It seems like every decade could be split down the middle, with the first half roughly mimicking the preceding decade, and the latter half really lending definition. When most people think “1970s,” they think disco and leisure suits, and cars with puffy vinyl roofs and padded velour seats. While that may represent the 1970s to some extent, it isn’t a complete thought.
I want to start by giving a shout out to The Henry Ford’s Motor Muster, my favorite car show of the year. Cars from 1933-1976 are represented, and this year, I found myself giving a little extra time to the 1970s section. There is a car or two I’ll save for later CCs, but there are plenty of other highlights. For example, the above 1970 Challenger probably represents how a majority of Challengers were sold, and how they looked before everybody wanted an R/T “recreation” or “tribute.” It’s a 318 with air conditioning, vinyl roof, and wheel covers; and I was far more interested in it than I would be in another faked 440-Six Pack.
Of course, the Challenger still exhibits a ’60s muscle car vibe, even with a vinyl roof. The Cordoba and Mirada, cars that truly represented the ’70s, were still several years off.
How about an original 440 Superbird with some road rash? The proudly framed picture beside the car seems to represent the fact that the owner is proud of its condition, and why not? Cars like this get a lot of attention, and restoring one is absurdly expensive and time consuming. Enjoy it how you want, and who cares what others think?
Another representative from the “more 60s than 70s” era is this cool lime-colored 1970 Charger R/T. The full-width taillights are growing on me enough for me to proclaim the ’70 my second favorite of the Charger trifecta, right behind the ’68. Please click the link below for more regarding that conversation.
Maybe you’re more of a Ford fan. This uncommon 1970 XL convertible was, to me, the last good-looking big Ford of the 1970s. The 1969 and ’70 LTDs and XLs, with their hidden headlamps, have really started growing on me over the past few years. As nice as Magnum 500s look on “muscle Fords,” I’d almost rather see something more subdued on this XL.
It doesn’t hurt that a deep blue exterior with a lighter blue interior is one of my favorite color combinations. The “command center” dashboard is an interesting oddity, although I’d hate it as a passenger. It seems like most drivers have terrible taste in music, and passengers should have a say. This XL could have a 351, 390, or 429 under the hood. In 1971, the 400 from the “335-series” of engines would replace the 390 in full-size Fords.
Unlike the XL, which shares a common thread with ’60s Galaxies and LTDs, the ’72 Gran Torino is one of Ford’s first salvos into true 1970s styling. It is more ponderous looking than its immediate predecessor, with imposing quarter panels offering a vestige of what modern cars would be like with no rear visibility. Arguably, the most aesthetically successful Torino was the above pictured ’72 Sport Sportsroof (that’s a mouthful). Some may disagree, but I actually like the laser stripe on Gran Torino Sports from this era.
This example has the rare 4-speed option, so it should pack a 351 Cleveland four-barrel. One could also order a 429 in 1972, although it was a less powerful option than the 351 (248 vs. 205 hp), and was unavailable with the 4-speed.
Having grown up a Mustang fan, I’m still a sucker for early ’70s Mustangs. This is a 1973 version, the last convertible until the ’83 model, and it’s resplendent in what seems like “Medium Copper Metallic.” Ford used a really appropriate ’70s color palette, from the “Grabber” colors to the earthtones of this model. I love this car, and I don’t care who knows it.
The big Mustang from this time period seems to be one of the few vehicles that rode in a wasteland between the 1960s and 1970s. It was almost too big and plush to feel like a 1960s car, and its long hood reminds me of “personal luxury” staples like the Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, and Thunderbird. Of course, the Mustangs that truly represented the malaise era were the Mustang IIs, which were right around the corner from this convertible.
This interior looks new, and with the top down, you may not notice the “driving in a bunker” feeling of this generation of Mustang. This convertible, if one believes the license plate, was powered by a 351 Cleveland, which came in two-barrel and four-barrel varieties, with the four-barrel having larger ports and valves.
This is a 1974 LTD with a “landau iron” on the C-Pillar. If you have nothing nice to say, move on to the next car.
