The 1970s brought us some iconic trends in fashion and music, but it also drove some of the most questionable car designs onto the streets. From misshapen proportions to questionable style choices, this era had it all.
While some cars from the ’70s are loved for their classic charm and engineering marvels, others are remembered for all the wrong reasons. Let’s take a slightly cringeworthy drive down memory lane and look at 13 of the ugliest cars that came out of the ’70s.
Ford Mustang II Ghia
Oh, the Ford Mustang II Ghia, where do we even start? When you hear “Mustang,” you think muscle, flair, something that turns heads for the right reasons. Not so much with the Mustang II, especially the Ghia. This model tried to dress up the Mustang’s once svelte lines with padded vinyl and color-coded bumpers that frankly, nobody asked for. The result? A car that feels like it’s trying too hard to be luxurious without understanding what luxury means.
Aston Martin Lagonda
Then there’s the Aston Martin Lagonda. This car is a textbook case of “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Designed in an era where the more angles you could throw on a car, the better, the Lagonda took the wedge shape to heart.
Unfortunately, its futuristic design came paired with a clunky dose of old-tech that liked to fail when you most expected it to work. It’s a car that collectors might drool over now, but let’s be real, it looks like something that escaped from a geometry textbook, not a garage.
Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar
Picture this: a car that resembles a cheese wedge, moves barely faster than you can jog, and makes you wish for the simplicity of a golf cart. Meet the Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar, an early attempt at an electric vehicle that did more harm than good for the EV image.
This tiny terror was powered by a modest 2.5-hp motor, capping its speed at a whopping 25 mph with a range of just 40 miles. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, along came the Commuta-Car version, sporting massive bumper extensions that took its already questionable style down a few more notches.
Volvo 262C
Now, let’s talk about the Volvo 262C. Volvo decided it was time to enter the luxury coupe market and handed over their plans to the Italian design house Bertone, famous for creating some eye-catching designs. But with the 262C, something got lost in translation. They chopped off 2.6 inches from the car’s height, creating a squashed appearance that made it a tight fit for anyone over six feet tall—ironic, given it was designed in a region known for its tall populations.
While we often give a pass to cars that sacrifice practicality for beauty, the 262C doesn’t earn such leniency. It’s not just impractical, it’s downright unattractive, making it a step down from the regular two-door model it was based on.
Saab Sonett III
The Saab Sonett III was another Swedish attempt that…well, missed the mark. Aimed to charm the American market, it seems like Saab was told Americans aren’t too picky about their cars’ looks.
With a massive front overhang and mandatory 5-mph bumpers that stick out awkwardly, the Sonett III looked unbalanced, to say the least. Its rear end abruptly cuts off as if Saab ran out of materials, and the rest of the car’s design is a chaotic blend of curves and angles that don’t quite mesh.
Bricklin SV-1
Now, imagine a car trying to evolve from the Saab Sonett III and still missing the target. Enter the Bricklin SV-1. Conceived by American entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin, this car promised safety and style with its gullwing doors and sporty aspirations. Unfortunately, while it aimed for the stars, it landed in the mud.
The SV-1 was plagued by poor build quality and safety features that didn’t quite deliver, making it less safe than advertised. Even its standout feature, the gullwing doors, were a letdown, often malfunctioning and trapping the passengers inside.
Marcos Mantis M70
The Marcos Mantis M70 is a British sports car that makes you wonder what they were thinking. Known for their classy cars, British manufacturers sometimes take a wild swing—and miss. The Mantis M70, with its strange proportions and weird lines, is one such swing. Aimed at the young English executive, it’s surprising they managed to sell 32 units.
AMC Gremlin & Pacer
Now, doubling down with the AMC Gremlin and Pacer—two peas in an odd pod. The Gremlin was AMC’s answer to the fuel crises, chopping the back off a car to make something… “unique.” It did okay in sales, possibly because the back half wasn’t visible in the rearview mirror.
Then there’s the Pacer, which took the quirks up a notch. Its large glass areas turned the car into a mobile sauna on sunny days, and the oddly larger passenger-side door gave it a lopsided look. Both cars were memorable, but for reasons AMC might not have intended.
British Leyland Princess
The British Leyland Princess was launched in 1975. It’s not the ugliest car you’ve ever seen, but it’s definitely not winning any beauty contests either. The Princess features a wedge shape that’s more awkward than avant-garde, and you’ll probably forget it as soon as you look away.
And let’s talk about practicality—or the lack thereof. It masquerades as a hatchback but doesn’t deliver, offering a trunk accessible only through a frustratingly small lid.
Reliant Robin
Now, on to the Reliant Robin, a three-wheeler that’s more infamous than famous. Sold from 1973 to 1981, the Robin aimed to be an economical solution for those who couldn’t spring for a four-wheeler. While it’s gained a comical reputation from its portrayal in media as a tipping hazard, it wasn’t quite the rollover risk many believe.
However, it still looks like a car that’s missing something—namely, a fourth wheel. This car is often the receiving end of jokes, and not without reason. It’s hard to take seriously as a car when it looks like it’s perpetually leaning into a turn.
Porsche 914
These days, the Porsche 914’s finding its way into the hearts of classic car lovers, and yeah, it’s got that mid-engine charm that can make a car buff weak at the knees. But a head-turner in the traditional sense? Not really.
\The 914 starts off decently with an okay front view, but as your eyes wander towards the middle and back, things get a bit disjointed. The windshield and B-pillar look like they’re barely clinging on for dear life. It honestly looks like the design was a rough draft that somehow made it into production without anyone saying, “Do these lines even go together?”
Vanden Plas 1500
The Vanden Plas 1500 is a story of trying too hard. This car is the definition of badge engineering, based on the infamous Austin Allegro—often listed as one of the worst cars ever. British Leyland decided to slap a fancy grille on it, throw in some leather seats, plush carpet, and walnut trim, and called it luxury. The price? Nearly double that of the Allegro.
Leata Caballero
The Leata Caballero is a bit of a puzzle. It started life as a Chevrolet Chevette, which, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly a crowd-pleaser with its slow pace, noisy ride, cramped space, and less-than-stellar handling. But Donald E. Stinebauch took a look at the Chevette and thought, “Hey, I can make this even less appealing!”
And guess what? He succeeded. He transformed it into the Leata Caballero, and not only did it inherit all of the Chevette’s shortcomings, but it also added a few of its own. The kicker? He charged nearly double the price of the original Chevette for this… masterpiece. Talk about audacity!
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