Sports Cars

North American safety laws impacted heavily on sports-car design in this decade, often spoiling pretty shapes with big bumpers, and peppy performance with detuned but low-emission engines. The sports car was declining as “hot hatchbacks,” typified by the Volkswagen Golf GTI, drew the attention of thrill-seeking drivers.

Morgan 4/4 four-seater, 1969

 

Origin	UK
Engine	1,584-1,798 cc, straight-four
Top speed	105 mph (169 km/h)

After almost two decades, Morgan suddenly realized some of its devotees also had families, leading to the reintroduction of a four-seater model for the 1970s.

Peugeot 504 Cabriolet, 1969

 

Origin	France/Italy
Engine	2,664 cc, V6
Top speed	110 mph (177 km/h)

This handsome four-seater was designed and built for Peugeot by Pininfarina. There was a coupe version too; both used mechanical parts from the 504 and 604 sedans.

MG Midget MkIII, 1969

 

Origin	UK
Engine	1,275 cc, straight-four
Top speed	95 mph (153 km/h)

The beloved Sprite/Midget was updated for the 1970s. New features included round rear wheelarches, a Mini Cooper S-type engine, trendy matte-black trim, and a better hood.

Triumph TR6, 1969

 

Origin	UK
Engine	2,498 cc, straight-six
Top speed	120 mph (193 km/h)

The zenith of the British sports car boasted 150 bhp from the fuel-injected straight-six, rear-wheel drive, fresh air, a loud exhaust, and crisply cool styling.

Triumph Stag, 1970

 

Origin	UK
Engine	2,997 cc, V8
Top speed	118 mph (190 km/h)

Britain’s rival to the Mercedes-Benz SL had a distinctive T-shaped rollover bar. The unique V8 engine suffered teething troubles, but the Italian styling was a hit.

Triumph TR7, 1975

 

Origin	UK
Engine	1,558 cc, straight-four
Top speed	120 mph (193 km/h)

The TR7 was built to meet anticipated safety laws, which meant a hardtop only; a convertible followed five years later. TR7 was a civilized cruiser and a big seller.

Triumph TR8, 1980

 

Origin	UK
Engine	3,528 cc, V8
Top speed	135 mph (217 km/h)

Fitting Rover’s V8 engine gave the TR8 punchy performance as a roadster or coupe. The TR line was axed in 1981, with just 2,500 TR8s sold, mostly in the United States.

Lotus Elan Sprint, 1971

 

Origin	UK
Engine	1,558 cc, straight-four
Top speed	120 mph (193 km/h)

The fifth, final, and finest incarnation of Colin Chapman’s benchmark sports car, this car had superb road manners matched by 126 bhp of power, a five-speed gearbox, and spiffy livery.

Mercedes-Benz 350SL, 1971

 

Origin	Germany
Engine	3,499 cc, straight-six
Top speed	126 mph (203 km/h)

An all-new SL for the 1970s, this car shared suspension hardware with the S-Class limousine. Powerful, fast, and stylish, it had a standard hardtop for winter.

Jensen-Healey, 1972

 

Origin	UK
Engine	1,973 cc, straight-four
Top speed	120 mph (193 km/h)

Created by legendary sports-car designer Donald Healey and built by Jensen, this roadster used a Lotus twin-cam engine. It was great to drive and light on fuel, but could be temperamental.

MGB GT, 1974

 

Origin	UK
Engine	1,798 cc, straight-four
Top speed	105 mph (169 km/h)

Being more aerodynamic than MG’s B Roadster, the GT had a much higher top speed. It was also far more practical, with its rear tailgate and extra luggage space.

MGB, 1974

 

Origin	UK
Engine	1,798 cc, straight-four
Top speed	90 mph (145 km/h)

The “rubber bumper” MGB era began in 1974. Added to a raised suspension height and a cleaned-up engine, this made the car legal for U.S. sale, but blunted its feisty character.

Matra-Simca Bagheera, 1973

 

Origin	France
Engine	1,294-1,442 cc, straight-four
Top speed	110 mph (177 km/h)

This mid-engined coupé was built by an aerospace company, using engines and transmissions from Simca family cars. Three-abreast seating and a plastic body were among its interesting facets.

Lancia Beta Montecarlo/Scorpion, 1975

 

Origin	Italy
Engine	1,756 cc, straight-four
Top speed	120 mph (193 km/h)

This exhilarating mid-engined two-seater came with a steel or canvas roof. It suffered from poor brakes and was withdrawn from 1978 to 1980 to fix them, returning in 2-liter form.

Fiat X1/9, 1972

 

Origin	Italy
Engine	1,290-1,498 cc, straight-four
Top speed	110 mph (177 km/h)

The X1/9 brought mid-engined sports cars to the masses, and remained popular in Europe and the U.S. until 1989. It was designed and built by Bertone.

Panther Lima, 1976

 

Origin	UK
Engine	1,759-2,279 cc, straight-four
Top speed	115 mph (185 km/h)

A Morgan alternative, this car had a 1930s roadster look but offered a modern driving experience, owing to the powerful Vauxhall engine underneath its fiberglass body.

TVR 3000S, 1978

 

Origin	UK
Engine	2,994 cc, V6
Top speed	125 mph (201 km/h)

TVR produced this convertible after three decades of being in business. An open version of the Ford-powered 3000M, abundant power and low weight made it very fast.

 

It is a quote. The Definitive Visual History Of The Automobile 2011