Long stretches of open highway and the rumble of V8s helped define American driving in the 1970s, a decade where styling, regulation and performance all collided. Makers responded with a wide range of two-seaters, coupes and personal roadsters that still turn heads at shows and cruises.
There are 24 1970s American Sports Cars, ranging from AMC AMX (two‑seat) to Pontiac GTO. Data is organized with Production years,Engine / power (hp),0–100 km/h (s), and you’ll find the full list and figures below.
How did emissions and insurance changes affect these cars in the 1970s?
Emissions rules and rising insurance costs pushed manufacturers to detune engines, lower compression ratios and add emission control hardware, which reduced advertised horsepower; as a result, many models shifted toward milder performance or heavier equipment, though some variants and late-decade tweaks kept usable power and strong aftermarket upgrades.
What should I inspect when buying a 1970s American sports car?
Look closely for rust in common areas (floors, quarters, frame), verify engine health (compression, leaks, carburetion), check braking and suspension components, confirm VINs and documentation for originality, and consider parts availability and common restoration costs before committing.
1970s American Sports Cars
| Name | Production years | Engine / power (hp) | 0–100 km/h (s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Corvette (C3) | 1968–1982 | 350–454 cu in V8s, up to 450 hp (1970 LS6) | 4.5 |
| Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 | 1967–1981 | 302 cu in V8 ~290 hp (Z/28); other V8s available | 6.0 |
| Chevrolet Camaro SS | 1967–1974 | 350–396 cu in V8s, ~350–375 hp (SS 396) | 5.8 |
| Pontiac Firebird Trans Am | 1969–1979 | 400–455 cu in V8s, up to ~370 hp (early 1970s) | 6.0 |
| Ford Mustang Boss 302 | 1969–1970 (Boss) / 1971–1973 variants | 302 cu in V8 ~290 hp (Boss 302) | 6.0 |
| Ford Mustang Boss 429 | 1969–1970 | 429 cu in V8 ~375 hp (factory rating) | 5.6 |
| Ford Mustang Mach 1 | 1969–1978 (various) | 351–428 cu in V8s, up to ~360 hp | 6.0 |
| Dodge Challenger R/T | 1970–1974 | 340–426 cu in V8s, up to 425 hp (426 Hemi) | 5.5 |
| Plymouth ‘Cuda (Barracuda) | 1970–1974 | 340–426 cu in V8s, up to 425 hp (426 Hemi) | 5.5 |
| Dodge Charger R/T | 1968–1974 | 383–426 cu in V8s, up to 425 hp (426 Hemi) | 5.5 |
| Plymouth Road Runner | 1968–1980 | 318–440 cu in V8s, up to ~390 hp (440 Six‑Pack) | 5.8 |
| Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 | 1969–1972 (SS models) | 454 cu in V8, up to 450 hp (LS6) | 5.0 |
| Oldsmobile 442 | 1964–1980 (various) | 350–455 cu in V8s, up to ~365 hp (1970 variants) | 6.0 |
| Buick GS / GSX | 1965–1972 (GSX peak 1970) | 401–455 cu in V8s, up to ~360 hp (Stage 1 455) | 6.0 |
| AMC Javelin AMX | 1968–1974 | 290–401 cu in V8s, up to ~330 hp (401) | 6.8 |
| AMC AMX (two‑seat) | 1968–1970 | 290–390/401 cu in V8s, up to ~340 hp (390/401) | 6.5 |
| Plymouth GTX | 1967–1971 | 383–440 cu in V8s, up to ~375 hp (440) | 6.0 |
| Pontiac GTO | 1964–1974 (and later) | 350–400/455 cu in V8s, up to ~370 hp (early 1970s) | 6.0 |
| Mercury Cougar Eliminator / XR‑7 | 1967–1976 (various) | 351–428 cu in V8s, up to ~360 hp | 6.0 |
| Plymouth Duster 340 | 1970–1976 | 340 cu in V8 ~275 hp (1970 340) | 7.5 |
| Excalibur Series (neo‑classic) | 1965–1986 (U.S. production) | Chevrolet small‑block V8s, typically ~300 hp | 7.0 |
| Avanti II | 1965–1987 (various small manufacturers) | Chevrolet V8s, typically 350–400 cu in, up to ~310 hp | 7.0 |
| AMC Gremlin X / Hornet SC/360 (sport trims) | 1970–1978 (Gremlin)/1970–1980 (Hornet) | Inline and V8 options, notable Hornet SC/360: 360 cu in V8 ~245–280 hp | 7.8 |
| Ford Torino Cobra / Torino GT | 1968–1976 | 351–429 cu in V8s, up to ~375 hp (429 Cobra Jet) | 5.9 |
Images and Descriptions
Chevrolet Corvette (C3)
America’s long-running two-seat sports car of the 1970s, famed for big‑block speed and striking styling. Built by Chevrolet in the U.S., C3 Corvettes are highly collectible, with early 1970 powerplants being the most sought after.
