Text by Patrick Bell.
Fashion is always in the state of change, as that is how it relieves people of their money. Today, we have several great images of fashion from the past that should bring back some memories for those that lived through it, and some laughs as well.
We begin with a redheaded lady who reminds me of Dale Evans, wearing a Western-style shirt and blue jeans. She was posing next to a Beaked Yucca tree, with a 1973 Dodge Dart Swinger hardtop parked behind her. The 1973 Dart was available with your choice of three engines: a 198 or 225 cubic inch Slant Six or a 318 V8. Other equipment visible was a vinyl roof, remote control mirror, body side and sill moldings, and deluxe wheel covers.
This lady in the paw-print dress was likely Mom to the three boys she was posing with. Parked on the grass to the left was a 1960 Pontiac Ventura Sports Coupe with a 1966-issue North Carolina license plate. The Ventura series consisted of a 2 and 4 door hardtop (Vista) models. It was the second-cheapest model, sharing the shorter wheelbase of the entry-level Catalina. (For 1962, the Ventura would become a trim option for the Catalina.) Buyers could choose from five different versions of the 389 cubic inch V8, ranging from 215 to 318 horsepower.
This might have been a back-to-school image, with this stylishly dressed teenage girl and her bratty little brother. They were standing next to the family wagon, a 1962-1964 Chevrolet Chevy II 100 station wagon with the optional 194 cubic inch “Hi-Thrift” 6-cylinder engine and a radio. The standard engine was a 153 cubic inch “Super-Thrift” 4 cylinder. Engine choices for the Chevy II were the same in 1962 and 1963, but 1964 brought three new options: a 230 “Turbo-Thrift” 6-cylinder and two versions of the 283 “Turbo-Fire” V8. This was a Chevrolet neighborhood: The car on the street you can see through the wagon’s windows was a 1964 Chevelle Malibu Super Sport convertible, and more distant one in the right background (next to the Chevy II’s windshield) looks like a 1969-1972 Nova 4 door sedan.
This military man and his two friends were posing with a sharp 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS 350 Sport Coupe that was equipped with the Rally Sport option, front disc brakes (which included the Rally Wheels), and perhaps a Montana license plate. This was the first year for the Chevrolet “Turbo-Fire 350” V8 with 295 horsepower, which was available only in the Camaro SS. Parked along side was a 1963-1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Panel with a camper conversion, roof top observation deck with ladder, and a front-mounted spare.
The sun was out when this photo was taken, but it must have been a cold day, judging by the way the lady on the left had her hands in her pockets. The lady on the right was holding a camera case, probably for the camera that took this photo. Behind them was a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500. The body style is difficult to determine from this angle, but I am going to call it a 4-door sedan, as I see a thick B-pillar through the back glass on the right side. Even though the lady with the purse was standing in front of the license plate, there are plenty of clues that the car was from Kentucky: Osborne Ford was located in Radcliff, and the military decal on the bumper was from Fort Knox. The license plate was blue, and it looked like it said “HARDIN” across the lower, which is the county where Radcliff and Fort Knox are located.
This fashionable lady with a wicker style purse was striking a pose on a 1966 Pontiac Catalina Hardtop Coupe with a Cordova vinyl roof. The standard Pontiac powerplant in 1966 was still the 389 cubic inch V8, now with 256 horsepower. Engine options included three other versions of the 389 with 290, 325, and 333 horsepower, plus three versions of the larger 421 cubic inch V8 with 338, 356, and 376 horsepower. The Hardtop Coupe was the second most popular Catalina after the 4-door sedan.
Three ladies who may have been different generations of the same family were about to enter a 1968 Buick Special Deluxe Thin-Pillar Coupe with an Illinois Bicentennial (1976) license plate. The grass was nice and green, but the ladies were bundled up, so perhaps it was a cool spring day. Special Deluxe was the entry level Buick in 1968, and this coupe was the least expensive, with a base list price of $2513. For that chunk of change, you received a Chevrolet 250 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder engine and a 3-speed manual transmission. If you wanted more, two versions of Buick’s 350 V8 were optional. Most of these cars had the two-speed Super Turbine 300 automatic.