This may sound stupid, but as much as I dislike 1970s full-size Fords, I love 1970s full-size Chevrolets. I’m sure they’re no better as automobiles, but I just like the way they look. This ’75 Impala Sport Coupe may or may not have been less popular than the Custom Coupe, but I remember seeing fewer of them on the road when I was a kid. It seemed like the Custom Coupe was everywhere. No breakout numbers for production are available to back me up on that, unfortunately.
Of course, the new ’71 B-Body seemed right at home in the 1970s. It was ready-made for the Brougham-era in a way that no 1960s Chevrolet was.
Even the massive railroad tie bumpers don’t significantly detract from the appearance of these Chevrolets. Isn’t this a clean Impala? I love the stock wheelcovers and general untouched look.
Try getting a white and red interior in any new car today. Chevy had a dashboard layout similar to the 1970 Ford’s, although it might be a little less close quartered. Everything here is very much driver-centric.
Not everything at Motor Muster bleeds red, white, and blue. In a way, the “Type 3” was the transition between the Beetle and the Rabbit, preparing Volkswagen buyers for change.
Even though the Volkswagen 1600 was far less successful in the marketplace than the ubiquitous Beetle, they seem infinitely more desirable to own. I’d take a Karmann Ghia over either, but I’ve occasionally peered through classifieds and wondered if I needed another air-cooled car. This example wears very attractive wheels and an era appropriate bright green hue. Volkswagens are timeless in a way other cars aren’t, so this ’73 model is at home in either decade.
So there you have it, a cornucopia of color from a confusing decade. While this muscular Boss 351 arguably belongs to the 1960s in spirit, if not in styling, one can start to see the decade’s dividing line in cars like the ’72 Torino, ’74 LTD, and ’75 Impala. Of course, there are few absolutes in life, so feel free to draw your own conclusions.
I’ll take the Challenger, thanks.
Nice selection of 70’s iron. The Boss 351, Superbird and Charger are definitely cool, but if I had to pick one as a driver I think it might be that XL ragtop. Plenty of room for 5 with the wind in your hair and great looks (love the hidden lamps) and without the anxiety factor of driving something like a Superbird or a Boss Mustang. I actually like it with the Magnum 500’s also. 429 would be ideal…
Oh no, you missed that AMC Matador wagon next to the Impala!
74 Impala or LTD – tough choice. I find neither particularly attractive. The Ford is just swollen, but the Chevy falls down on the dull details on an otherwise fairly attractive basic shape. At the time, the Ford felt more solidly built, but time would prove it to be one of the great championship rusters.
That Challenger is really appealing, though one look at the horrid molded plastic interior would send me somewhere else. All in all, some very nice examples of the era. In truth, though, this reminds me why my automotive tastes stayed in the 60s during this era. When I was a young driver in the second half of the 70s, these were more expensive yet were (in my eyes) inferior in almost every other way.
Yeah, the Matador pulled up as I was taking pictures, and it just didn’t talk to me that day. I’ve never been much of a ’70s car guy, but I’m getting there. 🙂
I’m a blue-blooded Ford guy but I just can’t get excited about ’73/’74 big Fords. Probably the most “meh” styling of any ’70s full-size car, even the much maligned ’74-’78 big Dodges and Plymouths. And you’re right… whoo boy, did they rust!
A friend had a ’73 Challenger; a copper metallic color with white vinyl top, white interior, and full wheel covers. 318 and 727 auto. That and your example are exactly how most of these looked when new.
Very nice selection of “actual cars”.
Yes, most Mopar E bodies were commuter cars with 318’s. Not all were Hemi powered muscle cars as some kids assume.
This green Challenger is a nice change from all the ‘tribute’ Hemi clones in purple.
It’s kind sad when the cars you get excited to see are the 307 Malibus, Firebird Esprits, and 318 E-Bodies. Sure says a lot about the hobby today…
I think too many people want the top dogs they remember from their youth. I see Hemis in ’65 Coronets and think how much nicer a car it would be with a 225 or a 273 or something. I’m weird.
You’re not weird here! We’ve been celebrating original cars here from day one, and lamenting those that get turned into clones and such. We’ve had more posts on Camaro sixes than V8s!
Fortunately, it seems that the tide is shifting some, as increasing numbers of enthusiasts realize that genuine and original cars are more interesting than another dozen predictable clones/rods/etc., and that there aren’t an infinite number of original cars left.
