs halfway through the model’s lifecycle.<\/p>\n While the the option of having a V8 engine persevered through the entire 11 years that the model was produced, the most powerful engine option from 1975 onwards, produced just 220 hp in comparison to the 370 hp which was available during the 1970 model year. Examples equipped with the “Ram Air IV” V8 are the most powerful, and generally most desirable versions of the Trans Am, and were exclusive to the first 2 model years.<\/p>\n Built from scratch to contest the World Rally Championship, the Lancia Stratos<\/a> was the first car of its kind. It practically changed the rally sport, and kickstarted a new era where auto manufacturers would commonly produce road cars thinly disguised race cars in order to navigate the often times, convoluted homologation requirements. The Lancia Stratos is definitely up there as one of the most badass looking cars on this list. Its eccentric design \u2013 even in its rally form \u2013 made it more akin to an exotic road-going supercar than it did to a purpose-built rally machine.<\/p>\n It was homologated in 1974 as a Group 4 contender in the World Rally Championship, after a production order of 500 examples commenced in 1973. Like the road-going Stradale version, the Group 4 rally car used Ferrari\u2019s by-then-phased-out Dino 2.4L V6 engine but tuned to 265 bhp for the 12-valve version and 320 hp for the 24-valve version. However, regulations for that year meant that only the 12-valve version of the car would be allowed to compete, although this did not encumber it from success whatsoever.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Carrera RS debuted in October 1972 at the Paris Motor Show, and is considered to be Porsche’s de facto first-gen 911 halo car. It’s surely one of the best road cars of all time. It was the fastest production 911 and had proven pedigree on the racing circuits. Some feel it is still the best 911 ever produced by Porsche, and definitely makes the Top 10 on our “Best Porsches Ever Made”<\/a> list. Initial production for the 2.7 was only 500 cars and it sold out almost immediately. Three versions were available, including a lightweight Sports trim, a Race trim or more the opulent Touring trim for the road. The lightweight version was substantially lighter with thin-gauge body panels, lighter windows and a stripped out interior.<\/p>\n Fitted with flared wheel arches, a distinctive ducktail spoiler, and a highly tuned flat-6 engine, the brilliant Carrera 2.7 RS is the model against which all subsequent high-performance 911s are judged. The 2.7 RS road car also served as the platform for homologating the parts needed for racing. The 210 hp 2.7L flat-6 engine – benefitting from Porsche’s experience gained from the 917 racing program – elevated the 911 into the 2500 cc – 3000 cc class, alongside heavyweight opposition such as the Ferrari Daytona<\/a> and DeTomaso Pantera.<\/p>\n Fun fact: the ducktail rear spoiler is the first proper wing to feature on a 911 from the factory, while the widened wheel arches allowed more rubber to come in contact with the road. What a superb machine.<\/p>\n The Nissan S30 (Datsun 240Z) was the first generation of Nissan’s two-seater grand touring “Z” coupe. The Z models had a production run which lasted from 1969 to 1978. All models had a 4-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front and Chapman struts in back. Front disc brakes and rear drums were standard on all models. The 240Z and 260Z used twin-variable venturi Hitachi one-barrel side-draft SU-like carburetors. The first-generation “Fairlady Z”, launched in November 1969, was available with the same high-performance ‘432’ engine – an inline-6 DOHC 24-valve unit which produced 160 hp – as seen in the Skyline GT-R (PGC10).<\/p>\n The carburetors were changed beginning in the 1973 model year in order to comply with emissions regulations, though the earlier carburetors offered superior performance as compared to the later Weber carburetors. Fuel injection – L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, designed by Bosch – was added for the 280Z in 1975 for US models. This was primarily done in order to cope with the increased difficulty manufacturers faced in getting enough power output through the use of carburetors, while still being able to satisfy US emissions regulations. The Datsun 240Z is easily one of the most beautiful cars on this list.<\/p>\n The Lamborghini P400 Miura<\/a> is considered – by virtually anyone qualified to make the call – to be the first \u201csupercar” ever produced. That’s a pretty hefty distinction to have, but it certainly didn’t get there without earning it. Although the Miura’s chassis design could be mistakenly interpreted as a race chassis, Ferruccio Lamborghini had a strict “no-racing” attitude when it came to the purpose of the car. He even wrote a policy in the company\u2019s bylaws that prohibited the model from being used for racing; instead, the Miura was destined to be a production road car of the highest order.