The 1960s are often referred to as the golden age of car design, with many companies creating some of the most beautiful and influential cars of all time. In contrast to that, the 1970s are often seen as the dark ages for car design. That holds especially true for American cars, where many automotive icons were choked by stringent emissions regulations. The 1974 oil crisis is what led to the demise of many sports cars state-side.
There are, however, many gems that capitalized on the demise of the American sports car. While the United States was entangled in the Malaise era, car companies from Europe and Japan created some of their finest works. Many of the world's most beautiful cars, like the Datsun 240Z, Ferrari 308, and BMW 3.0CS, were all products of the 1970s. Those cars, along with many others, gave car enthusiasts hope in a time when the sports car was seemingly dying off.
Unfortunately for many enthusiasts now, the values of the aforementioned cars have gone stratospheric. For example, a Ferrari 308 could be found in good condition for under $20,000 in 2013. Nowadays, the same car will fetch over $100,000. Thankfully, there are still many beautiful '70s sports cars that can be had for an affordable sum of $20,000 or less. This list will cover some of the best and most underrated options available to enthusiasts today.
10 Fiat X1/9
Often mistaken for a baby Ferrari, the Fiat X1/9 is a gorgeous wedge-shaped gem of the 1970s. It was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the same man responsible for designing the Lamborghini Miura, Countach and Lancia Stratos. Iconic features include pop-up headlights, a removable targa-top roof, and a mid-engined layout.
The X1/9 was never a particularly quick car, with the most powerful versions producing around 75hp from either a 1.3 or 1.5 liter inline-4. What it lacked in speed in power, it gained in dynamics. The X1/9 proved to be incredibly fun to drive due to its low weight and short wheelbase. This road-legal go-kart can be had for well under $10,000.
9 BMW 2002
BMW's compact coupe, the 2002, is widely considered as one of the best drivers cars of the 20th century. In its day, critics raved about the 2002's peppy engine and excellent handling characteristics. It was made even better by the fact that it was as practical as it was sporty.
As a result, the 2002 was an incredibly successful car for BMW. The 2002 created the perfect cross between a rear-drive sports-sedan and an economy car; a formula which has seemingly been lost in modern times. As a result, enthusiasts have flocked to BMW's compact for years. While Touring, Tii, and Turbo models have skyrocketed in price as of late, a base 2002 can be had for well under $25,000.
8 Datsun 280Z
In 1969, Datsun (now part of modern-day Nissan) took the world by storm with the release of the 240Z. The Z-car was so popular that it singlehandedly kickstarted the Japanese import craze in North America. Although the early Datsun Z cars lacked the power of American muscle cars, they proved to be equally as fast and handled much better.
Over its 3 variations (240,260,280Z), Datsun managed to sell well over 100,000 over the car's 9-year run. The 280Z was released in 1975 and featured a larger 2.8 liter inline-6 with 170 hp and fuel injection. While prices of the 240Z prices are beginning to creep over the $50,000 mark, clean 280Zs are still selling for well under $25,000.
7 Lancia Fulvia
The year 1963 would see the release of one of Lancia's last cars as an independent company: the Fulvia. Originally released as a sedan, the Fulvia featured an innovative V4 engine driving the fronts wheels. In later years, Lancia would release a gorgeous coupe designed by Ercole Spada of Zagato.
Despite the car's odd FWD layout, the Fulvia Coupe proved to be an incredibly fun sports car. Thanks to its nimble handling, the Fulvia went on to win the 1972 International Rally championship (precursor to WRC) as well as various other rally titles. Although prices of earlier models are rising, a later series 3 models can be found for under $25,000.
6 Toyota Celica 1st generation
Following the success of the Datsun 240Z, Toyota entered the import rush with a sport-compact coupe of its own. Looking more like a pocket-sized late '60s mustang, the Celica became an icon of the 1970s. However, unlike the Datsun Z, the Celica relied on an inline-4 engine between 1.6 and 2.2 liters.
