Test Your Knowledge Of '70s Cars With This Quiz!

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Test Your Knowledge Of '70s Cars With This Quiz!
Image: nakhon100/Riley/René via Wiki Commons

About This Quiz

The 1970s was a memorable decade for cars, both good and bad. The decade started off in style but soon faced a crisis with an embargo put in place by oil-exporting countries driving up gas prices and reducing supplies around the world. In America, big gas-guzzling cars that struggled to get 10 miles per gallon suddenly fell out of favor. New government regulations for safety and exhaust emissions would soon crimp performance and put an end to muscle cars. Compact and subcompact models became popular overnight.


Despite the dour circumstances, the 1970s gave us an amazing assortment of cars, not only from American carmakers, but from abroad as well. Japanese cars started to make a huge impact in the United States. European manufacturers continued with a wide range of models, from innovative small cars to high-end luxury coupes and ultimate sports cars.
Despite higher fuel prices, American drivers didn’t give up on their big cars entirely. For example, did you know that the 5,300-pound Lincoln Continental Mk. IV luxury coupe had its best sales year ever in 1973, a year when gas prices doubled?
This quiz will show you cars from all over the globe, including some you’ve never seen before, and some practically guaranteed to stump even the most dedicated car enthusiast. Take your time, follow the clues and give it your best shot.
Good luck!


1971 Rolls Royce Corniche
nakhon100 via Wiki Commons
Oh, I say! What luxury coupe have we here?
1971 Lincoln Conrinental Mk. III
1972 Cadillac Eldorado
1974 Jensen Interceptor
1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A year after Rolls-Royce introduced its 1965 Silver Shadow sedan, swanky coupe and convertible models followed. They shared the Silver Shadow name until 1971, when both were badged “Corniche.” The name came from a twisty road running above the Mediterranean between Nice France, and Monte Carlo, Monaco. The Corniche coupe (shown) was dropped after 1981, while the convertible lived until 1996 with little change – an incredible 30-year run.

Jaguar XJ Coupe
n/a
Look at those sleek lines. Can you identify this beauty from the '70s?
1975 Jaguar XJ-S
1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEC
1972 Jensen Interceptor
1978 Porsche 928
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After stopping production of its revered E-Type sports car in 1975, Jaguar replaced it in the line with a larger, more luxurious coupe called the XJ-S. It was based on the XJ sedan’s chassis and initially powered by a V-12 engine. A lower-priced six-cylinder model joined the V-12 in 1983, and a convertible model arrived in 1988. By the time Jaguar ended XJ-S production in 1996, some 115,000 had been made.

Ford Granada
n/a
What is this American car that had a "name twin" in Europe?
1975 Ford Granada
1976 Dodge Dart
1976 Chevrolet Nova
1977 Dodge Diplomat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There were two very different Ford Granadas in the 1970s, this one was made in the U.S., while Ford of Europe built the other in Germany and England. The American car was larger but less sophisticated, having used chassis components related to the Falcon model from the 1960s. By the way, if you thought it was the Diplomat, there was a Diplomat in Europe, made by former GM subsidiary Opel.

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1976 Jeep CJ-7
Youtube via RamblinAround
This is a classic for sure. Can you name it?
1974 Ford Bronco
1971 Chevrolet Blazer
1971 International Scout II
1976 Jeep CJ-7
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Made from 1976 until 1986, Jeep’s CJ-7 was one of the most popular four-wheel drive off-road SUVs of the period. Its 93.3-inch wheelbase seems short today but was more than 10 inches longer than the CJ-5 model’s, giving it more interior room. Owned by AMC at the time, Jeep offered that manufacturer’s inline-six-cylinder engines and 304 cubic inch (5.0-liter) V8 as options.

1974 Volkswagen Golf
Youtube via BestCarPhotos
Let's begin. Name this iconic '70s car.
1974 Volkswagen Golf
1971 AMC Gremlin
1971 Chevrolet Vega
1976 Toyota Corolla
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since its inception in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf (called ‘Rabbit’ in North America in the 1970s and 1980s) has gone from strength to strength. In fact, Volkswagen’s very translation, ‘people’s car,’ easily moved from the aging Beetle to this modern hatchback. Currently in its seventh design generation, the Golf is a sophisticated yet affordable automobile that also offers lots of fun in the GTI and R models.

