UDMan’s Offbeat and Obscure Performance Muscle Cars: Part 3; The Groovy 70's

The 1970 was the beginning of the end as far as Detroit based Muscle Cars. With the ever increasing Insurance Rates for "Big Block" Muscle, and the pending government regulations regarding emissions, bumper, and roll over standards, the car companies were spending millions trying to comply, while still trying to sell "performance". Horsepower ratings were being adjusted to take advantage of unleaded gasoline, the first electronic engine management computers were just coming on line, and the era of fire breathing muscle was coming to a close. However, while the cars didn't have the out and out acceleration numbers they once had, they were now able to handle better, brake better, and become safer than ever. Welcome to the new Muscle Car, 70's style.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Rallye 3501970 turned out to be a watershed year for raw, visceral horsepower, before government smog regulations started to take effect. It was also the high water mark for the sheer number of high-performance muscle cars offered by the automakers. However, all was not rosy during this peak, as the insurance companies had caught on and were now charging sky-high premiums to owners of these asphalt-melting leviathans of the street. Accordingly, manufacturers offered a new concept to the driving public: Muscle Car Light. One of these just happens to be the subject of this feature: The Oldsmobile Rallye 350.

The 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst EditionIt wasn’t the Pontiac GTO, Ford Mustang or Chevy 409 that began the performance car wars, it was arguably, the Chrysler 300. Making its debut in 1955, the 300 was so-named because of its 300hp Hemi V-8. The 300 Letter Series, as they would be known as, were produced as limited edition, factory hot rods, through 1965, when the last 300 “L” was produced. After an absence of four years, a full-size Chrysler muscle car made an appearance once again in 1970. Read about the Chrysler 300 “H” Hurst edition.

The 1977 Pontiac LeMans Can AmGeneral Motors was in the midst of rolling out their new “downsized” full size cars, which shed a lot of weight, but maintained the interior dimensions. However, 1977 was also a record year for the “intermediates” that were not only larger (in exterior dimensions), but in most cases, a great deal heavier than their “full size” counterparts. During this time, Pontiac introduced a limited edition package available on the LeMans Sport Coupe, the 1977 Pontiac Can Am.

The Jensen InterceptorWhile it could be argued that this car is actually more of a grand touring car in the tradition of a Jaguar, I will submit evidence that it is more of a gentleman’s muscle car because of one simple feature: the engine. Yes, what we have here in a fast, powerful, and luxurious coupe that happens to be built in the UK, with a big old Chrysler 383 or 440. Introducing the Jensen Interceptor.

The Dodge Warlock and Lil Red Express PickupDuring the 70's, performance meant expanding the definition of a Muscle Car to include trucks. Dodge was one of the first to flirt with the idea of producing a performance truck, and produced two of the best: the Dodge Warlock and the Lil Red Express.

The Mercedes Benz 450SEL 6.9This particular car stirs up a lot of debate, not only because of its debut in 1975, but also because it was built in Germany. Can a german sedan ever be classified as a Muscle Car? Sure, why not. So without further delay, let's take a look at the Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9.

Those were some of the groovy cars that were the performance cars in their day. There were many others, and they will be uncovered in the future, so if you have a couple of favorites, just write a comment below, and it may be covered soon.

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