And here was Dale Evans again, this time decked out in, uh, green. The 1970’s were a decade of green overdose. “Earthy” colors were “in,” and I think the green tones were more popular than the brown tones. Cars, fashion, furniture, flooring, kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and just about anything else you could think of were available in green. Even Dale’s Dart had a green interior. It took me about forty years to recover from all this greenery, but now I like it because at least it is a color in a world that has become so colorless.
This sharply dressed gentleman was posing with a 1968 Pontiac Firebird Hardtop from Fulton County, Georgia, the home of Atlanta. It was equipped with a Cordova vinyl roof, Rally II wheels, and red line tires. The Firebird had five models,which were essentially based around their available engines: base, Sprint, 350, H.O., and 400. The engines ranged from a 250 cubic inch overhead-cam 6-cylinder, in mild or hot versions, plus two versions of the 350 V8 and three 400 cubic inch V8s.
This fellow was dressed a little more casually. He was sitting on the back of a 1970 Ford Torino SportsRoof from Florida. The Torino was newly reskinned for 1970, and was available in five body styles and five trim levels, plus the Ranchero. Available engines started with a 250 cubic inch 6-cylinder and 302 V8. Options included two versions of the 351 V8 and three versions of the big 429 V8, including two Cobra Jet versions, which could be ordered on all body styles except the wagons.
This gentleman looked like a visitor to the neighborhood, as his 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe was much more expensive than any of the cars around it. The Continental was equipped with the Coach roof (a vinyl half top). In California, it was only available with the 400 cubic inch V8; everywhere else, the only engine was the 460 cubic inch V8. The cars on the street behind it were, from left to right, a 1977 Plymouth Arrow GT; a 1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan; a 1974 or 1975 Chevrolet Vega hatchback coupe; and a 1971 Plymouth Fury III.
This young man in red plaid pants was posing with a rare car: the 1976 Chevrolet Vega Cabriolet. It was a Vega Sport Coupe with special trim, a padded landau-style vinyl roof, and opera windows, reminiscent of the popular Cadillac Coupe de Ville. It appears to have been a one-year-only package, as there was no mention of it in the 1977 sales brochures. The Vega offered two versions of the 140 cubic inch Dura-Built 4-cylinder engine, which received many changes to improve its reliability. This car had aftermarket chrome rims and wide tires on the back, and an Iowa license plate issued in Story County, where the largest city is Ames.
The Ford Pinto was a popular subcompact, although its sales were slipping by the time this young man’s 1978 2-door sedan rolled off the line. It was equipped with the Rallye Appearance Package, which included gold accent stripes, dual racing mirrors, and styled steel wheels along with some other goodies. It had a Texas license plate, but the license plate frame was from Paul Swanson Ford in Los Gatos, California. And leaning against it was likely the owner who was bundled up on a crisp fall day. Parked behind it were a 1974-1977 Chevrolet Camaro and a car I do not recognize. In the background, the car in the driveway to the left was a 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Hardtop Coupe.
The young man on the right stood out from the rest of his well-dressed family as they posed with a white 1978-1981 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe. The car was equipped with the optional Sky Roof (T-tops), rear spoiler, sport mirrors, and Rally wheels. Engines available outside of California for 1978-1979 were the 250 cubic inch inline 6, and the 305 and 350 V8s. In 1980-1981, it could also have the 3.8-liter Buick V6 or the new Chevrolet 267 V8 in addition to the others. Parked across the street was a black 1967 Cadillac 2-door hardtop, either a Calais Coupe or a Coupe de Ville.
This young couple had a 1977 or 1978 Chrysler LeBaron 2-door with a Connecticut license plate. The LeBaron was a new midsize Chrysler model with an old name. It offered only one engine for 1977, the 318 cubic inch V8, but the lineup was expanded in 1978 to also include the 225 Slant Six and two versions of the 360 cubic inch V8. The lady on the left was holding the camera case while the man looked on. The boy in the yellow sweatshirt on the bike may have been a photo bomber.