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The Z/28 was Camaro’s road‑racing focused variant through the early 1970s, prized for balanced handling and a high‑revving 302 small‑block. Built in the U.S., it’s a perennial favorite among collectors and weekend autocrossers.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Camaro SS models offered big‑block muscle with aggressive looks and straight‑line performance. American‑built and widely raced, late‑1960s/early‑1970s SS cars are sought after by traditional muscle‑car collectors.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The Trans Am turned the Firebird into an icon with performance packages, shaker scoops and bold graphics. Built in the U.S., late‑’60s/early‑’70s Trans Ams are prized for their combination of power and style.
Ford Mustang Boss 302
A homologation special built for Trans‑Am racing, the Boss 302 married handling and revvy small‑block power. Built by Ford in the U.S., it’s a top collectible Mustang from the era.
Ford Mustang Boss 429
An ultra‑rare, low‑production Mustang built to house a massive Ford 429; intended for NASCAR homologation. American‑built and prized for its brute torque and rarity among muscle‑car collectors.
Ford Mustang Mach 1
A performance‑oriented Mustang trim that balanced street manners and power. Produced in the U.S., Mach 1s from the early 1970s are popular as affordable, authentic performance Mustangs.
Dodge Challenger R/T
Challenger R/T delivered Mopar muscle with commanding lines and big‑block options. Built in the U.S., 1970–1974 R/T cars—especially Hemi examples—are highly collectible classics.
Plymouth ‘Cuda (Barracuda)
The ’70–’74 Barracuda/’Cuda is Plymouth’s most famous pony/muscle coupe, notable for Hemi and 440 options. American‑built and hugely desirable, Cudas command strong interest from collectors.
Dodge Charger R/T
Chargers combined sweeping fastback styling with available big‑block power. Built by Dodge in the U.S., early‑’70s R/Ts are staples of classic American muscle collections.
Plymouth Road Runner
A budget‑minded muscle car with honest performance and minimalist trim, the Road Runner delivered big power without frills. American‑built and celebrated for its performance/value equation in the 1970s.
Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
The Chevelle SS 454 (LS6) was one of the era’s quickest factory cars, boasting enormous torque and acceleration. Built in the U.S., LS6 Chevelles are among the most prized muscle cars.
Oldsmobile 442
Olds’ 442 blended muscle‑car power with slightly upscale touches. Popular in the early 1970s for strong V8 performance, these U.S.‑built cars remain collectible among GM aficionados.
Buick GS / GSX
Buick’s Gran Sport and rare GSX models combined big‑torque Buicks with performance tuning and distinctive styling. Built in the U.S., the 1970 GSX is a high‑value collector highlight.
AMC Javelin AMX
American Motors’ sporty coupe aimed at Trans‑Am competition; the Javelin AMX offered distinctive styling and V8 power. Built in the U.S., it’s a less common but well‑regarded 1970s performance car.
AMC AMX (two‑seat)
The AMX was AMC’s brief two‑seat sports car, offering raw V8 performance in a compact package. Built in the U.S., 1970 AMXs are collectible due to their unusual two‑seat layout.
Plymouth GTX
GTX was Plymouth’s premium performance coupe with stronger trim and big‑block options. American‑built, early‑1970 GTX models combined comfort and muscle and are sought by collectors.
Pontiac GTO
Often credited as the original muscle car, the GTO in the early 1970s offered powerful V8s and sporty trim. Built in the U.S., late‑’60s/early‑’70s GTOs remain highly collectible.
Mercury Cougar Eliminator / XR‑7
Ford’s upscale Cougar offered performance Eliminator and XR‑7 trims with big V8s and stylish interiors. Built in the U.S., these are popular among fans of Ford’s muscle/pony cars.
Plymouth Duster 340
A compact performance coupe with a potent 340 V8 option, the Duster 340 delivered sporty handling and affordability. Built by Plymouth in the U.S., it’s a valued collector when well preserved.
Excalibur Series (neo‑classic)
Low‑volume, U.S.‑built neo‑classic sports cars styled after 1920s roadsters and powered by Chevy V8s. Excaliburs are collectible for their rarity and flamboyant retro styling.
Avanti II
A continuation of the Studebaker Avanti concept produced by small U.S. companies, the Avanti II featured distinctive fastback styling and Chevy V8 power. It’s a niche collectible from the 1970s.
AMC Gremlin X / Hornet SC/360 (sport trims)
AMC offered sporty trims on compact models—Gremlin X and Hornet SC/360 provided performance in smaller packages. Built in the U.S., these are quirky 1970s alternatives to big muscle cars.
Ford Torino Cobra / Torino GT
The Torino’s Cobra and GT versions were Ford’s mid‑size muscle contenders with heavy‑torque V8s and race pedigree. American‑built, early‑’70s Torinos are appreciated by classic‑car enthusiasts.
