Posts Tagged: 1970
Pontiac’s 1970-71 GTO was like the rock star of muscle cars, strutting its stuff with flashy quad headlights and a bumper that laughed in the face of low-speed impacts. In 1970, the GTO said goodbye to its economy engine, opting for muscle-bound options like the new 455 HO. Meanwhile, handling got a boost with a rear sway bar and the rare VOE exhaust that cranked up the volume. By 1971, the GTO’s style had evolved with a tighter lamp arrangement, prepping for unleaded fuel and a farewell tour for “The Judge.”
In the wild world of the 1970s, the Ford Gran Torino 1973 strutted its stuff as the only intermediate-sized Ford, with the Fairlane playing second fiddle. The EPA’s pollution police cracked down, squeezing engine compression to 8.5:1, but no fear—the horsepower numbers just got a makeover to the more honest SAE net BHP. The base 250 cu in inline six was like that dependable buddy, while the 429 Cobra-Jet was your wild friend who now ran on regular unleaded. Thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for the groovy pics!
The 1966 Shelby GT 350 Mustang roars back into the spotlight, ditching trunk-mounted batteries and last year’s traction bars like unwanted karaoke partners. Carroll Shelby’s magic touch transformed 252 ’65 models into a whopping 2,378 units of pure American muscle. With optional Paxton Super-chargers and Selectshift automatics, this beauty is a symphony of power and choice. And, oh, those rear quarter panel windows replacing side vents—because who needs extra ventilation when you can have style?
The 1970 Dodge Challenger, a superstar in its debut with 76,935 units, quickly went from rockstar to retro, seeing a total of 185,437 models by the 1974 curtain call. It’s like the automotive version of a one-hit wonder! With a grill adapted from a Charger prototype that never made it past dreamland and a roaring 440 engine under the hood, the Challenger is the car equivalent of an epic mullet—business in the front, party under the hood. Thanks, Gateway Classic Cars, for capturing this muscle car’s good side!
The AMC Rebel’s 1969-70 saga is a tale of transformation. Gone are the convertibles, but hello, simulated louvers and a dash that plays hard to get. By 1970, the Rebel’s restyled rear and looped bumper are turning heads, while safety features ensure it’s not just a pretty face. Under the hood, engine options rev up, climaxing with “The Machine” – a muscle car masquerading as a family ride. With its raked look and patriotic paint, it’s ready to conquer roads and raise eyebrows alike!
The Ford Mustang Boss 429, a real heavyweight of its time, was Ford’s bold attempt to challenge the Chrysler 426 Hemi on the NASCAR tracks. With an engine so big, it needed a trunk relocation for the battery—because who needs trunk space anyway? Kar Kraft had to re-engineer the Mustang just to fit this beast under the hood. The result? A 375 hp engine that laughs at its own rating, easily roaring past 600 hp with tweaks. The Boss 429 is a muscle car icon, proving that size does matter!
Unveiling the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, the car that made muscle enthusiasts weak in the knees and big blocks green with envy. Sporting the brand new LT1 350 engine, this beast boasted more horsepower than its bulky cousins. And let’s not forget the Z28’s performance-tuned suspension, making it the ’70s equivalent of a rollercoaster on wheels—but with a lot more style and a lot less nausea. Buckle up, because this Camaro is ready to take you on a ride you won’t forget!
In 1970, the Ford Ranchero 500 underwent a facelift that was as subtle as a wink from across the room. Gone was the “Torino” or “Fairlane” badge above the glove box, replaced with a bold “Ranchero” or “Ranchero GT” label—because who needs ambiguity, right? The exterior got a sleek makeover with a pointy grill and aerodynamic “coke bottle” styling, ensuring it cut through the wind like a buttered bullet. And let’s not forget the swanky “Squire” trim, adding woodgrain flair reminiscent of a country club on wheels.