<\/p>\n The first completed prototype was painted orange and personally driven by Bertone to the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, where it became the highlight of the event and overshadowed the Ferrari 330 GTC which was also a debutant.<\/p>\n The “Spinto Veloce” (SV) model is the final and most developed version of Lamborghini\u2019s seminal supercar.<\/b> Like all Miuras, it has an exotic specification and sleek profile which epitomizes Lamborghini\u2019s image more than any other model. The main focus of the SV was a new rear suspension that made the car much wider. Longer wishbones were fitted that added 1.5 inches of length. Furthermore, larger Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels were added with wider Pirelli Cintaurato tires. While it\u2019s common to hear the Miura being described as the world\u2019s first supercar, we prefer to expand on this by calling it the first modern<\/em> supercar, since the Ferrari 275 GTB and Mercedes 300 SL came immediately before it.<\/p>\n While all Corvettes are iconic<\/a>, and although each has its own loyal following of owners and enthusiasts who claim that \u201ctheir generation\u201d<\/em>\u00a0is the best,\u00a0there is little doubt that the\u00a0third-generation Corvette is one of the most iconic generations of them all. The\u00a0C3 still holds the record for having the longest production run for any generation of the Corvette. It was during this generation that we saw the Corvette \u201cgrow-up\u201d<\/em> from being a powerful track car and Le Mans racer, to an iconic sports car synonymous with the American Dream.<\/p>\n Introduced in\u00a01968\u00a0and produced until 1982,\u00a0the\u00a0third-generation Corvette<\/a> has a storied history full of highs-and-lows throughout its 15-year production run. Much of the car’s evolution during this generation was closely tied to the economic and political climate in the United States during the late ’60s and ’70s. While early model years (1968-1972) featured big engines producing massive horsepower,\u00a0stricter Federal emissions regulations would force Chevrolet\u00a0to reduce engine output ratings in later models (1973-1982).<\/p>\n At the same time, these changes forced Chevrolet to improve upon their engineering standards; by innovating methods to reduce the car\u2019s weight and enhance its overall design, the automaker was able to keep the Corvette relevant, even with all the restrictions in place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n There is often some confusion with the Ferrari\u00a0308\/208\/328 model range<\/a>\u00a0so we will take a minute to explain the differences here. Firstly, the 308 replaced the\u00a0Dino 246 GT\u00a0and\u00a0GTS<\/a> in 1975. The two-seater Ferrari 308 came in both a 308 GTB berlinetta and 308 GTS<\/a> Targa top body style. Both were mid-engined and powered by naturally-aspirated V8s. The 308 models were produced by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985. The similar 208 GTB<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0208 GTS<\/a> were equipped with a smaller (initially naturally-aspirated, later turbocharged) 2.0L engine.\u00a0 The 308 range was updated in 1985, when it would become the\u00a0328<\/a>.<\/p>\n The beautiful Pininfarina designed body had a pronounced wedge profile, with a rectangular egg-crate aluminum radiator grille below a slim full width satin black front bumper. However, there were numerous key design elements of the Dino 246 GT carried through into the body details. These included the scalloped door intakes, twin circular rear light assemblies, and the vertical concave rear screen bounded by buttressed sail panels.<\/p>\n The 308 was equipped with a transversely mid-mounted V8 engine with four twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburetors, single coil ignition, and dry sump lubrication (in European models). The European versions produced 252 hp @ 6,600 rpm. For US market cars, power was detuned to 237 hp in order to satisfy the relatively stricter\u00a0 emissions regulations.<\/p>\n The De Tomaso Pantera is the product of one of the very few (but more prominent) American x Italian automotive collaborations. Mixing Italian design language with the soul of a cast-iron American V8 engine, the Pantera had plenty of appeal on both sides of the pond. It was unlikely result of Lee Iacocca and Alessandro de Tomaso coming together to produce a version of the AMX\/3; a move that set off a chain of events which would eventually bring Ford Motor Company to the exotic car landscape – and the rest as they say, is “history”.