Ford Maverick - 1960s
n/a
Last one! Can you identify this coupe?
1970 Ford Maverick
1971 Dodge Demon
1971 Chevrolet Nova
1973 Buick Apollo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Introduced in 1969 as a 1970 model, and produced until 1977, the Maverick was a popular compact 2- or 4-door sedan. It offered a range of engine options, the largest of which was a 302 cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V-8.

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1975 Rolls Royce Camargue
Spanish Coches via Wiki Commons
This luxury model had some input from the legendary Italian design house, Pininfarina. Can you name it?
1974 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEC
1975 Jaguar XJ-12 coupe
1975 Rolls Royce Camargue
1973 Buick Riviera
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rolls-Royce produced this big, imposing looking luxury coupe from 1975-1986. It was designed by the legendary Pininfarina design house in Italy, yet named for a region in southern France.

1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV
Wiki Commons by Unknown
Can you identify this big luxury car?
1973 Ford Thunderbird
1976 Cadillac Eldorado
1976 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham
1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Earlier in this quiz, you saw this car’s successor, the Lincoln Continental Mk. V. This is the Mk. IV, which replaced the Mk. III (of course) in 1972 and continued until 1976. Nearly 280,000 of these huge luxury coupes were made. Its best year, quite astonishingly, was 1973, when an oil embargo caused rising gas prices, gas shortages and long lines at the filling station.

1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V
Youtube via GatewayClassicCars
Big luxury coupes were popular in the 1970s in America. Can you name this one?
1975 Chrysler Cordoba
1973 Cadillac Eldorado
1977 Lincoln Mark V
1977 Ford Thunderbird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Continental Mk. V was the flagship model of Ford’s Lincoln luxury car line from 1977-1979. It was based on the same chassis as its immediate predecessor, the Mk. IV. It used a huge 460 cubic-inch V-8 engine in 1977 and 1978, and then a somewhat less huge 400 cubic-inch V-8 in it final year. Ornate styling included an “opera window” and “Designer Editions.”

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AMC Gremlin
n/a
Do you remember this chunky looking compact from the '70s?
1974 Ford Pinto
1971 AMC Gremlin
1978 Datsun B210
1978 Dodge Omni
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

American Motors Corporation manufactured the subcompact Gremlin from 1970 to 1978. Most were six-cylinder economy models, and the “Gremlin X” dress-up package was a popular option. A 5.0-liter V8 was offered from 1972-1976, giving the Gremlin some real get-up-and-go that left competitors like the Ford Pinto and Chevy Vega in the dust.

Pontiac Grand Prix
Youtube
That's a long hood! To which vehicle listed below does it belong?
1969 Pontiac Grand Prix
1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1975 Chrysler Cordoba
1971 Oldsmobile Toronado
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Believe it or not, the big 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix was “downsized” from the previous version, riding on a slightly longer version of the brand’s midsize Tempest chassis. The standard engine was a 400 cubic-inch V8. The “smaller” Grand Prix was a hit, selling in far higher numbers than the earlier versions.

Volvo 262C
Youtube via The Silent D Motor Show
This vehicle was partly styled by the Italian styling house, Bertone. What is it?
1978 Volvo 262C
1974 Mercedes 450 SEC
1976 Jaguar XJ-6 Coupe
1972 Citroen SM
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Part of the Volvo 200 series, the 262C was a special edition coupe designed with the help of Italian styling house, Bertone. It was built from 1978 and 1981. The design was influenced by the much larger 1972-1976 Lincoln Continental Mk. IV.

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1970 Dodge Charger
Youtube
Any clue as to what '70s car is shown here?
1970 Dodge Charger
1971 Plymouth Road Runner
1971 Pontiac GTO Judge
1971 Chevrolet SS 454
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1970 Dodge Charger was the third year in the body style before an all-new body debuted for 1971. It could be equipped as a mild cruiser with a standard 318 cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V-8, or an all-out muscle car with 375- or 390-horsepower 440 cubic-inch V-8 options. At the top was the 426 cubic-inch Hemi V-8 with 425 horsepower. (A highly customized version is shown.)