Finally, we have a lady in a puffer vest lounging across the hood of a 1982 or 1983 Honda Accord on a cool afternoon. For some reason, she had a pair of goggles in her lap. This was the second-generation Accord, which was doing very well in America. Some cars were now built in the US in a new assembly plant in Marysville Ohio, which opened in November 1982. The Accord was available as a three-door hatchback in standard or LX trim, or as a four-door sedan. All used a 1.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 75 horsepower. I can’t identify the car behind the Accord, but the black car at the right was a 1973-1975 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with snow tires on the rear.
Thanks for joining us and have a great day!
Note: If you wish to see your vintage photos featured at Curbside Classic, send them to us at [email protected].
The mystery car in the Pinto photo is a Scirocco maybe? 75-77 with the blinkers that don’t wrap around. Hard to tell for sure, but I believe that’s what I’m seeing
My first assumption was also Scirocco – I owned a ‘77 – but the proportions seem a little different. Maybe a 3 door Dasher? Definitely water cooled VW though.
1975 5-door seems to fit…
Yes I think that’s it. The mirror matches and the size is about right
Definitely not a Scirocco. The first generation had a single windshield wiper which pivoted from the middle of the windshield. I had a ’79, and it seemed that the metal on the inside of the wiper arm was always stripping from contact with the wiper motor, making the wiper useless.
Looking at the photo again, that could be a 1975 Scirocco. The single wiper system started in 1976. If you zoom in, it looks like a SCIROCCO decal has been added to the upper windshield.
The windshield (and the whole car) is too tall to be a Scirocco. It’s a Dasher/Passat.
Dasher was my first thought as well, but it appears like there is a amber lamp on the front of the fender, and it threw me off. Perhaps an optical illusion?
I was thinking possibly a Mercedes Benz?
The gentleman with the 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe looks like a Mafia don….just saying.
Maybe an early Tony.
If I had the photos from my youth, I could be either guy in the Vega or Pinto photos. I was just entering college at this time and these cars filled the dormitory parking lots. Yes, I admit it, I too I had a pair of those checkered pants. It was the late 70’s, you had to be there to understand the mindset!! =8-)
Agreed. He looks straight out of a Martin Scorsese movie 🎥. He just needs a voiceover from DeNiro or Pesci introducing him.
Is it an Illusion, or is the front tire on that Lincoln a little low?
I’m one of the “lived through it all” CC-ers; cars, clothing, and hairstyles all very familiar. Thanks for the time-travel fun, when my grandparents were looking upon all this with the longer view I now have toward today’s fashion trends.
The photos remind us that Americans really were slimmer then (younger me included, but that’s another story). On average, we’re an inch taller than in 1960, but 28-29 pounds heavier.
Nice ;
I remember those clothing styles, only a few are missed .
-Nate
The young lady on the hood of the Accord is pondering whether or not those dealer add-on bumper guards were worth the $500 they charged. But she knows the $350 Polyglycoat paint protection is doing its job, protecting the hood from scratches and scuffs from her clothes and boots. If you weren’t around in those days, it was almost impossible to buy a new Honda without that stuff. I’m sure hers also has Scotchgard interior protection ($100) and pinstriping ($375).
You know that hasn’t changed at all… I went to buy a SI Coupe a few years back, it had several thousand dollars worth of dealer installed stuff I didn’t want on it… in fact, that experience sent me on to buying from one of those large Internet car dealers, which in my case turned out to be a happy way of purchasing my Scion FR S… 5 years later still out in the garage
The guy on the trunk of the Torino looks like a real life Rusty Jones.
The Vega Cabriolet and its owner is my favorite. Wow! Such pride of ownership, of a car that some would see as just about the dorkiest car at the time. I had forgotten (or repressed) that these existed. Same goes for his outfit. Truly amazing times, the seventies. And I survived them!
