The 1970s were a complicated time for the automotive world. After the muscle car boom of the late 1960s, new emissions rules, rising fuel prices, and tightening safety standards changed everything. Power dropped, designs softened, and performance took a back seat. Yet hidden within that decade were some true gems, cars that still carry the spirit of classic motoring but remain surprisingly affordable. For enthusiasts who love mechanical simplicity and driving character, these 1970s classics are among the smartest buys on the market today.
Datsun 240Z (1970 to 1973)
The Datsun 240Z was Japan’s answer to the European sports car. It offered the looks and performance of a Jaguar E Type at a much lower price, with a smooth straight six engine, a lightweight chassis, and excellent balance. Producing 150 horsepower, it was fast enough to challenge anything in its price class while remaining reliable enough to drive every day.
Early 240Z models are now rising in value, but later versions and well maintained drivers remain attainable. It is one of the most rewarding classics to own, blending vintage charm with solid engineering and an unmistakable silhouette.
Triumph TR6 (1969 to 1976)
The Triumph TR6 was one of Britain’s last true roadsters. It featured a torquey 2.5 liter straight six engine, a manual gearbox, and simple mechanics that make it a joy to maintain. With its squared off design and low stance, the TR6 captures the classic British sports car look perfectly.
While the E Type and Austin Healey prices have climbed sky high, the TR6 remains affordable and easy to live with. It offers honest performance and open top motoring without breaking the bank. Parts are plentiful, and the driving experience is pure vintage pleasure.
BMW 2002 (1968 to 1976)
Before BMW became known for luxury sedans, it built the 2002, a compact, driver focused machine that helped define the brand. Its 2.0 liter four cylinder engine was eager to rev, and its rear wheel drive chassis provided incredible feedback. The car’s light weight and precise steering made it one of the most enjoyable small sports sedans ever built.
While the high performance 2002tii and Turbo models have shot up in price, the regular 2002 is still attainable for those who want classic European dynamics at a reasonable cost. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who wants to experience what made BMW famous in the first place.
Volvo 1800ES (1972 to 1973)
The Volvo 1800ES, also known as the shooting brake, was a stylish mix of coupe and wagon. With its long hood, curved glass rear hatch, and dependable B20 engine, it blended Swedish practicality with Italian flair. Only around 8,000 examples were built, making it rare but still overlooked.
It may not be a performance powerhouse, but its charm and everyday usability make it an ideal weekend car. The 1800ES is comfortable, durable, and full of personality, offering vintage design with the reliability Volvo is known for.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1970 to 1977)
When Chevrolet launched the Monte Carlo, it aimed to combine muscle and luxury in one package. Early SS 454 versions packed serious power, while later models delivered smooth V8 cruising with comfort to spare. Its long hood and clean lines still look elegant today.
Despite its good looks and heritage, the Monte Carlo remains undervalued compared to other Chevrolets of the same era. It offers an authentic V8 experience for a fraction of the cost of a Chevelle or Camaro, making it one of the smartest American classics to buy now.
Fiat 124 Spider (1966 to 1979)
The Fiat 124 Spider has everything enthusiasts love about classic Italian cars without the sky high prices. Styled by Pininfarina and powered by a lively twin cam engine, it offered sharp handling and a smooth five speed manual transmission. The lightweight chassis and balanced suspension make it a joy to drive on twisty roads.
It is also one of the easiest European classics to own thanks to strong parts availability and simple maintenance. For anyone wanting a fun open top car with genuine heritage, the Fiat 124 Spider remains a timeless and affordable choice.
Porsche 914 (1969 to 1976)
The Porsche 914 began as a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen, and for years it sat in the shadow of the 911. Yet its mid engine layout and low center of gravity made it one of the best handling cars of its era. The four cylinder versions were light, agile, and affordable, while the six cylinder 914 6 offered near supercar performance.
Today, collectors are finally realizing the brilliance of the 914’s design. It has all the purity and engagement of a classic Porsche at a much lower cost, making it one of the most fun and attainable vintage German sports cars you can buy.
