The Top Five Most Popular First Cars in the 1970s
Ready to dive into the world of 1970s motoring? Here’s what new drivers were up to.
The era of Bob Marley, the Atari arcade game, Pong, and roller rinks playing ABBA. Sound carefree? Although the 1970s brought with it the same airy countercultural themes of the 1960s, the ‘70s had an edge. A permanent effort to cement the freedom of the ‘60s was about to take place.
The 1970s was a decade of great change, all around the world. Women's rights and reinforcement of civil rights had the masses protesting and fighting for their cause. To add to the turmoil, the world was going through an energy crisis, which in turn was causing a financial crash as a domino effect.
Amidst the chaos, normal life adjusted and carried on. The energy crisis throughout the decade had an impact on car choices. First time drivers needed to be sure they were getting the best car for their cash - both fuel and money were tight. Let’s see what cars were popular for our 1970s’ first time drivers.
Ford Cortina
The Ford Cortina was a full decade into production by the ‘70s. It was only pipped to the post as a nation favourite by the Ford Escort later in the decade but maintained a strong, consistent production.
As a perfect all-rounder vehicle, a well-treated Cortina would last through life’s many stages making it perfect for newbies. The entry level 1.3-litre engine made a perfect introduction to driving and an economical choice.
Fun fact:
- Named after the Italian ski resort, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- Cortina Auto-Bobbing was a real stunt, performed at d’Ampezzo on the Olympic bobsled run.
- They have been popular banger racing cars and even now have a cult following in the sport.
Vauxhall Viva
Equipped with a small 1,159cc engine, great suspension set up for fantastic handling and coupe styling. The Vauxhall Viva, specifically the HB Viva model, was a popular choice for first time drivers.
However, the Viva was a direct competitor to the Ford Escort. The Viva felt the pressure to prove itself but didn’t quite succeed. Vauxhall ended production of the HB Viva at the beginning of the '70s. This was due to being unable to compete with the build quality, performance, or reputation of the Escort.
Fun fact:
- Described in a popular motoring journal of the time as ‘among the slowest cars on the road’.
- The HB Viva developed a reputation for rusty wings, as the notorious British weather took hold.
- The well-known Bedford Van in the same family became fleet cars for British Telecom, British Rail and the Post Office.
Reliant Robin
Perhaps a quirky choice on the face of it, The Reliant Robin had a lot going for it. The Robin became more widely adopted in these exceptional times because of its tiny fuel-saving 750cc engine. First time drivers could be sure of a low cost and economical-to-run car.
Thanks to the ability to drive the Robin on a bike license, the three-wheeler became popular with motorbike owners too – a warmer and safer choice during the winter months.
Fun fact:
- The last Reliant Robin was the prize in a competition run by The Sun newspaper.
- 65 limited editions were created and had the new owner’s name engraved in a gold dashboard plaque.
- Look familiar? You’ll have seen a Robin more than once on Top Gear episodes. Most notably as a modified Space Shuttle and the infamous Jeremy Clarkson Sheffield to Rotherham road trip.
Ford Escort
Ford have always been successful with their functional yet fun family cars. The Ford Escort was no different. Introduced for the first time in the late ‘60s into the 70s, it took Britain by storm.
The engine options of 1.1-litre and 1.3-litre were understandably attractive to fuel conscious drivers. Especially new drivers who had higher than usual insurance to pay for. There was no – or very little – monthly financing available for buyers like there is today.
Fun fact:
- The Ford Escort’s performance in the rallying world was infamous. With the road-legal special edition Escort Mexico being a direct result of their successes.
- Over 4.1 million Escorts were sold in Britain during its 33-year production.
- The Ford Focus was the successor to the Escort and is still one of the top choices for family cars to date.
Ford Fiesta
We all know the ever-popular Ford Fiesta, in fact we all mourned when we lost the production of the nippy car last year. But where did it begin?
Its origins start in 1976, with 957cc and 1,117cc engines, in various trim levels. With quite the collection of trims to choose from depending on budget, combined with the small economical engines. The cars were an instant hit with all drivers in the ‘70s but particularly new drivers, just as they are today.
Fun fact:
- In June 1976, just before going on sale, a Fiesta had pride of place at a display at Le Man 24 Hour Race in France.
- Henry Ford II chose the name ‘Fiesta’ himself, meaning ‘party’ in Spanish.
- The Fiesta was successful in the motorsport world – particularly rallycross and circuit racing.
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