1970 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle

1970 brought an updated Chevelle, with bigger, more rectangular looks, and even bigger optional engines. The ultimate, of course, was the SS with the LS-6 454, but plainer cars (like this one) were available. It's refreshing to see a '70 Chevelle with dog-dish hubcaps, no racing stripes, and Malibu badging.

 

 

 

1972 AMC Hornet SST

The Hornet was AMC's compact, competing with the Nova, Maverick, and Dart, as well as the new imports. It was introduced in 1970, and would last until 1977, though the same basic car formed the base for the "new" Concord. By the mid 70s, the Hornet was available in sedan, coupe, wagon, and hatch body styles, and, for 1971 only, the sporty SC360. Styling was handsome and modern, and looks great in this blue and white two-tone.

 

 

 

 

1985 Datsun Nissan 200SX Turbo

The 3rd gen 200SX made its debut in 1984, and lasted until 1988. Like its predecessor, it was available as a fastback or a notchback. These 200SXs always seemed surprisingly large to me, based on their looks and competitors of the time. This car has a 1.8 turbo, which calls for a spoiler, hood bulge, and lots of badges to identify it as such.

 

 

 

 

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV

The classic Alfa Romeo coupes are remembered today for the gorgeous looks, and great performance. Though they started out underpowered, by the mid 70s the GTV was a competent performance machine. The styling may be simple, but the curvy rear pillar and large circular lights make for a classic, beautiful, and timeless design. This GTV features the later grill, with the bars forming the crest, and looks great in a very Italian bright red. 

 

 

 

 

1971 BMW 2002

The classic sporty small car, the 2002 has achieved legendary status today for its great looks, and great performance, whether stock or tuned. The 2002, along with the other BMW sedans and coupes from the same time period, saved BMW at a difficult time for the company. The 2002 was built from 1968 to 1975, and was available as a fuel-injected tii, and a turbo, both highly collectible today. This 2002 has the earlier, and prettier, circular rear lights, and is finished in a great shade of blue.

 

 

  

 

1982 Toyota Celica GT

The 3rd gen Celica was introduced in 1981 with a very angular body, the style at the time. Like the Corolla AE86 of later years, it was available in both notchback and fastback/liftback body styles, and the styling was similar as well. Earlier cars had the exposed, though slanted, headlights, while later cars' headlights were fully hidden. Performance was okay, but a GT-S model was added for those who wanted a sporty Celica. This one looks great with the fender flares, 4-spoke rims, and pre-facelift headlights.

 

 

 

 

1981 Datsun 210

The 210 replaced the B210 as Datsun's basic economy car. It was reliable,got good gas mileage, and was practical: all it needed to be. For 1980, the 210 received the recognizable grill design shown here. Personally, I think the lights in the grill are a cool styling feature, and freshen up an otherwise mundane design. This 2-door sedan's chrome and paint still shine, and the gold pinstripe is a great accent on this car.