Personally, I simply won’t shoot and post cars that have been molested in such predictable ways. CC is all about celebrating cars as they really were built, and preferably in original condition.
Originality is becoming an increasing issue in the classic/exotic/collector field, as it has become clear to folks that cars often lose important historical qualities when they’ve been restored/over-restored. These details can never be put back.
It’s similar to historic houses/buildings; once they’ve been re-muddled too far, their original historic qualities are lost forever. It’s why I like cars with patina so much; they carry the genuine scars and history of a full life.
Not that I don’t appreciate a well-done restoration either, but increasingly, it’s a choice rather than being laughed at for keeping a car original.
Paul, if you like houses with “patina”, take a visit to the Detroit Land Bank’s for sale site and browse gems such as this (http://www.buildingdetroit.org/Listing/Details/602978/16530-Ohio), and this (http://www.buildingdetroit.org/Listing/Details/392073/2224-W-Boston-Blvd)’ and this (http://www.buildingdetroit.org/Listing/Details/579627/2254-Chicago). Patina EVERYWHERE!
P.S. Side effects of browsing buildingdetroit.org may include days wasted, needlessly and wastefully spending money to flip low-profit houses in Detroit, and a strange desire to move there.
I’ll pick the Challenger in a heartbeat. The 318 with Torqueflight suits me fine, and this car is optioned just right.
If I had to pick a year as to when the ’70s began in the automotive world, I’d choose 1974 MY.
There’s lots of reasons why – detuned engines, the hot ’60s engines had disappeared by then, most platforms had been introduced in ’70s by then (or were just one year off) – but I’ll go with the biggest reason IMHO:
Federally mandated 5-mph bumpers front and back.
No single item “anchored” the look of Detroit’s offerings as being from the ’70s like those damn things.
Some would say 1974 was the ‘end of era’ since it was last year before unleaded gas was required.* Also, last year for Pontiac SD455 and 454 powered Corvettes.
*Some cars still ran leaded, but not for long.
Chrysler, for one, held off on the catcon until 1976, so their 1975 models could still burn leaded regular.
Nice write up. I love 70s cars!! One correction though. The Ford 400M/351M and 351C are in the 335 engine family not the 385 series like the 429/429 BOSS (Big head) and 460. I had a 70 Ford Fairlane 4 door (stripped down Torino) with 429 Interceptor in it. What a runner!!
The 400 was essentially a tall deck 351C with larger main bearings. The 400 is basically to the 351C as the 351W is to the 302.
For more info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_335_engine
This page is well written and accurate on the history of the 335 series engines.
That is a nice write up!! Thank you for the link. You are correct. The 400M is a taller deck height than the 351C. My 77 F250 Ranger 4×4 has a 400M in it. That is a stump puller!!
Oops…I knew that! Brain fade on the keyboard…I’ll change it. 🙂
Don’t forget to update that the Torino only came with a 4-speed with the 351C-4V CJ. The 429-4V was C6 auto only.
It is just a 400, no M. The M suffix on the 351M was to differentiate it from the other 351s.
In 1972, the Ford Torino only had the 4-speed top loader available with the 351-CJ “Q-Code” V8. Further, the Q-code engine was only available in 2-door models (except for police cars). This combo still turned out mid-15 second 1/4 mile times. For 1972 this was pretty impressive and comparable in performance to a 1970 M-Code high compression 351-4V. The 429-4V only came equipped with the C6 auto, and was actually by far the least common engine in the Gran Torino Sport, while the Q-code was fairly popular.
In my opinion, cars like the 1972 Torino and 1971 Mustang represent the early 1970’s styling trends best. These cars were almost 1960’s styling taking to excess While they looked good in the early 1970’s, I believe that they became dated looking quickly as the “brougham” era cars moved in to popularity. It seems the mid-1970’s brought about a more formal styling trend, like that 1974 LTD or the slab sided formal roof Cutlass Supremes.
Thanks for sharing the great pics. I too appreciate vehicles of the 1970s, probably because I have so much experience with them.
Regardless of what came later, I cannot resist the lines of the ’71 fastback ‘Stang, a triumph of style over substance. Nowadays, they work around the lousy rear visibility problem with a crutch: the backup camera. And this even on cars w/o sporting pretensions.
