The 1970s were a decade of indulgence when American automakers built massive land yachts and big block monsters without a thought for fuel efficiency. Gas was cheap, cubic inches were king, and comfort was measured in feet rather than miles per gallon. That all came crashing down with the 1973 oil crisis, when these thirsty giants suddenly became liabilities instead of luxuries. Today, they stand as icons of excess, remembered as much for their size and power as their trips to the gas pump. Let’s take a closer look at the 15 biggest gas guzzlers of the 1970s, including their horsepower, quarter mile performance, and what collectors pay for them now.
Cadillac Eldorado (1970–1978)
The Eldorado was Cadillac at its most unapologetic. It carried a 500 cubic inch V8 the largest production engine ever offered at the time making 400 horsepower in 1970 before emissions cut it down later in the decade. Even so, its torque was massive, hauling this 5,000 pound luxury coupe through the quarter mile in the mid 15 second range. Gas mileage? Around 8 mpg. Today, well kept examples fetch between 20,000 and 40,000 dollars, with the earlier high-compression models commanding the most interest.
Lincoln Continental Mark IV (1972–1976)
Ford’s flagship Lincoln weighed nearly 5,500 pounds and offered the massive 460 cubic inch V8. Output hovered around 212 to 365 horsepower depending on the year, but even the strongest versions could only manage about 10 mpg on the highway. Quarter mile times were leisurely at 16 seconds, but luxury buyers cared more about opera windows and plush leather seats. Today, values range from 15,000 to 30,000 dollars, with collectors drawn to its sheer size and elegance.
Chrysler New Yorker Brougham (1973–1978)
The New Yorker Brougham epitomized Chrysler’s idea of luxury. Most came with the 440 cubic inch big block, making 280 to 300 horsepower. With a length over 19 feet, it needed every bit of that torque just to move. Fuel economy was often 7 to 9 mpg, making long trips a wallet-busting affair. On the strip, it ran the quarter in the high 16s. Restored examples can bring 12,000 to 20,000 dollars, though rare option packages add more.
Pontiac Grand Ville (1971–1975)
Pontiac’s upscale Grand Ville was often equipped with the 455 cubic inch V8, putting out up to 325 horsepower early in the decade. It was smooth and powerful, but also one of the thirstiest cars Pontiac ever built, averaging 8 mpg. Quarter mile runs were around 16 seconds, typical for a 4,500 pound cruiser. Collectors today pay 15,000 to 25,000 dollars for clean coupes and convertibles.
Buick Electra 225 (1970–1976)
The Buick Electra, nicknamed the “deuce and a quarter,” was Buick’s flagship sedan. Its standard 455 cubic inch V8 produced 370 horsepower in 1970, though emissions knocked that down in later years. Mileage hovered around 8 mpg in city driving. Quarter mile times fell in the high 15s, respectable for a two ton luxury car. These Buicks are gaining popularity with collectors, bringing 18,000 to 30,000 dollars at auction.
Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency (1970–1976)
Oldsmobile’s top-of-the-line Ninety-Eight Regency shared GM’s big block powerplants, with the 455 Rocket V8 being the most common. In 1970, output was rated at 365 horsepower, but by 1976 that had fallen to barely over 200. Still, it was one of the smoothest luxury cruisers of its era, though it returned just 8 mpg. Quarter mile times were in the 16 to 17 second range. Collector values hover between 12,000 and 22,000 dollars.
Chevrolet Caprice Classic (1971–1976)
The Caprice Classic offered Chevrolet buyers a taste of full-size elegance, but with optional 454 cubic inch big block V8s, it was anything but economical. Horsepower peaked around 365 in the early years, with quarter mile times in the high 15s. Mileage was often below 10 mpg. Today, Caprice Classics with big block engines bring 20,000 to 35,000 dollars, especially in original condition.
Ford LTD (1971–1978)
Ford’s LTD was a best-seller thanks to its comfort and affordability. Buyers who ticked the box for the 429 or 460 V8 got power, but also crippling fuel bills. Early models made up to 365 horsepower, but later versions sank under 220. Real-world mileage was around 9 mpg, with quarter mile times in the mid 16s. Collectors today can still find LTDs for 10,000 to 20,000 dollars, making them one of the more affordable gas guzzlers to own.
Mercury Marquis (1971–1978)
The Mercury Marquis shared its bones with the LTD and the same big block engines. With 429 and 460 cubic inch V8s, it offered smooth cruising and abysmal gas mileage. Owners reported as little as 7 mpg in city driving. The quarter mile was dispatched in around 16 seconds. Today, values sit between 12,000 and 25,000 dollars for well-preserved examples.
Dodge Monaco (1971–1977)
The Dodge Monaco carried Chrysler’s 400 and 440 big blocks, making 275 to 350 horsepower. Weighing nearly 4,500 pounds, it drank fuel at the rate of 8 mpg. Its fame skyrocketed in 1980 with “The Blues Brothers,” but by then its thirst was legendary. Quarter mile times fell around 15.8 seconds. Collectors today pay 15,000 to 25,000 dollars, with police-package versions commanding premiums.
Plymouth Fury (1970–1978)
The Fury was Plymouth’s full-size sedan and shared engines with Dodge. The 440 V8 was the hungriest, making 375 horsepower at its peak. Police interceptors could hit the quarter mile in the low 15s, but they also idled endlessly, burning gallons of fuel by the hour. Mileage was 7 to 9 mpg. Today, Furys are valued around 12,000 to 22,000 dollars, with police-spec models trending higher.
AMC Ambassador (1970–1974)
AMC’s Ambassador was overshadowed by its rivals but offered similar big car thirst. With the 401 V8 producing 330 horsepower in its prime, it was no economy car. Owners reported 8 mpg at best. Quarter mile times were in the mid 16s, typical for its size. Ambassadors remain rare today, valued between 10,000 and 18,000 dollars.
Chevrolet Corvette 454 (1970–1974)
America’s sports car joined the list with its big block LS6 454 V8, making 450 horsepower in 1970. It was brutally fast, running the quarter mile in the mid 13s, but also brutally inefficient single digit fuel economy was the norm. Collectors prize early 70s big block Corvettes, with prices ranging from 60,000 to 120,000 dollars depending on condition and rarity.
Pontiac Bonneville (1970–1976)
The Bonneville was Pontiac’s full size flagship, offering 455 cubic inch V8 power and vast comfort. Horsepower peaked around 360, with quarter mile times in the mid 16s. Fuel consumption was predictably awful, averaging 8 mpg. Collectors today value Bonnevilles between 15,000 and 25,000 dollars.
Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham (1970–1976)
The Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was perhaps the ultimate gas guzzler. With a 500 cubic inch V8 making 400 horsepower early in the decade, it was heavy, powerful, and thirsty. Mileage could dip as low as 6 mpg in real world city driving. Yet it was the epitome of 70s American luxury, complete with crushed velour seats and acres of chrome. Today, Fleetwoods bring 20,000 to 35,000 dollars, though immaculate survivors with original drivetrains fetch much more.
The Legacy of 1970s Gas Guzzlers
These cars defined an era when size and horsepower mattered more than efficiency. They were comfortable, stylish, and unapologetically excessive. But the oil crisis and tightening emissions rules quickly made them dinosaurs. Today, they’re beloved by collectors who admire their presence and power, even if driving one means making friends with your local gas station attendant.
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