Overall, the Celica's lack of weight meant that it handled well and was quicker than its power figures suggested. Consumers and enthusiasts alike took notice, attracted to the Celica for both its looks and pony-car-rivaling performance. Overall, the Celica continues to this day as a great and reliable option for both veteran and young car enthusiasts. Well-preserved examples can be found easily for under $15,000.
5 Mazda RX-7 FB
As with the Datsun 240Z and Toyota Celica, the RX-7 was designed to be Mazda's entry-level sportscar for the global market. It was instantly successful, with enthusiasts flocking to the RX-7 for its excellent handling, iconic wedge styling, and the twin-rotor 12a engine under the hood.
Over its 1st generation alone (FB), the RX-7 would sell over 500,000 units globally. It was so successful in fact that it was the main reason Mazda didn't go bankrupt in the 70s and 80s. Car enthusiasts of all ages continue to flock to the RX-7 for its fun, high-revving engine and its affordability. Clean FBs can be found easily for around $15,000.
4 Triumph Spitfire 1500
Starting in 1962 and staying in production until 1980, the Spitfire was meant to be an affordable little-brother to the TR5 and TR6. It perfectly captured the essence of all the other British roadsters of the era: light, fun, and always meant to be driven with the top down. In its final iteration, Triumph dropped in a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder making between 53 (US Spec) and 71 horsepower (UK spec). Also, it had an incredibly low curb weight of 790 kg (1750 lbs).
Although the horsepower numbers in the US-spec cars seemed pathetic, the Spitfire 1500 proved to be an incredibly fun machine. Sure, the 0-60 mph time for US cars was around 16 seconds, but that didn't matter. The spitfire perfectly embodies the saying "smiles-per-gallon", as you don't need to drive fast to have a blast. Nowadays, Spitfire 1500s can be found anywhere from $8,000 to just under $18,000 depending on the condition.
3 MG MGB
Chances are that if enthusiasts hear the term "British Roadster", the MGB is one of the first cars that comes to mind. Produced from 1962 to 1980, the MGB was one of the greatest success stories in the history of British sports cars. Over its various iterations, the MG B sold more than 500,000 units.
Enthusiasts loved the MGB for its nimble handling, affordable price, seductive styling and respectable performance in its day. Generally, the pre-1974 cars are more desirable as they lacked the ugly rubber bumpers fitted to 1974-80 cars. Regardless of what year potential owners are looking at, the MGB remains a relative bargain to this day. Later models ('74-80) can be found for well under $10,000, while 1970-73 cars cost around $20,000.
2 Lotus Europa Twin Cam/Special
The year 1966 would see the release of one of the world's first mid-engined sports cars: the Europa. While the first iteration of the Europa (S1) was not particularly successful, the S2 iteration (1968-1970) would greatly improve the styling of the Europa. All iterations of the Europa Featured fully independent suspension and a lightweight fiberglass body.
The 1971-75 Europas are the as it would swap the previous Renault-sourced engines for Lotus-Ford 1600 Twin-cam engines. These engines would make between 105 (Twin-Cam) and 126 hp (Special), which was more than enough considering the car weighed only 740 kg (1630 lbs). Only about 4700 Europa Twin Cam/Specials were made, so they are rather difficult to find. However, despite their rarity, late-model Europas available for between $20,000 and $25,000.
1 Mercedes-Benz R107 SL/SLC
1972 would see the replacement of one of Mercedes' most beautiful cars: the pagoda 280SL. Its replacement, codenamed "R107", featured vastly different styling cues from its predecessor. The R107 SL was produced between 1972 and 1981 in coupe form (SLC), but the convertibles stayed in production until 1989 (SL). Over the years, the R107 was offered with either an inline-6 or V8 engine with various displacement options.
The superb comfort and classy styling made the R107 SL/SLC an incredibly successful car for Mercedes. Just over 300,000 SLs and SLCs were sold between 1972 and 1989, with the majority of them being convertibles. Although the R107 wasn't particularly agile, it still handled very well for a large sports/GT car. Enthusiasts looking for an R107 SL will be pleased to find out that prices have remained low due to how common the car is. Prices generally hover around the $15,000-20,000 range depending on the engine, but clean SLs can still be found for less than half that price.