That Challenger is mesmerizing. I’m sure there are people nowadays who would swear none were ever built like that. I can’t see the back window, but I suspect this an SE, which had a small rear window.
On the XL, I’m sure the owner spent a pretty penny at Just Dashes getting a new dash pad, because there isn’t a single one of those ’69-’70 pads that didn’t crack right down the middle, where the driver’s side begins to curve out.
The rear spoiler on the Mustang Boss seems designed to block what little rearward view the driver otherwise would have.
Missed the Motor Muster this year as I picked up a membership at the Gilmore instead. That weekend I was oggling air cooled models: a gaggle of Franklins, VWs, Porsches, Tribants, Corvairs.
I’ll be back at the Village next year.
But I refuse to call any car built when I was in college “old”
You are correct sir!!! Any car built in the 1970’s is not old. As a matter of fact most of them from the sixties are not old either, they are just cars. An old car is a Ford Model A or one of its contemporaries.
An old car is a Ford Model A or one of its contemporaries.
Right! Anything I can jump in and drive is not “old”. That means anything with an automatic or synchomesh manual, hydraulic brakes, turn signals, carb with either automatic or manual choke, and the starter is engaged by turning the key. Pretty much anything I remember riding in when it was new, the oldest being a 56 Studebaker, is not “old”
If a car has hand levers for throttle and spark advance, a crash box, mechanical brakes, no powered (electric or vacuum) windshield wipers, a seperate button on floor or dash for the starter, *that* is old. A planetary trans with a crazy foot pedal arrangement, like a T, is ancient.
“But I refuse to call any car built when I was in college “old” ”
The lawyer’s corrollary: a “recent” development in case law is anything that has occurred after your graduation from law school.
I believe there are more fans of ’70s cars than many think.
I agree.
Count me as one. I was a car-crazed kid in the Seventies, and started driving in ’79.
I always cringe when someone says a car is painted __________ Poly. Automobile anufacturers did not use the term poly. Everyone had their own term and the paint companies used poly as a generic term for metallic paints to avoid any possible copyright infringement when some of the names were trademarked like GM’s Firemist. In the 70’s Ford called their metallic paints “Glow”. International used the term iridescent for their metallics.
The subject Mustang appears to be Medium Copper a standard paint. According to the brochure for 1973 Mustangs the metallic colors available were Metallic Ivy Glow, Metallic Blue Glow and Metallic Gold Glow.
My 74 Gran Torino was exactly the same color as that Mustang – I believe it was called Medium Copper Metallic.
Sorry. I was basing it on Auto Color Library chips. Guess I should have pulled out the old Mustang Recognition Guide.
Yeah do not base anything on Auto Color Library they hardly ever use the real name of the color. For example My Scout II is called medium blue poly by them while the real name is Bimini Blue Iridescent.
I’ll take the green Volkswagen, please.
I’ll take the green Volkswagen, please.
You should have seen the 58 bug convertable I saw at the Gilmore a few weeks ago: repainted burgundy with original tan interior.
The 1974-76 Impala Custom Coupe for the Impala was popular at the time with its “Colonnade” inspired window design. But seems then the Sport coupe got now the attention since they are more rare and more rarer would be the Canadian Bel Air Sport coupe.
The ’75 Impala Custom coupe outsold the Sport coupe 49,455 to 21,333. The ’75 was the last true Chevrolet two-door hardtop.
Were there any Ford Maveicks or Mercury Comets there?
Were there any Ford Maveicks or Mercury Comets there?
I missed the Motor Muster this year, but in previous years there has been a minty original 4 door Maverick. Sticks in my mind that I saw a Maverick Grabber at least once too. What I don’t recall seeing is the broughamated LDO version.
This one was there last year
The Challenger is my favourite though the Superbird is a close second.Great to see some people actually using their cars and not making “tributes” in orange.
The 1970 Challenger is the one! 🙂 ..all round winner in the good looks stakes (and a suite of good engines too)..it’s later brothers up to ’74 got progressively odder front ends sadly ..a sort of gloomy ‘down-turned mouth’ look ..guess they were depressed over their asthmaticky progressively lower-compressioned engines.. poor things!
