The 1970s were a complicated decade for performance cars. The first couple of years still carried the raw horsepower and swagger of the 1960s muscle boom, but by the mid decade, everything changed. The oil crisis, emissions regulations, safety laws, and skyrocketing insurance rates pushed automakers into cutting compression, shrinking carburetors, and choking exhaust systems. Cars that once promised 400 horsepower were suddenly struggling to make half that number. Yet, despite these setbacks, automakers still tried to keep excitement alive with sporty trims, flashy decals, and engines that hinted at performance. The trouble is, many of these cars faded into obscurity. Here are ten 1970s performance cars that once wore the right badges and stripes, but today barely get remembered.
AMC Hornet SC/360
AMC was always the underdog of Detroit’s Big Four, and the Hornet SC/360 showed how creative they could be. Offered in 1971, it took the economy Hornet and gave it some muscle with a 360 cubic inch V8 producing 245 horsepower in stock form and up to 285 with the four barrel carb option. Buyers could order a four speed manual, a posi rear, and mag wheels, making it a true sleeper. Unfortunately, it was a one year wonder, with fewer than 800 units built. AMC fans remember it fondly, but to the broader car world, it’s been all but forgotten.
Dodge Charger Daytona Clone Years
The original 1969 Daytona was a wind tunnel wonder built for NASCAR, but Dodge tried to keep the Charger’s performance aura alive into the 1970s. By 1973 and 1974, Chargers still looked aggressive with their long hoods and swooping lines, but emissions standards had cut their engines down. The big block V8s were available, but with much less power than before. Buyers expecting 1969 levels of speed were disappointed, and collectors today skip past these years in favor of the legendary late 60s models. The early 70s Chargers simply became victims of changing laws and fading performance.
Chevrolet Monza 2+2 V8
Chevy introduced the Monza 2+2 in 1975 as a sporty compact meant to take on imports like the Capri and Celica. On paper, it had promise: buyers could option it with a small block 262 or even a 305 V8. But by the time emissions gear and weight were factored in, the performance was sluggish at best. The cramped interior and awkward packaging didn’t help either. While it briefly looked like a Corvette’s little cousin, the Monza never delivered on its sporty image. Today, most people don’t even realize Chevy once sold a V8 compact coupe.
Mercury Capri RS 2600
Ford of Europe sent the Mercury Capri to the US market as a sporty import alternative, and in RS 2600 trim it actually had some bite. Powered by a Cologne V6, it was light, nimble, and handled far better than most bloated American coupes of the time. In Europe, the Capri made a name for itself in touring car racing, but in North America, it was lost in translation. Sold through Mercury dealerships, it never achieved Mustang-level popularity. While it had the right ingredients, it’s mostly forgotten today outside of European Ford fans.
Dodge Aspen R/T
By the late 70s, Dodge was trying anything to keep a performance image alive, and the Aspen R/T was one of those attempts. Introduced in 1977, it came with sporty stripes, spoilers, and the option of a 360 cubic inch V8. But the horsepower figures had dwindled, with the 360 making less than 180 hp in most forms. The Aspen itself also had a reputation for rust and poor build quality, which only hurt its appeal. While Dodge marketed it as a sporty coupe for younger buyers, few survived long enough to become classics, and today it’s barely remembered.
Pontiac Can Am
Pontiac unveiled the Can Am in 1977, based on the LeMans, as a limited edition performance model. It wore unique graphics, a shaker hood borrowed from the Trans Am, and came with Pontiac’s 400 V8 or Oldsmobile’s 403. On the street, it had presence, but production ended abruptly after only about 1,300 units due to problems with the supplier making the unique rear spoiler. Its short life span makes it rare today, but rarity alone hasn’t made it famous. Even Pontiac fans sometimes forget the Can Am existed, despite it being one of the more striking cars of the era.
Ford Maverick Grabber
Ford launched the Maverick as an economy compact in 1970, but by the early 70s, they wanted to give it a sporty edge. The Grabber trim added bright colors, wild graphics, and optional V8 power. It looked like a mini muscle car, and for a moment it seemed like Ford had a cheap performance hit. But by the mid 70s, power ratings were low, and the Mustang II was stealing the spotlight. Most Grabbers ended up as beaters, and today very few remember that Ford once tried to make the Maverick into a performance car.
Chevrolet Laguna S-3
The Chevrolet Laguna S-3 was produced from 1974 to 1976 as Chevy’s attempt to build a more aerodynamic coupe for NASCAR. With a sloped nose and smoother styling, it was homologated for racing and actually did well on the track. Buyers could order it with big blocks, including the 454. On paper, it had all the right elements. But on the street, it was overshadowed by the Chevelle SS and Monte Carlo. Few sold, and fewer survive. Outside of hardcore NASCAR fans, almost no one remembers the Laguna S-3 today.
Plymouth Road Runner GTX (Late 70s)
The Road Runner and GTX had been icons of the late 60s muscle era, but by 1975 through 1978, they had been watered down. Heavy bodies, lower compression engines, and strangled horsepower meant they were a shadow of their former selves. While the badges still carried weight, the performance didn’t. As a result, these late 70s versions are almost never discussed, despite their heritage. Collectors chase the 1968-1970 models, leaving the later Road Runners as forgotten relics.
AMC Matador Coupe
AMC’s Matador Coupe debuted in 1974 with swoopy styling that looked more European than American. It was aimed at NASCAR homologation, and buyers could option it with a 401 cubic inch V8. On the track, it had some success, but on the street, its odd looks and limited market appeal made it a tough sell. It didn’t fit neatly into any category—too big for compact buyers, too odd for muscle fans. While it made an impression in period advertising, today the Matador Coupe is one of AMC’s least remembered cars.
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