Chevy C30 One Ton
n/a
Can you name this workhorse vehicle from the 1970s?
1976 Jeep J-4000 pickup
1976 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT
1974 Dodge D-300 with Dyna-Trac dual rear wheels
1975 Chevrolet C30 One Ton "dualie"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A stalwart of the Chevy pickup fleet in the 1970s, the C30 offered a dual rear-wheel option, giving it the nickname “dualie.” Combined with the crew cab option, it could easily seat six people and tow a heavy trailer.

1975 BMW 1602 TI
nakhon100 via Wiki Commons
This little coupe was not sold in the U.S.A., but its twin brother was. What is it?​
1971 Fiat 124
1974 Volkswagen Golf
1972 BMW 2002
1972 Mazda RX-3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

BMW’s 1602 (for 1.6-liter engine, two-door body), introduced in 1966, began a sport sedan dynasty, but not until a version with a larger 2.0-liter engine in 1968 turned it into the 2002 did it really wake up. Since the sporty 1602 ti model (shown) did not meet U.S. emissions standards, the more powerful but identical looking 2002 ti (and later, the even hotter 2002 tii) stepped in with more power. It was succeeded by the BMW’s first 3 Series model in 1975.

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1970 Plymouth Superbird
Wiki commons
This wild-looking muscle car looked this way right from the production line. Can you name it?
1971 Dodge Charger R/T
1970 Plymouth Superbird
1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To be more competitive in NASCAR racing, Plymouth made a special version of its Road Runner model that was more aerodynamic with a low, pointy nose and a tall rear wing. Plymouth made nearly 2,000 street versions of the Superbird, which offered a choice of 375- and 390-horsepower 440 cubic-inch V-8s or the mighty 426 cubic-inch, 425-horsepower Hemi.

1979 Volkswagen Jetta
Youtube via WorldAutoMotors
It's still a popular model 40 years after its introduction. Can you name it?
1978 BMW 320
1974 Lancia Beta
1976 Audi Fox
1979 Volkswagen Jetta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1979, Volkswagen added a trunk to its Golf (Rabbit in the U.S. at the time) and, voila, the Jetta was born. The Jetta went on to become one of VW’s best-sellers, debuting its seventh generation for 2019.

1967–1970 AMC Rebel
Youtube
This muscle car could only have come from America, and it’s dressed for the part. Can you identify it?
1971 Ford Torino Cobra
1970 Buick GS-X
1970 AMC Rebel Machine
1972 Pontiac GTO
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

AMC broke out of its conservative mold in the late 1960s with the Javelin and AMX sporty cars, and then really let loose with the 1970 Rebel Machine, a muscle car to compete with the Chevelle SS, Pontiac GTO and Plymouth Road Runner, among others. AMC’s hippie-inspired advertising tagline for the car, “Up with the Rebel Machine!” was a direct appeal to younger buyers.

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Diplomat (Dodge)
Youtube via Dave Schultz
"Personal" coupes were popular in America in the 1970s? Which one is this?
1974 Ford Torino Elite
1977 Dodge Diplomat
1976 AMC Matador
1976 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Classic
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1977 and 1988, the Dodge Diplomat was an upmarket mid-size model based on the lower-level Dodge Aspen. Other versions were badged as Plymouth Gran Fury and Chrysler Fifth Avenue. The Diplomat and Gran Fury sedans were popular with police departments. Engine choices included a 3.7-liter inline-six cylinder and 5.2-liter and 5.9-liter V8s.

1976 Plymouth Duster
Youtube via Dusty Cars LLC
A fairly small vehicle for the time, what car is shown in this image?
1975 Chevrolet Nova
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger
1978 Ford Fairmont
1976 Plymouth Duster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Plymouth’s Duster coupe, based on the brand’s compact Valiant model, was an immediate hit when introduced in 1970. With the standard six-cylinder engine, it was an economy model. The optional mid-range 318 cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V8 gave it real pep, and the Duster 340 version was a genuine muscle car with a 275-horsepower, 340 cubic-inch high-performance V8. The popular Duster lasted until 1976. (A highly customized model is shown.)