First photo, is that Flo from Mel’s Dinner? “Well kiss my grits!”
Photo #3,
2 kids goofing around & a Chevy-II wagon ……
“Hi-Thrift” 6-cylinder engine and a radio. The standard engine was a 153 cubic inch “Super-Thrift” 4 cylinder.
…….. Then, there was the “Spend-Thrift” 4bbl. V-8 400+ HP
Again, great pics, Rich!)
Now who doesn’t like green cars today? Yesterday I went with my wife over to Costco which is not an every month occurrence for me. Parking lot is always packed and cars milling everywhere which drives me crazy so she lets me get out before looking. Last weekend, before Xmas, so super crazy. So I can’t help with finding the car, when done, so I just follow her. Her and my son are walking down a row thinking this is where the car was. It wasn’t as it was another row over. I exclaimed out loud how the hell do you find a car when everything if medium to dark gray with a white car thrown in. Her car dark gray. I’m thanking the gods that my drivers are green and blue while being old styles that stick out like a sore thumb. So four green cars isn’t bad now.
The Camaro in 80-81 could also have had the 229 Chevrolet V6. Saw one at the wrecking yard once with said 229 and a 4 speed. Still kick myself for not snagging the trans from it.
Great collection of pictures!
I had a sense that “Dale Evans” from the first photo was a lover of color…green in particular. Her Dart is either a lime green or perhaps yellow, either of which were great 70s colors. The second photo of Dale, in her green dress just seals the deal. There is no doubt what color the appliances are in her house. Likely the same color as the electric can opener, plastic coffee percolator, and Tupperware canister set.
The brother and sister in front of the Chevy II wagon are great. Can you imagine a time when jr. high/high school students dressed like that for school? I do.
Great ‘fro on the middle kid in the group of siblings/cousins in front of the Camaro. That kid has style (and is willing to put time into his hair, which clearly not every kid his age was willing to do).
Guy with the Lincoln? Could absolutely be in Philly or NJ. The Impala could have either PA or NY plates (Eric should be able to figure that out 😉 ), although the Vega looks like it has NJ plates. He’s a guy who knows a guy. Or maybe a dentist.
Finally, the girl on the Honda’s hood? She looks very much like someone I knew (etc.) in college right around that time. The goggles? Yeah, why not?
My guess is New Jersey – looks to me like the Impala and Vega both have Jersey plates, plus the Lincoln has what looks like a square inspection sticker on the lower passenger side windshield, which matches NJ inspection stickers of the time. That’s my favorite photo of the bunch here!
The Vega Cabriolet seems like an attempt to look like the Monza Town Coupe since those usually had a half vinyl roof and opera windows. It was the Brougham era as well as the Malaise Era after all.
Which makes me wonder if anybody in the 70s ever tried to build a miniature Super Fly car out of a Monza or a Mustang II.
Perhaps a little too brougham-y for this guy, maybe a recent Iowa State University graduate with his new ride “in transition” until he had more money to swap the front wheels to match the rear.
The ‘Dale Evens’ woman reminds me of Flo on Alice. “Kiss my Grits!”
The lady in the puffer vest looks like she had recently taken a few puffs of something.
This was my first car in my junior year of high school.
Lucky kid!
The Dale Evans pics stand out to me. Nice suburban house, a Swinger in the driveway, smiling happy red head, looks like domestic bliss, if the Dart has a 318, who could ask for more.
If you’re shooting a photograph of people, why do you leave extra sky above the faces and cut the legs off at the bottom?
The girl in the Chevy ll wagon pic was the one to watch. Gave the folks plenty of headaches, she looks like the dangerous type, mid 60s, good heavens, if she’s still with us, the stories SHE could tell. The “peace sign” says it all.
My Uncle, Chip Young (née Jerry Stembridge), in the ’60s when his career as a Nashville studio musician and recording engineer was taking off. He hosted a number of family reunions at his Brentwood, TN home, and at one point I recall seeing a *pair* of Mercedes 300 SL coupes in the driveway (both non-runners at the time).