Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Colby Droscher
These vintage 1970s cars and bikes had real personality. In the ’70s, you didn’t just get from A to B, you had fun doing it. Whether it was a muscle car rumbling down Main Street or a two-stroke bike buzzing through backroads, the vehicles of this decade had a pulse and presence that today’s machines just can’t fake.
It was a wild mix of innovation, rebellion, and style. These weren’t just rides, they were extensions of the people behind the wheel or on the throttle. Here are 21 vintage photos of 1970s cars and bikes.
1. 1970 Chevrolet Impala
This model year brought a clean, updated look to the Impala, pairing a broad stance with new vertical taillights.
2. 1972 Honda CB450
Often hailed as the first “superbike,” the CB450 introduced a four-cylinder engine and front disc brake to the masses.
3. 1971 Ford Mustang
In 1971, the Mustang grew noticeably in size and muscle. With bold styling and the optional 429 Cobra Jet engine, it catered to those wanting brute force and a bold street presence.
4. 1973 Triumph X-75 Hurricane
Looking more like a concept than a production bike, the X-75 came in with curves, attitude, and triple pipes that ran high and loud.
5. 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna
Introduced as a premium trim level, the Laguna stood out with refined styling. It soon gained favor in NASCAR for its aerodynamics and road-handling capabilities.
6. 1974 BMW R90/6
This bike showed the world that BMW could do more than touring, it could go fast and look good doing it. With bold colors and a unique half-fairing, it balanced comfort with serious road presence. You could ride it cross-country or carve up a canyon.
7. 1975 AMC Pacer
Known for its quirky, bubble-like shape, the Pacer offered panoramic visibility and a unique design that bucked automotive norms of the time.
8. 1975 Suzuki RE5
The RE5 was Suzuki’s moonshot, powered by a rotary engine that felt like you were flying.
9. 1976 Dodge Aspen
The Aspen debuted as a practical family car with improved visibility and a smoother ride. It even earned accolades like Motor Trend’s Car of the Year.
10. 1976 Kawasaki KZ900
If you wanted raw muscle in the ’70s, this was your ride.
11. 1979 Chevrolet Malibu
Balancing practicality with comfort, the Malibu offered a refined ride and became a go-to for law enforcement officials during the late ’70s.
12. 1977 Yamaha RD350
This two-stroke rocket was a street-legal thrill machine. Light, snappy, and wicked fun in the corners, the RD350 taught a whole generation how to ride fast.
13. 1970 AMC Gremlin
The 1970 AMC Gremlin hit the streets as one of the first American-made subcompact cars, offering an affordable, fuel-conscious option during a time of growing concerns about efficiency.
14. 1978 Honda Gold Wing GL1000
The GL1000 had a flat-four engine, smooth power, and the kind of reliability that made it perfect for serious road warriors.
15. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
The Trans Am was a performance-oriented version of the Firebird, featuring aggressive styling and powerful engine options. The 1979 model introduced new front and rear end designs.
16. 1979 Kawasaki Z1000
A bigger, badder version of the earlier Z bikes, the Z1000 had muscle to spare. It kept the aggressive feel but added some polish, making it a hit with both everyday riders and folks who liked to push it to the edge.
17. 1978 Mercury Cougar
The Cougar was a personal luxury car that offered a balance between performance and comfort.
18. 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
This Italian machine looked just as good parked as it did flying down a mountain road.
19. 1977 Lincoln Continental
The 1977 Continental was a full-size luxury sedan that emphasized comfort and elegance. It featured a smooth ride and a spacious, well-appointed interior.
20. 1975 Suzuki GT750
Nicknamed the “Water Buffalo” for its liquid cooling and chunky presence, this bike was more about cruising than sharp performance.
21. 1976 Chrysler Cordoba
The Cordoba was a personal luxury car that introduced the “soft, Corinthian leather interior,” a marketing phrase that became iconic. This car was Chrysler’s attempt to enter the luxury coupe market.
Want to see more car content?
Check out these 20 Vintage Photos of People’s Cars and Bikes in the Electric Eighties, or take a look at these 20 Vintage Photos of American Streetcars. Or if you want to check out cars from the 1940s, take a look at these 40 Cars From The 1940s That Will Knock Your Socks Off.
