Cars of the ’70s that were so ugly they became cool again
The ’70s were defined by boxy shapes, sharp lines, and weird proportions. For decades, those quirks were written off as ugly.
Looking back at these cars now, we can see power, speed, and most importantly, pure individuality.
Here are some cars of the ’70s that survived long enough to become cool.
1975 AMC Pacer
By the end of the 1960s, AMC was the only independent automaker in the United States. To assure its future, AMC decided to embrace what they called a “Philosophy of Difference” so what they did was build cars that offered buyers something brand-new.
One of these was The Pacer, known as fishbowl on wheels. This car was designed as an economy car, but it showed major design flaws including poor fuel economy, heavy handling, and a mismatched engine bay.
The Volkswagen Thing
This “Thing” or officially the Type 181, is a boxy, rear-engine, open-air vehicle inspired by World War II military transport.
It was sold in the U.S. market for only one year, from 1973 to 1974 due to the strict U.S. crash and safety regulations that its modest design couldn’t meet.
All four doors were completely removable and interchangeable from front to rear. The car also had a removable roof or an optional soft top.
Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon
A custom 1970s van, aside from the bubble windows and its gas-sipping capabilities for better fuel economy, the car could be ordered with various optional vinyl graphics, color-keyed sport mirrors, styled steel wheels with trim rings, and optional roof luggage racks.
Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 455
The Vista Cruiser was different from previous station wagons on full-size platforms as it was built on General Motors’ new midsize A-body platform.
And if you’re a fan of the television sitcom That ’70s Show you sure know that the Vista Cruiser is Eric Forman’s car.
Bond Bug
A three-wheeled Bug, probably not the safest option but honestly, it does look cool!
Only 2,270 units were made of the Bond Bug and all of them were in a bright orange tangerine colour. Only six white Bugs were produced for a Carreras Rothmans ‘Cambridge’ cigarette promotion, one of which was also used in an advertisement for Cape Fruit.
Bricklin SV-1
A Canadian sports car produced from 1974 to 1976. This car was offered in a wedge-shaped coupe body style. It featured gullwing doors and high safety features that made the car look a bit awkward, as the strict ‘70s US federal safety standards required massive, protruding black plastic bumpers front and rear that ruined the clean sports car lines.
International Scout II
The Scout II was bigger, more powerful and overall more substantial than the earlier Scout designs.
The car came in either a Traveltop or Cab Top body option and later got even more distinct body styles in the form of two extended wheelbase versions.
Scout II was a family focused model meant for road trips.
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