1979 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. The design feature that stands out the most on these are the grill-mounted turn signals (which shows just how boring the design is). This 210, though it has some rust, looks great with blue pinstripes and the original hubcaps.

 

 

1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula

The second-generation Firebird, like the Camaro it was based on, made its debut in 1970, and would last for 11 years before it was retired. Performance started out strong, though dropped considerably throughout the seventies. Still, even in 1975, the Firebird was still available with 400 and 455 ci engines. This Formula's green paint and matching stripes date it instantly: a very 70s paint job for a very 70s car.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

1979 VW Dasher 5-Door

The VW Dasher was the U.S. version of the Passat, itself a slightly modified Audi Fox. It was available as the fastback sedan shown here, and a wagon. In 1978, it was redesigned with quad headlights and larger bumpers. The Dasher was replaced by the Quantum in 1981. This 5-door has interesting silhouette, and the pink, white, and orange stripes down the side are straight out of the '70s.

 

 

 

 

1976 Ford Courier

The Courier was Ford's entry into the minitruck market in the 70s and 80s. It was a rebadged Mazda, though with a Ford-designed grill. The first generation shown here lasted until 1976, and the second (and final) lasted until '85. The early Couriers are becoming rare, so it was a treat to see this one, especially in such good and original condition.

 

 

 

 

1971 Toyota Celica

Though advertisements said "it's pretty easy to think you're in a sports car", the Celica, introduce to the U.S. in 1971, was actually a fairly capable performance machine. The Celica was available in LT, ST, and GT trims, though it's hard to tell what this one is. This first-year Celica has been parked outside a repair shop for years, and is in solid, though incomplete shape.

 

 

 

1970 Datsun 521 Pickup

The 521 was an updated 520, Datsun's basic pickup, and predecessor to the popular 620 and 720. Introduced in 1966, the truck had the same front end as the 411 sedan, which was redesigned in 1970, the same year the 520 became the 521. This early 521 is a little worse for wear in the front, but has no rust and appears to be completely functional and drivable.

 

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.