1978 Holden commodore VB
GTHO via Wiki Commons
G'day! This Australian vehicle proved popular in the '70s. Go ahead, try to name it.
1978 Holden Commodore
1975 Opel Diplomat
1977 Ford Falcon XB
1972 Chrysler Valiant Charger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Unless you’ve been to Australia, you’ve likely never seen one of these plain-looking but popular (in Australia, that is) sedans. It’s a Commodore, made by General Motors’ Australian subsidiary, Holden. The company, whose long history includes making some impressive muscle cars and well-built sedans, ceased making vehicles in 2017 and now acts as an importer of GM cars from other markets. In the past, GM imported a couple of models from Australia to the U.S.: the 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO was a slightly restyled version of the Holden Monaro, and the 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 was a version of the last-generation Holden Commodore.

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1970 Buick GS Stage 1
Wiki commons
Here's a classic '70s muscle car. What is it?
1970 Buick GS 455
1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
1972 Plymouth Road Runner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Gran Sport badge first appeared on the high-performance version of the Buick Skylark in 1965. Later, the name was abbreviated to simply “GS” and in 1970 got the brand’s largest V8, a 455 with 350 horsepower. A “Stage I” option officially bumped that up to 360 horsepower, but the actual difference was greater. The GS 455 was one of the quickest muscle cars of the period.

1972 Chevrolet Brookwood
Josephew via Wiki Commons
The '70s vehicle pictured here is a _________?
1974 Ford Country Squire
1971 Pontiac Safari
1972 Chevrolet Brookwood
1976 Chrysler Town & Country
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Brookwood was Chevrolet’s lowest-priced full-size station wagon from 1969 to 1972. The name had previously been used on a low-trim wagon model from 1958 to 1961.

1979 Vauxhall Astra
Charles01 via Wiki Commons
Do you need help identifying this 1970s hatchback?
1979 Vauxhall Astra
1976 Chevrolet Chevette
1977 Toyota Corolla
1974 Datsun 610
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This one’s tricky unless you’re a Brit or just a total car geek who knows every model, including non-descript hatchbacks like this 1979 Vauxhall Astra. The first version was basically the German Opel Kadett with the steering wheel on the right-hand side. Bonus fact: While Vauxhall was still part of General Motors (it’s now owned by France’s PSA, maker of Peugeot and Citroen), a version of the later Astra, assembled in Belgium, was exported to the U.S. and briefly sold by GM’s Saturn division.

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1970s - 1973 De Tomaso Pantera
YouTube
All pointy and sleek, it looks fast! What rare vehicle is in this image?
1970 Chrvrolet Corvette LS-6
1971 Lamborghini Miura
1971 De Tomaso Pantera
1972 Maserati Indy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kudos to you if you got this one right, since the photo shows a wildy overstyled custom version of the Italian mid-engine sports car that was made from 1971-1991. Automotive connoisseurs prefer the earlier models for their cleaner design, which, by the way, was created by an American, Tom Tjaarda while working for the Italian design firm Ghia. It’s engine was American in origin, as well, the Ford 351 “Cleveland” V-8, although later versions of the engine were assembled in Australia. In the U.S., the Pantera was sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers from 1971-1974.

Pony (Hyundai)
Youtube via Lake Nipissing
This was the first mass-produced car in its country of origin. What is the make and model?
1975 Saab 99
1975 Lancia Beta
1975 Hyundai Pony
1975 Mitsubishi Galant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Hyundai Pony, South Korea’s own first mass-produced car, was a rear-wheel-drive subcompact model produced from 1975-1990. From the late 1960s until then, the company had been building a version of the British Ford Cortina under license. In fact, a team of British engineers helped develop the Pony, and its hatchback body design came from Italy’s Giorgetto Giugiaro, the same individual who designed many classic Maseratis. The Pony was sold in many countries, but not the U.S.

1977 Suzuki Jimny
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
Still a model today, this 4x4 first appeared in the 1970s. Do you know what it is?
1977 Suzuki Jimny
1972 Toyota Land Cruiser
1975 Jeep CJ-5
1975 Land Rover Series III
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is a bit of a trick question. Although sold in more than 190 countries, the Suzuki Jimny did not get to the U.S. until 1986. Remember the Samurai? That was called the Jimny SJ413 in other markets. The Samurai became hugely successful in America, but a Consumer Reports magazine review showing it could possibly roll over in sharp turns crimped sales.