The little Cuda kept smiling tho’ ..even tho’ a 150 horse 318 sat under the hood of the ’74.. last of the 340’s were de-tuned too (sniff) ..so sad really
The answer these days is to make your own personal muscle car ..take a custom chassis ..throw-in an SBC/turbo 400 running gear ..and bang a blower on top ..500 horsepower ..and loads of fun!! 🙂
I have just finished doing this on a local ’27 T bucket… and have a ’29 Model A pick-up ratty with an early ‘vette engine arriving soon from Ohio
“When most people think “1970s,” they think disco and leisure suits, and cars with puffy vinyl roofs and padded velour seats….but…”
I agree, I get sick of media calling the 70’s ‘disco decade’, as if on Jan 1st, 1970, we all were doing ‘hustle’ for 10 whole years. That wasn’t until 1974-75, and then not the ‘entire planet’.
Other misconception is young people not alive then assume the whole decade was constant Oil Crisis. Not until Oct. ’73, and then a respite in 76-78, and we all know what happened in 1979.
To some of us, the 70’s were first “glam rock” and then later, “punk rock”. What the f*** is this disco?
+1. Disco wasn’t for me unless I went to gay clubs(I’m straight but have always had LGBT friends).For me music in the 70s started with Black Sabbath and Deep Purple and ended up with Motorhead,Judas Priest,ACDC,Scorpions,Ramones the Clash and the Stranglers.
Although early 80s I’ve been a long time fan of Hanoi Rocks blend of glam and punk and frontman Michael Monroe’s solo work
For me, the 70s means Led Zeppelin, Rush, Jimi Hendrix (ok, late 60s), AC/DC, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, Motorhead, Bad Company, .38 Special etc. Oh and this one’s for you, Gem: Budgie. A friend intro’d me to them, and Im a fan.
I grew up in the 80s where it was all about the butt rock. Def Leppard and the Scorpions are about the only ones that I still like. I was all about my 70s stuff in those days!
Amen to that. The majority of people that call the Seventies the “disco decade” weren’t even born and quite frankly they don’t have a freakin’ clue. I lived them, I know 😀 .
Disco music to me is like Brougham style cars. I was sick to death of them back then but find many appealing now. No doubt about it the 70s was the disco decade. I made a song list once for a 70s theme party and found about 10 songs with the word “boogie” in the title.
…found about 10 songs with the word “boogie” in the title.
Ack! You gave me flashbacks to “Boogie Oogie Oogie”
Some late 70s dance music is really nice. I have this one on my road trip play list
I remember that one, more of a Carpenters sound to me than disco but still a classic. When the Jackson 5 did Dancing Machine on the Carol Burnett show things changed in a hurry. A fever swept the country, a Boogie Fever!
I remember that one, more of a Carpenters sound to me than disco but still a classic
The Carpenters did mostly ballads. You can’t dance to a ballad. “Lotta Love” has lyrics that actually say something, unlike “Boogie Oogie Oogie”, but the beat is very dancable.
Here’s another favorite from my road trip play list. Lyrics that say something, with a great beat
The Spinners now you’re talking, much better and certainly danceable but maybe not true disco. Disco songs aren’t supposed to have lyrics that say something. It was all about getting down, bumping and shaking something. Also Steve there is no way to dance to Lotta Love!
Like with the Brougham cars there was a difference between the early and late 70s. The trajectory was almost exactly the same, there was more, and more and more and then suddenly pop it all went away.
Here is Boogie Fever a #1 song in 1975, one of the first for disco. The lead singer looks like Chris Rock’s dad.
… there is no way to dance to Lotta Love!
Don’t tell Jim Burgess. It’s his dance mix that I play in the car.
Disco songs aren’t supposed to have lyrics that say something. It was all about getting down, bumping and shaking something.
Oh, OK….yup, I have “The Hustle” on original vinyl around here somewhere.
Burgess was more late 70s disco, I preferred the earlier lighter stuff maybe that it. His Rod Stewart song was good.
Regarding rock a funny thing happened in 1978. An aging British group, one that hadn’t had a US hit in years, decided to do a disco song. It went to #1 and introduced this group, the Rolling Stones, to a whole new generation, mine. Who here can say Miss You wasn’t one of the best songs ever, Stones or otherwise? And talk about memorable lyrics, in 1978 we were all shuffling through Central Park looking for Puerto Rican girls with Mick.
