- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
Okay, okay, okay. I know. We have the thread for the new Yankees. Why not take a look at these three as they appeared in the '70 Model Year, 40 years from next.
Chevrolet Camaro
In 1970, the Camaro entered it's second and longest-running generation. It was a dramatic departure from the previous version on the exterior front, having swoopy european-inspired styling. The Z/28 model was derestricted from 5.0L by a change in Trans Am regulations, and now carried the first iteration of the LT1 engine. The Z/28 now had a 350ci engine. SS and RS packages were also available, and engines ranged from the stalwart 250ci six to a 396ci BBC...although, apparently, it actually displaced 402ci. Early order sheets specified 454s, but none were built.
Ford Mustang
Ford's Mustang also got a mild restyling from the previous year. the headlights were moved inside the grille, and distinctive vents were put itn their place. While the car could be had with a measly 200ci six, It was clear that "Total Performance" had reached a fever pitch. From the (still) 302ci Boss mill, to a total of THREE different 428s, and the Boss 429 NASCAR Homologation Motor, The Mustang was a force to be reckoned with.
Dodge Challenger
Dodge was late to the pony car party, being beaten even by it's sister division Plymouth with the original Barracuda. However, the Challenger that came out in 1970 was quite attractive, with dramatic, curvy styling. It was larger and more luxurious than the other two cars (whereas today's version is just larger,) and meant to take on the Cougar and Firebird. However, that did not mean the car wasn't potent: the 225 slant six was known for having some grunt, and numerous small-block and big-block V8 engines could be had, up to the mighty 440-6 and 426 Hemi. Trans-am Homoligation was taken care of by the T/A, with a 6 bbl 340ci engine.
For those of you who like being different, other Ponycars were available...
Pontiac Firebird
Like it's F-body platformmate, the Firebird was also all-new for '70, and shared many components...save for the engine lineup. In those days, Pontiac made their own engines, and these were Quite potent. Unfortunately, the legendary 455 would have to wait another year, but one could have the Ram Air IV, a bit downspecced from the GTO's version. No Six was available...what do you expect?
Mercury Cougar
Mercury's Cougar was a bigger, more luxurious Mustang, and 1970 would prove it's final year as a ponycar. Like the Firebird, there was no six option, but there could be any of the Mustang's hi-po V8s, including the Boss 429...only two were built with this option, however.
Plymouth Barracuda/'Cuda
The 'Cuda was all new for 1970. Gone was the fastback, say hello to a Challenger-like bodystyle, but smaller and lighter. Despite being the Challenger's less-expensive little brother, it could be had with every single engine, including the Hemi, 440-6, and 340-6, the latter in a special model called the "AAR," Named after Dan Gurney's "All American Racers," who used the 'Cuda in Trans Am.
AMC Javelin
What now? You don't want a car from the Big Three? Well, lucky you, American Motors is still around, and do they have a car to sell you! The Javelin was actually quite the potent car. No, the 390ci engine wasn't the most potent offered by a manufacturer...you wanted power, you got a BOSS or Hemi. No, the Javelin's forte was handling. It was well-balanced, had optional Disc brakes, and a revised front suspension for '70. If you really wanted to fly the flag, you could get one of 50 red, white, and blue "Trans Am editions." Trans-am-o-philes could get a "Mark Donohue" edition with a spoiler designed by the man. Gas misers could get the 232 ci AMC six, while there were also new 304ci and 360ci engines. As well, you could get the rear-seats removed AMX model, which was lighter and more focused.
Chevrolet Camaro
In 1970, the Camaro entered it's second and longest-running generation. It was a dramatic departure from the previous version on the exterior front, having swoopy european-inspired styling. The Z/28 model was derestricted from 5.0L by a change in Trans Am regulations, and now carried the first iteration of the LT1 engine. The Z/28 now had a 350ci engine. SS and RS packages were also available, and engines ranged from the stalwart 250ci six to a 396ci BBC...although, apparently, it actually displaced 402ci. Early order sheets specified 454s, but none were built.
Ford Mustang
Ford's Mustang also got a mild restyling from the previous year. the headlights were moved inside the grille, and distinctive vents were put itn their place. While the car could be had with a measly 200ci six, It was clear that "Total Performance" had reached a fever pitch. From the (still) 302ci Boss mill, to a total of THREE different 428s, and the Boss 429 NASCAR Homologation Motor, The Mustang was a force to be reckoned with.
Dodge Challenger
Dodge was late to the pony car party, being beaten even by it's sister division Plymouth with the original Barracuda. However, the Challenger that came out in 1970 was quite attractive, with dramatic, curvy styling. It was larger and more luxurious than the other two cars (whereas today's version is just larger,) and meant to take on the Cougar and Firebird. However, that did not mean the car wasn't potent: the 225 slant six was known for having some grunt, and numerous small-block and big-block V8 engines could be had, up to the mighty 440-6 and 426 Hemi. Trans-am Homoligation was taken care of by the T/A, with a 6 bbl 340ci engine.
For those of you who like being different, other Ponycars were available...
Pontiac Firebird
Like it's F-body platformmate, the Firebird was also all-new for '70, and shared many components...save for the engine lineup. In those days, Pontiac made their own engines, and these were Quite potent. Unfortunately, the legendary 455 would have to wait another year, but one could have the Ram Air IV, a bit downspecced from the GTO's version. No Six was available...what do you expect?
Mercury Cougar
Mercury's Cougar was a bigger, more luxurious Mustang, and 1970 would prove it's final year as a ponycar. Like the Firebird, there was no six option, but there could be any of the Mustang's hi-po V8s, including the Boss 429...only two were built with this option, however.
Plymouth Barracuda/'Cuda
The 'Cuda was all new for 1970. Gone was the fastback, say hello to a Challenger-like bodystyle, but smaller and lighter. Despite being the Challenger's less-expensive little brother, it could be had with every single engine, including the Hemi, 440-6, and 340-6, the latter in a special model called the "AAR," Named after Dan Gurney's "All American Racers," who used the 'Cuda in Trans Am.
AMC Javelin
What now? You don't want a car from the Big Three? Well, lucky you, American Motors is still around, and do they have a car to sell you! The Javelin was actually quite the potent car. No, the 390ci engine wasn't the most potent offered by a manufacturer...you wanted power, you got a BOSS or Hemi. No, the Javelin's forte was handling. It was well-balanced, had optional Disc brakes, and a revised front suspension for '70. If you really wanted to fly the flag, you could get one of 50 red, white, and blue "Trans Am editions." Trans-am-o-philes could get a "Mark Donohue" edition with a spoiler designed by the man. Gas misers could get the 232 ci AMC six, while there were also new 304ci and 360ci engines. As well, you could get the rear-seats removed AMX model, which was lighter and more focused.
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Oh why couldn't this have been the 1969 edition? 
