A number of factors affected the 1970s auto industry. A shortage of gas and rising prices prompted many consumers to seek “economy cars” that were more fuel efficient than the “boats” they were driving the decade prior. The Chevy Nova, Dodge Dart, and Ford Maverick were the cars that more and more shoppers wanted.
Manly men still needed their muscle cars, with powerful engines and high-performance driving—the epitome of cool. Technological innovations in the Seventies led to cars that were in some ways superior to their earlier counterparts; evolving tastes and more sophisticated production led to refined designs for many popular car models.
Every generation has its idea of luxury, and in the Seventies, vinyl roofs were the styling touch that reached critical mass. Vinyl roofs (technically) had a long life and were produced with materials that mimicked canvas and alligator or snake hide. By 1972, even the humble Ford Pinto sported a vinyl roof option.
As with all aspects of life in the Seventies, the auto industry was influenced by popular culture. Many movies and TV series featured cars that stole the show. These weren’t vehicles; they were characters, second only to the lead actor. (Sometimes, the car was even more popular.) From beauty to speed to insane modifications, these are the cars that defined the decade:
• “General Lee” (1969 Dodge Charger) from Dukes of Hazzard
• 1971 Ford Mustang from Diamonds are Forever
• 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon from Mad Max
• 1975 Ford Gran Torino from Starsky and Hutch
• 1977 Pontiac (Firebird) Trans Am from Smokey and the Bandit
• 1977 Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me
• 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS from Magnum PI