The 1970s were a wild time for car design. With changing fuel regulations, the oil crisis, and shifting tastes, car manufacturers produced some… interesting models. They were heavy on the experimental but sometimes came off as clunky, awkward, or just plain ugly. Here’s a list of the ugliest cars to roll out of the factories in the ’70s—whether we loved them, hated them, or loved to hate them!
1. AMC Gremlin
This car had a face only a mother could love. AMC’s Gremlin had a chopped-off back, creating a stubby design that looked like it had been squished. Despite the awkward look, it gained a cult following and was marketed as a trendy economy car, even though it didn’t win any beauty awards.
2. Ford Pinto
The Pinto became infamous not only for its design but also for safety issues. With its awkward proportions, tiny size, and “bubble” back window, it was designed as an affordable compact but ended up looking rather odd. While it had its fans, it remains a classic case of functionality over style.
3. Chevrolet Chevette
The Chevette might have been practical and fuel-efficient, but its design was purely utilitarian. The boxy, no-frills look made it seem uninspired, and with the energy crisis in full swing, it became a staple for those needing cheap transport rather than sleek style.
4. Ford Mustang II
While the Mustang is iconic, the Mustang II was considered a design disaster by many fans. It was shrunken down to meet new fuel economy standards, but in the process, lost its muscular look and charm. With an unremarkable body and stripped-down power, it barely resembled the classic Mustang.
5. AMC Pacer
Dubbed the “flying fishbowl,” the AMC Pacer had a rounded, glass-heavy design that left many scratching their heads. It may have been ahead of its time in terms of aerodynamics, but the oversized windows and unusual proportions gave it a distinct—and, let’s face it, peculiar—look.
6. Chrysler Cordoba
Known for its Corinthian leather seats and Ricardo Montalban commercials, the Chrysler Cordoba had a luxurious interior but an uninspired, bloated exterior. Its large, square front grille looked overdone, and its body was bulky, giving it an unbalanced, clumsy appearance.
7. Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare
This pair of cars shared the same body, and unfortunately, the same unfortunate design. Though practical for families, their boxy shape, oversized grilles, and drab colors made them forgettable—except in the realm of ‘70s ugly cars.
8. Bricklin SV-1
A “safety vehicle” that was anything but beautiful, the SV-1 had gullwing doors and a fiberglass body, but its boxy shape and sharp angles made it look more like a Lego car than a sports car. Though rare and collectible now, it wasn’t exactly a stunner on the road.
9. Chevrolet Vega
The Vega was supposed to be Chevy’s answer to fuel-efficient cars but ended up with a reputation for rust issues and a design that didn’t win fans. With a narrow, sloping hood and a boxy back end, the Vega looked neither sporty nor refined—just plain blah.
10. Triumph TR7
The TR7 was a British sports car with a unique “wedge” design that just didn’t resonate. With a boxy front and sharp angles, it had none of the elegance that sports car fans expected. While it was supposed to look modern and edgy, it came off more like a doorstop on wheels.
11. Lincoln Continental Mark IV
The Continental Mark IV was luxury personified in the ‘70s—but with the price of over-the-top styling. Its huge body, exaggerated grille, and opera windows made it look like a rolling living room. Some adored the luxury; others found the design excessive and outdated.
12. Oldsmobile Omega
Oldsmobile’s attempt at a compact car, the Omega, was just bland. With its uninspired, boxy frame and minimal character, the Omega looked like a car that simply missed the mark on style. It didn’t help that it often ended up parked next to flashier models, making it look even more plain by comparison.
13. Pontiac Aztek (Honorable Mention)
While the Aztek technically came out later, it deserves a place in the hall of fame of ugly cars. Designed with practical purposes in mind, it ended up looking awkward and overdone. Its clunky design might have fit better in the ‘70s lineup than the early 2000s.
While some of these cars are now collector’s items with loyal fan bases, there’s no denying that they had a style all their own—often misunderstood, but unforgettable. The ‘70s were all about experimenting, and these cars are evidence that sometimes, that experimentation didn’t result in beauty, but they sure made their mark.