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Lancia Stratos
Youtube
This one is tricky. Can you identify this '70s sports car?
1977 Ferrari 308 GTB
1976 Lambirghini Urraco
1972 Corvette
1974 Lancia Stratos
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built for rallying, the mid-engine Lancia Stratos didn't disappoint, winning the World Rally championship for three years from 1974 to 1976. Its V6 engine came from the Ferrari Dino.

Audi 100 Coupe S
Youtube via Matthias Henneke
This pretty coupe was a favorite in Europe in the 1970s. Can you name it?
1975 Fiat 124 coupe
1976 Audi 100 Coupe S
1972 Ford Capri
1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Audi made more than 30,000 of these sporty fastback coupes from 1969-1976. The 100 Coupe S was powered by a 112-horsepower 1.8-liter engine coupled to a four-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. It's too bad this one never came to America.

1975 Mazda Roadpacer
René via Wiki Commons
This sedan looks exactly like its Australian cousin. Do you know it?
1975 Dodge Aspen
1975 Ford Granada
1975 Mazda Roadpacer
1974 Audi 100
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This luxury sedan was marketed by Mazda for a brief period from 1975 to 1977, but only in Japan. In fact, it is really a sedan called the Premier built by the General Motors’ Australian subsidiary, Holden. It was shipped to Japan without an engine. There, Mazda installed its innovative 1.3-liter Wankel rotary engine, which lacked enough torque to move the 3,500-pound car with any verve. Very few were made.

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Subaru FF1 Star
By TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons
Can you name this little sedan?
1972Opel 1900
1974 Volkswagen Golf
1978 Peugeot 504
1973 Subaru FF1 Star
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Long before Subaru became known for popular all-wheel-drive models like the Outback and Forester, it made the little FF1 Star. It’s main claim to fame was that it was front-wheel drive, at a time when that was actually a rare vehicle configuration. Toyota’s Corolla, for example, did not switch to front-wheel drive until more than a decade later. The Star was offered in the U.S. in 1970 and 1971.

1979 Chrysler Alpine
Wiki Commons by Riley
This ’70s European model had an un-European sounding brand name. Do you know it?
1979 Datsun 810
1974 Austin Marina
1975 Toyota Corona
1979 Chrysler Alpine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Back when Chrysler owned French carmaker Simca (1967-1979), it sold that brand’s unimaginatively named 1307 model as the Alpine in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Unless you traveled there, or New Zealand, you’ve likely never seen one.

1976 Chrysler Avenger
Riley via Wiki Commons
This small sedan went by different names in different countries. Can you find one of them below?
1971 Datsun 510
1976 Chrysler Avenger
1973 Mazda RX-2
1974 Toyota Corona
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

First marketed in Europe as the Hillman Avenger, this small four-door family car received Chrysler branding from 1976 to 1979. From 1971 to 1973, it was sold in the U.S. as the Plymouth Cricket. This oddball Chrysler emerged from the U.S. carmaker's purchase of Britain's Roots Group in the late 1960s.

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MG 1100 saloon
allen watkin via Wiki Commons
This company, famous for sports cars, also offered sedans. Can you name this one?
1974 Austin Marina
1970 Triumph 2000
1971 MG 1100
1971 Rover 3500
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Introduced in 1963 and built until 1974, the MG 1100 was a sophisticated little sedan designed and built by British Motors Corporation, of which MG was part. It featured front-wheel drive, an advanced four-wheel independent suspension system and a very roomy interior. The car was built and sold under other BMC brands, as well, including Austin, Morris, Riley, Vanden Plas and Wolseley. Give yourself extra points if you recognize any of those, or that the parent company later became British-Leyland. The MG version was sold in the U.S. for a time.

BMW M1
n/a
Those sleek lines... beautiful. Can you name this exotic sports car?
1978 BMW M1
1977 Ferrari 308 GTB
1976 Lamborghini Countach
1972 Maserati Bora
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, BMW’s mid-engine M1 sports car was built from 1978-1981, with just 453 produced. It was the first car made by the company’s Motorsports division, hence the “M.” The 3.5-liter double overhead-cam inline-six-cylinder engine made 273 horsepower and could take the M1 could to a top speed of 162 mph.

You Got:
/35
nakhon100/Riley/René via Wiki Commons