Those who lived in Great Britain in the 1970s saw a huge change within the country. The currency became decimalized. The vinyl record player empowered the nation’s youth. And the space hopper was born. During this time the motor vehicle also came into its own. More families were getting mobile. Despite a looming fuel crisis. Great Britain proved that it was still a country packed to the shorelines with gearheads.
The possibility of motorized thrills was also working through to the working classes, influenced by affordable American muscle cars that had arrived a decade before. A younger generation of Brits were keen for their taste in performance motoring. Something several leading manufacturers were more than happy to supply these vehicles that have now become classics.
Whether it be speed, power, or frugality. There was a British car in the 1970s to suit every need. Some have long since been forgotten. Others have gone on to become automotive legends. For those unfamiliar with that period, these are our 10 favorite British cars from the 1970s.
10 The Lotus Esprit
First and foremost, the Lotus Esprit was a James Bond car. That alone gives it killer kudos. The fact that the super spy’s version transformed into a submarine is neither here, nor there. Thanks to that, the Esprit remains one of film history’s most iconic sports cars.
Movie magic aside, the Lotus Esprit was a great performance car. Its wedge shape became instantly recognizable. It was originally equipped with a 160hp engine. The Lotus Esprit could hit 60mph in 7 seconds. It was a fine-handling car and set a benchmark for its time.
9 The Triumph Dolomite Sprint
The Triumph Dolomite Sprint was a ground-breaker. It was the world’s first mass-produced vehicle with a 16-valve head. This feature would prove to be something of a double-edged sword. Providing much-needed punch, it also brought with it reliability problems.
Dropping the throttle in a Dolomite Sprint would see 60 mph appear in 8 seconds, which was very impressive for the time. That innovative 2.0-liter engine delivered 135hp. Fast and very comfortable, the Dolomite Sprint was the original executive express.
8 The Ford Escort MK2 RS2000
Ford had already cut out a huge name for itself in Europe with the original Escort. A rally-winning legend, the car was an enthusiast’s icon. The follow-up car had big shoes to fill. And fill them it did. Far bolder in its styling, the Escort RS2000 MK2 became a working-class hero.
The Ford RS 2000 offered affordable performance. Its 2.0-liter engine put out 110hp. This allowed the plucky Ford to hit 60mph in 8 seconds. The handling was excellent. It was sublime to drive. To this day the Escort RS2000 remains a very sought-after vehicle.
7 The Jaguar XJ-S V12
The Jaguar XJ-S V12 was an oddity. It was a mass-produced grand tourer packing an engine usually reserved for supercars. Its specification also read like something that looked more like an Italian manufacturer’s press release. But it was proudly British.
Boasting a 5.3-liter V12 it made up to 300hp. This allowed the heavy coupe to hit 60moh in 7 seconds. A very complicated engine, running costs were high. Handling was said to be quite relaxed, not at all sporting. But the XJS V12 delivered power and poise in bucket loads.
6 The Reliant Robin
The Reliant Robin could be classed as a national British treasure. It’s a bizarre three-wheeled vehicle. One that gets as much abuse as it does respect. The Reliant Robin has achieved cult status. It’s a car that very few admit to wanting to own. But that many want to drive.
The Reliant Robin is the most popular fiberglass car ever sold. Its production ran for 30 years. Hugely popular during the 1970s fuel crisis. Its little engine only made 32hp and would hit 60 mph in 18 seconds. Many owners reported getting close to 100mpg on a run.
5 The Rover 3500 SD1
Big, brash, and packing a mighty V8, the Rover SD1 was every bit a British muscle car. Highly favored by the Police, it was very fast and great fun to drive. Not only could it chew up the tarmac, but it did so whilst producing an awesome soundtrack. British rock at its best.
Lurking beneath the long hood was an infamous 3.5-liter V8, an engine that gifted the car with 190hp and 219 lb/ft of torque. The SD1 could hit 60mph in 7.1 seconds. Keeping the throttle buried would see 135mph on the speedometer. No wonder the Police loved them.
4 The Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Quite possibly one of the most muscular Aston Martins ever styled. Perfectly proportioned, and brutishly handsome. The V8 Vantage may have been labeled as a grand tourer, but it would walk all over sports cars of the day. A competent machine that possessed huge power.
The early cars came equipped with 5.3-liter V8 engines making 375hp. The V8 Vantage could hit 60mph in 5.4 seconds, and rocket on to a top speed of 168mph. It was one of the fastest passenger cars of its time. Later, the V8 Vantage was hailed as Britain’s first supercar.
3 The Ford Capri 3.0S
The Ford Capri was as close as Britain ever got to having its own Mustang. A sleek 2-door coupe, it was the sporting choice for the keen driver. Having gained a 3.0-liter V6 engine, it also gained a lovely voice. Tail happy in the wet, the Capri 3.0S summed up Ford’s fun.
At its heart lay a 136hp engine. One that liked to rev. Off the mark, the 3.0S Capri would hit 60mph in 7.7 seconds. Owners would often put a bag of sand in the trunk to add weight, and aid traction. Hugely popular the Capri 3.0S dished out affordable performance motoring.
2 Hillman Avenger Tiger
The styling of the Hillman Avenger Tiger was considered to be wild for the time. Its bold yellow color, rear spoiler, and brash decals are likened to that of classic American muscle cars. Yet, this was a British creation. A 4-door sedan with attitude, and plenty of punch under the hood.
The modest 1.5-liter engine spat out 95hp. This equated to an impressive 0-60mph time of 8 seconds. Only 200 cars were made, making it something of a rarity. Flat out the Hillman Avenger Tiger could hit 108mph. Which was plenty fast enough for a sedan in the 1970s Britain.
1 The Land Rover Range Rover
Most people forget that the original Range Rover only came as a 2-door vehicle. A pretty basic off-roader that made use of a detuned 3.5-liter V8 making a paltry 128hp. It was designed to go anywhere, soak up abuse, and be washed with a hose pipe. Both inside and out.
What the early Range Rover did was launch a legacy. One that not only solidified it as one of the most competent off-road vehicles ever created, but also as one of the least reliable. Despite this, it won over a legion of fans and has gone on to be the luxury SUV of choice
