Design through the decades: 1970s

We take a walk through seven decades of the most interesting automotive designs. This week - the '70s.

Check out the other parts in this series:

Design through the decades: 1950s
Design through the decades: 1960s

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Volkswagen Golf GTI (1976)

The Mark 1 GTI. The first hot hatch.

Perhaps THE major socio-political events during the 1970s were the oil crises in Europe and America. These underscored the need to create new types of vehicles that balanced performance with fuel economy.

The GTI was one of the first cars to balance efficiency, practicality and performance.

Arguably the original hot hatch, the iconic yet utilitarian GTI proved that the term ‘efficient performance’ wasn’t an oxymoron. Now-trademark styling features such as the red trim around the front radiator and the ‘golf-ball’ gearshift hinted at the car’s performance.

The Golf GTI's gearshift proves even Germans have a sense of humour.

Alfa Romeo Montreal (1970)

When the Montreal launched it was more expensive than a Jag E-Type.

The Montreal’s fuel-guzzling V8 powertrain meant that sales evaporated after the 1973 oil crisis.

Nevertheless, the Montreal is memorable as a design icon due its several unique styling features. The mesh grille, partly covering the headlamps, together with slats along the C-pillar and Kamm tail combine with the long dash-to-axle ratio to create an elegant, if different, coupe.

The C-Pillar slats help set the Montreal apart.

Citroen SM (1970)

The SM continued the design trends started by the DS.

With the DS demonstrating French ingenuity, and Citroën buying Maserati, it was time for Citroën to develop its take on the sports-luxury GT. The SM was the result.

Partially enclosed wheels enhance the rocket-like styling.

The SM continued the avant-garde, space-age styling themes of the DS, with its teardrop shape accentuated by partially enclosed wheels. Subtle character lines running from the trailing edge of the rear window and along the vehicle’s side profile enhanced the vehicle’s rocket-like styling.

Lancia Stratos (1973)

The look of the Stratos is as exotic as its Ferrari-Dino engine.

Design consultancy Bertone sought the business of Lancia, who required a new rally car to replace the ageing Fulvia. With Lancia and Ferrari under Fiat ownership, the Stratos was the opportune result: a Bertone designed rally car powered with a Ferrari drivetrain.

The Stratos’ compact wedge shape encapsulated a short wheelbase ideal for rallying, with further details such as the helmet visor shaped side windows accentuating the car’s racing focus.

Porsche 928 (1977)

The 928 had a simpler, more organic profile.

Intended to replace the increasingly obsolete air-cooled, rear-engined 911, the Porsche 928 was notable for its uncluttered, organic styling.

Porsche purists were put off by the idea of a front-engined car.

Unusual for its time, the 928 featured a seamless rear bumper flush with the tailgate. The lack of creases or other adornments added to the styling by accentuating the basic proportions of the car.