Ford Maverick Grabber (1970 to 1977)
The Ford Maverick was built to replace the aging Falcon, but the Grabber trim turned it into something more exciting. With sporty stripes, optional V8 power, and a lightweight body, it delivered plenty of attitude for very little money.
The Maverick Grabber has become a favorite among budget builders and classic fans looking for something different. It is simple, reliable, and easy to modify, giving it a unique charm that sets it apart from the more common Mustangs and Cougars of the time.
Mercedes Benz 450SL (1973 to 1980)
The Mercedes 450SL was the car that defined grand touring luxury in the 1970s. Its smooth 4.5 liter V8, removable hardtop, and solid build quality made it a favorite among well heeled buyers who wanted both comfort and class.
Today, the 450SL remains one of the best bargains in the classic luxury market. Parts are plentiful, and the cars are known to last hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care. It is elegant, comfortable, and still looks like a million dollars without costing anywhere near that.
Mazda RX3 (1971 to 1978)
The Mazda RX3 was one of the first cars to bring rotary power to the mainstream. Lightweight and compact, it was fun, fast, and surprisingly durable when maintained properly. Its high revving rotary engine gave it a unique character that made it a favorite among Japanese performance fans.
While early RX7s have surged in value, the RX3 remains relatively affordable. Its rarity and racing heritage make it a smart buy for enthusiasts who want something distinctive from Japan’s golden age of innovation.
Pontiac Grand Prix SJ (1973 to 1977)
The Pontiac Grand Prix SJ was the definition of American luxury performance. With its long hood, formal roofline, and optional 455 cubic inch V8, it had presence and power in equal measure. Inside, it offered plush comfort and advanced features for its time.
Because it was not marketed as a pure muscle car, it stayed under the radar of collectors. Today, it provides the same big block feel as the GTO without the inflated price. The Grand Prix SJ is the perfect blend of comfort, character, and old school power.
Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (1974 to 1986)
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT is an underappreciated Italian gem. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it featured a front engine, rear transaxle layout for ideal weight balance and sharp handling. Its twin cam engine loved to rev and made every drive an occasion.
It was sophisticated, stylish, and quick, but because it was more practical than exotic, it slipped under the radar. For enthusiasts who want a genuine Italian sports coupe without the high prices of a GTV or Spider, the Alfetta GT is an excellent choice.
AMC Javelin AMX (1971 to 1974)
The AMC Javelin AMX was a muscle car with a rebellious streak. Its aggressive styling, long hood, and optional 401 V8 gave it both presence and performance. On the track, it even competed in Trans Am racing, proving its capability against Ford and Chevrolet rivals.
Collectors often overlook AMC models, which keeps prices low. The Javelin AMX offers muscle car thrills, rarity, and cool factor all in one package. It is one of the few American classics that still delivers big performance for a small investment.
Opel GT (1968 to 1973)
The Opel GT looked like a miniature Corvette and drove like a nimble European sports car. Its 1.9 liter four cylinder engine produced modest power, but the lightweight body made it genuinely fun to drive. The GT’s sleek design and pop up headlights gave it exotic looks at an affordable price.
Today, the Opel GT is still one of the least expensive ways to own a collectible European coupe. It is simple to maintain, distinctive to look at, and guaranteed to draw attention wherever it goes.
Chrysler Newport (1970 to 1978)
The Chrysler Newport was a full size cruiser built for long highway drives. With available 383 and 440 V8 engines, it had plenty of power to move its massive frame with ease. Despite its size, it rode smoothly and quietly, offering a taste of old school American luxury.
Because collectors often overlook big sedans, the Newport remains one of the best value classics around. It offers huge presence, comfort, and an easygoing driving experience at a price that makes it hard to resist.
Why These 1970s Cars Deserve Another Look
The 1970s marked a shift in automotive history, but it also produced some of the most interesting and characterful machines ever made. These cars capture the spirit of their time, blending mechanical honesty with individuality. Many are still affordable, easy to work on, and rewarding to drive. For enthusiasts who appreciate vintage style and real driving engagement, these undervalued classics represent the smartest buys of the decade before their true value finally gets noticed.
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