<\/span><\/p>\n The overall design that De Tomaso envisioned was brought to fruition by Dallara, with a possible production capacity of 5,000 cars \/ year originally proposed. The car had all the right ingredients\u00a0 to be a success, including a double wishbone suspension, disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and most importantly: a 351 Cleveland V8. Once the design was finalized, coachwork was done by Vignale and the shells were then shipped to De Tomaso in Modena upon completion, where the suspension and drivetrain would be put in.<\/p>\n In 1971 Road and Track described the car as \u201cExciting-but not a finished product.\u201d<\/i> De Tomaso himself argued that an exotic car couldn\u2019t be delivered to corporate engineering standards, at least not for $10,000 USD a unit. In 1973 the model was replaced the Pantera L which had less power and larger rubber bumpers. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most fascinating cars ever produced.<\/p>\n The “Mach 1″ was a performance package that Ford began offering for its quintessential American muscle car in 1969. The Mach 1 designation would be available for Mustang until 1978, when the model was overhauled and entered its third-generation. Within the Mach 1 range was variety of engine options, with the potent 428 fitted with the \u201cCobra Jet”, serving as a cheaper alternative to the BOSS 429. For drag racing a \u201cSuper Cobra Jet\u201d engine was available, and was essentially the same package with a reinforced drive shaft.<\/p>\n To compete with the Mopar HEMI engine in NASCAR, Ford launched the BOSS 429 V8 that same year. It was built as a limited production Mustang Fastback to meet the required homologation of 500 units. The \u201969 BOSS is considered to be the ultimate Mustang from this era, after the less popular “clydesdale” body was used for the 1970 version. <\/span>Ford prepared the 429 for inclusion into NASCAR\u2019s Grand National Division. They modified a version Ford\u2019s big block V8 design known as the \u2018Ford 385 engine\u2019 and changed the stroke from 3.85 inches to 3.59.<\/p>\n Built as a full-on race engine, the exhaust ports were so large it was nicknamed the \u2018Shotgun engine\u2019. Power was legally claimed to be 375 hp, although more than 500 hp was possible with just a few tweaks. To meet emissions regulations, a mild cam was fitted along with a smog pump and small carburetor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"BMW](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/1980-BMW-M1-front-three-quarters.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nChrysler “Aero Warriors”<\/h2>\n
![\"1970](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/1970-Plymouth-Hemi-Superbird-Auction-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPorsche 930 (911 Turbo)<\/h2>\n
![\"Porsche](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/porsche-911-930-turbo-goodwood-09032020.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLamborghini Countach<\/h2>\n
![\"1974](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/50342-car-Lamborghini-Lamborghini_Countach.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPontiac Firebird Trans Am<\/h2>\n
![\"1970](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/1970-Pontiac-Firebird-Trans-Am-Ram-Air-III-001-1536.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLancia Stratos<\/h2>\n
![\"1972](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1103438-1536.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPorsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring<\/h2>\n
![\"Porsche](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Porsche-911-Carrera-RS-2.7.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDatsun 240z<\/h2>\n
![\"1969](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Heritage-One-\u00ac-Bruce-Sweetman-2014-010.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLamborghini Miura P400 SV<\/h2>\n
![\"1971](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1103770-1536.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nChevrolet Corvette Stingray (C3)<\/h2>\n
![\"C3](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/chevrolet_corvette-c3-stingray-l88-427-automatically-yours-coupe-1969_r4.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFerrari 308 GTB<\/h2>\n
![\"Ferrari](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Ferrari-458-7.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDe Tomaso Pantera<\/h2>\n
![\"De](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/1971-De-Tomaso-Pantera-001-1440.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFord Mustang Mach 1<\/h2>\n
![\"1969](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/1969-Ford-Boss-429.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFerrari 512 BB<\/h2>\n
![\"1976\u21921981](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1098083-10242.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"1986\u21921988](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/1986_Mazda_SavannaRX7GTLimited1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n