The Stones gave disco credibility and vice versa. Big hits like Emotional Rescue and Start Me Up came later but never hit #1, Miss You was the last Stones song to do that. I was surprised too.
The point I’m trying to make is that if you look at the entire decade, early and late, and include crossover hits like Miss You disco was pretty great and far more people loved it than hated it. Sure there were some turkeys and I still hate most of the Bee Gees stuff but It’s a mistake to say all disco was bad just like it’s a mistake to say all Broughams were bad. There was after all the Cadillac Seville.
By 1979 we were all sick of disco though.
PS — The Hustle is an OK song but I wouldn’t play it at a party.
Yeah I like the Chellenger but the only car you featured that ever landed on our market in any numbers is the VW by the early 70s US cars were virtually off the menu here except for private imports and special orders our muscle type cars came from Aussie and continued to do so untill production ends shortly, though lately many of the new retro muscle coupes are turning up with eye watering price tags.
I came of age while my family owned a 1973 Impala. It had the same dash as the ’75 shown here. I have forever considered that dash to be what a dash should look like, and how it should work.
Speedometer: Large horizontal analog, Easy to see at a glance
Headlights: Turn on by pulling handle on left side of steering column. Twist handle to activate the dome light.
Wipers: Switch located to right of the headlight switch. Slide to right to activates wipers. Push to activate washer.
Radio: Above drivers right knee. Perfect.
HVAC: Temp and functions were horizontal slide selectors, fan was vertical. I like better than today’s three knob standard.
Four way “hazard” lights: on steering column, under ignition switch–perfect.
I wish current cars were standardized on this schema. I don’t like rotary knobs for headlights, and I don’t like stalks for wiper/washer controls.
How 70’s is your car?
Are the heater/a/c controls on the left of the steering column where only the driver can operate them?
If the answer is yes.
Your car is VERY 70’s.
Nice hubcaps on the Challenger, very authentic.
I wish my A/C controls were over there. It would keep a certain someone from bumping the temperature control up when I’m not looking!
Nice finds, for sure!
I too like the ‘natural’ state of that Challenger. The oh-so-70s metallic puke green color is a guilty pleasure of mine. No reason to tribute a car that original and clean, although some tweeking to that 318 is in order. Hate on, but Id reBay those hubcaps and whitewalls immediately! Magnum 500s or Mopar Rally wheels, please!
What, no sweet luvin for that lime Charger? That would be my fantasy pick for sure! I cant tell if the yellow one is a Coronet or a Roadrunner but that would rank up there for me as well.
Realistically, my pick of the litter to own and drive would be that blue Duster Twister. It would make the most of the 318, moreso than the Chally and IMHO its just an all around better car, especially if you plan on driving it.
It loses points for the white roof and the bench seat, but that Torino is still a pretty sweet find. LOVE the color, and I didn’t think they existed in 4spd flavor.
I actually like the ‘big Mustangs’. They aren’t my favorite, but there are far worse ponies to have. I wont go there on the Mustang II…but Id take this far and away over a 90s era ‘blobstang’ or even the ’87 up aero-fox. The silver actually is a good color on that one, the fastback doesn’t look so bloated. Normally on those, Im a notchback coupe fan, but that just goes to show that the right color can bring out the best in a bodystyle.
I like the lime green Charger. I would want to put a set of Motor Wheel Spyders on it. They’re period-correct and I think they look good on a lot of Mopar B and E-bodies.
One of the biggest differences for me between the 60s and 70s was how plastic began to replace metal in things like the radiator grilles and interiors. Manufacturers seemed to be celebrating the arrival of plastic by making it a part of the design, even on carryover cars like the ’70 LTD and Mustang. I always got a metal feeling from the ’69 Mustang and LTD front ends but the ’70 models felt more plastic with those vents and the blackout treatment. Even Mercedes went whole hog plastic with their wild, fluted lenses.
Giugiaro is probably my favorite designer behind Paul Bracq and Bill Mitchell. Like new wave music his designs of the mid-70s were a breath of fresh air and represented a turning point. The 80s were a continuation of that aesthetic and that’s one reason it was my favorite decade for cars.
Nothing says 70’s like puke-green, except maybe a brown Chrysler.
