While most cars from the 1970s were not very impressive, these sports cars are still worth buying.
Today, I'm honoring the decade of the '70s' best sports cars. The '70s were a great decade for carmakers but also a difficult one. It was a time of immense change for American automakers. The new legislation meant that the muscle cars and pony cars of the 60s had to be modified in order to meet government regulations, notably maximum limits on engine capacity and standard safety features such as bumpers and seats.
Nevertheless, despite this era seeing such dark times, some carmakers never lost their creativity and flair for engineering and came out with some true gems during the '70s. In addition, this was a time when European and Japanese automakers capitalized on the American automotive situation, creating some of their best works.
Many of us may have a dream of buying a classic sports car. They're gorgeous, sexy, and can be quite speedy as well. If you're looking for a retro driving machine and don't mind fixer-uppers, a classic 70s sports car might be right up your alley.
In 1972, Mercedes-Benz introduced the R107 in both coupe and convertible body styles, taking styling cues from the Pagoda 280SL that it was replacing. In addition, the German automaker offered the R107 in several engine options, including an inline-six or a V8.
The car was a brilliant blend of style, comfort, and power. While its weight caused it to lose some agility, it handled well for its size, being a GT car. Having been produced in large quantities that R107's used prices have remained low; prices range from around $10,000 to $21,000. Like any old car nearing half a century in age, the car should last a long time when maintained well.
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MG's MGB was the quintessential British sports car of the 1960s and beyond. The MGB combined beautiful styling, great handling, and remarkable performance with a relatively low price tag, which made it hugely successful. Over a half-million units were sold over its entire lifecycle.
The MGB models from the 1970s can still be purchased at a reasonable price today, as they were even when they came out. They sell for close to $15,000 nowadays, and if you are a young enthusiast looking to turn heads and feel the wind in your hair, the MGB shouldn't let you down. Owners who have stuck with their MGBs since they got them back in the day happily commend their longevity and remark how easy it is to keep them running, just by timely servicing it.
The Fiat X1/9, a mid-engined car from the 1970s, was called a "baby Ferrari" because it was designed by the same person who made the Lamborghini Miura, Countach and Lancia Stratos. The X1/9's Targa top, pop-up headlights and removable one-piece panel have all contributed to its status as an icon over the years.
The Fiat X1/9 is small, lightweight and has a short wheelbase. The 1.3L or 1.5L inline-4 engine is fun to drive, and if you maintain it properly, this car will certainly last for many years. And the best part about it is how affordable it still is: you can get one for around $12,000!
Now a part of Nissan, Datsun made a splash with its 240Z sports car. The Z-car started the Japanese import craze that took North America by storm in the 1970s. These cars didn't have the straight-up power and displacement of American muscle cars, but they were just as fast and handled better than most automobiles of their time.
In the middle of the 1970s, the 280Z followed up the 260Z with a larger 2.8L inline-6 engine that produced 149 horsepower at 5,600rpm. Today, while Datsun 240Z has soared in price over time, you can still buy a clean 280Z for under $20,000.
Toyota, the Japanese giant, wanted to get a sport-compact coupe to American shores since Nissan had been so successful with the 240Z. Thus, the Celica arrived in the United States, and while it looked like a smaller Mustang from the late sixties, it had remarkable power for its time--either a 1.6L or 2.2L inline-4 engine.
The first-generation Celica was a better car than its brochure indicated, and its lighter handling made it even more fun to drive. In addition, it was reliable and backed by Toyota's reputation for quality and durability, so it has become popular with young collectors and enthusiasts looking for an affordable classic car.
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In the early 1960s, Lancia's Fulvia was a contender for the best-handling car in its class. Its innovative V4 engine sent power to the front wheels, making it an insanely fun sports car. It won the 1972 International Rally Championship and has become a rally classic.
The Lancia Fulvia's earlier models have been steadily increasing in price, but late series-three models can still be found for under $25,000. The V4 engines in these cars are extremely reliable.
Lotus made its name as a builder of mid-engined sports cars, with the Europa model being one of the most famous. The Europa was redesigned in 1968, providing a striking design that appealed to consumers. With its lightweight body and independent suspension, the Europa was a fantastic car.
Furthermore, the 1971-75 Europa models were powered by Lotus-Ford's 1600 twin-cam engine, which was, and remains an extremely reliable engine, and made either 105 or 126 hp, and considering the car's 1600-lb weight, that was a lot.
BMW is known for making excellent driver's cars. In 20th century, the 2002 was considered one of the best driver's cars. It received rave reviews from critics for its peppy engine and excellent handling. Practical and sporty, it developed 120 hp, and for its weight, it was an agile and quick car.
The 2002 "tii" model was equipped with a fuel-injected, 140 hp engine that made it quicker than its standard, carbureted counterpart. Its touring and turbo models have become increasingly expensive over time, but the BMW 2002 base model can still be found for relatively cheap. We even managed to find a 2002Tii model for just $26,000—which given the car's heritage, is a bargain.
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The Porsche 928 is a sports car released in 1978. It came with a 4.5-liter V8 that produced 230 horsepower, which is quite impressive for the time. In addition, the car was very nimble and eager to drive, which made it popular among those who wanted a class-oriented vehicle with great performance capabilities.
Over the years, the Porsche 928 has developed a bit of a reputation for being unreliable, but this reputation is unjustified. Negligent owners are usually responsible for the problems, so any 928 you're seriously considering should be carefully inspected by a qualified mechanic.
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| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Volkswagen |
Germany |
| #2 |  Toyota |
Japan |
| #3 |  Stellantis |
Netherlands |
| #4 |  Mercedes-Benz Group |
Germany |
| #5 |  Ford Motor |
United States |
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Michelin |
France |
| #2 |  Bridgestone |
Japan |
| #3 |  Continental |
Germany |
| #4 |  Goodyear |
United States |
| #5 |  Sumitomo |
Japan |