Nothing says ’70s like this Cadillac interior.
I too like the ’70-’73 Mustang. A very clean design. But I hate, hate that cheap console shift Ford threw into everything – uuggly.
Is the story of the Superbird online anywhere?
Interesting to see the range of cars on display, I think I recognize the blue Gran Torino and the copper Matador wagon from last year plus probably that mushroom/beige Mustang & possibly some others. It was a pretty good show & worth a visit if you can, especially with the buildings and other displays on hand to give the less car-interested other things to see.
Great article and nice selection of cars. I’d take any one (or all) of them but if that Mustang is a 71 and has the Boss 351 “R” Code engine, that would be at the top of the list…….one of the quickest production Mustang’s ever……
They need to open it up to ’77 to ’79 vehicles. Fairmonts, Magnums, and G body Cutlass Supremes need lovin’ too 😀 .
They need to open it up to ’77 to ’79 vehicles.
In the late 60s, when the “Motor Muster” cars were new, the Old Car Festival was limited to 1925 and earlier. All the cars that came to the festival could be parked in the green in front of the church. The reviewing was done in Walnut Grove: a long set of bleachers for spectators with an oval track for the cars to circulate in until they were pulled off for judging. Behind the oval track was the race course where the cars competed in “coasting races”, “potato races” and such.
That will give an idea how much the events have grown in 50 years.
The Motor Muster was expanded from 73 to 76 a few years ago. If they expanded it much more, I don’t know where they would put all the cars.
I know how tradition is, but I almost wonder if they should make the “Old Car Festival” prewar, and Motor Muster postwar to 1979 or something. I often go to Old Car Fest, but it’s sometimes tough to get as excited about it as I do about Motor Muster. After all, I wasn’t even born in 1976, so as much as I admire brass era stuff, it doesn’t do it for me like a ’50s or ’60s car, or even something from the ’30s or ’40s.
I almost wonder if they should make the “Old Car Festival” prewar, and Motor Muster postwar to 1979 or something.
The first time I went to the Motor Muster, iirc 2006, it was strictly postwar. A couple years ago, either at the MM or OCF, one of the announcers explained the current split: up to 1933=OCF, 34 to 76 =MM as they set the break point at what they consider the start if the “modern era”, when most of the modern features were routine, like electric starters, 4 wheel hydraulic brakes, all steel roofs
I was appalled at how dinky the “pass in review” stage is now. Here are a couple pix I took around 69 or 70
A view down the parade track, giving a hint of the size of the bleachers, which ran the full length of the parade track, with more bleachers at the end of the track, out of frame to the left. “Home Plate” of the baseball field that is in Walnut Grove now is at the back right of the pic. The car is of course, a post-WWI Silver Ghost.
I wasn’t even born in 1976, so as much as I admire brass era stuff, it doesn’t do it for me like a ’50s or ’60s car, or even something from the ’30s or ’40s.
Well, I have more than 23 years on you. I enjoy the 50s and 60s models because that is what I grew up with. I always see something close to what my parents had, or I owned at one time.
Another view of the parade track. The blue and red stand in the rear was for the judges and race officials. The races were held between those stands and the back of the parade track. At that time, none of the buildings at the west end of Walnut Grove had been built, nor had the railroad track been put in, so there was a lot more open area than now. The car is an HCS, as in Harry C Stutz, with the very fashionable cycle fenders and cast steps, rather than full length running boards. Stutz left his first company in 1919 and, as Ransom E Olds did after he sold Oldsmobile, used his initials for his second venture.
Great pics, Steve!
Greenfield Village is still one of the better places to have a car show, as is Gilmore.
I used to own the ’73 Mustang shown before the current owner. Glad to see it’s still being well cared for! I bought it from the original owner in Warren, MI around 2007, and sold it 3 years ago. The color is actually called “Medium Copper Metallic”, with a Ginger interior and 351 2bbl V8. It’s largely unrestored, other than 1 repaint in it’s original color, updated Magnum 500 wheels, and new carpets. It had about 43000 original miles when I sold her.
I can attest…it’s still in fantastic shape. It’s made me want a ’73 convertible all over again, and I haven’t in 15 years!
I’d better change the color in the text; I’m taking a beating over that one! 🙂