The 1970s were a golden era for concept cars, with automakers pushing the boundaries of design, technology, and futurism. It was a time when wedge-shaped exteriors, bold colors, and experimental engineering defined the vision of the future. While most of these cars never made it to mass production, they left an indelible mark on automotive history and continue to inspire modern designs. Here are some of the most remarkable concept cars of the 1970s.
1. Lancia Stratos Zero (1970)
The Lancia Stratos Zero looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, this ultra-low, wedge-shaped concept featured a futuristic canopy entrance instead of conventional doors. Its radical design not only influenced the production Stratos but also set the tone for many supercars that followed.
2. Ferrari 512S Modulo (1970)
Designed by Pininfarina, the Ferrari 512S Modulo was a true showstopper with its spaceship-like aesthetics. The low-slung body, covered rear wheels, and sliding canopy cockpit made it one of the most daring designs of the decade. Underneath its striking shell lay a 5.0-liter V12 engine, proving that beauty and power could go hand in hand.
3. Mercedes-Benz C111 (1970-79)
The Mercedes-Benz C111 series was an experimental platform for rotary and diesel engines, wrapped in an aerodynamic fiberglass body. Initially developed with a Wankel rotary engine, later versions adopted turbocharged diesel power, setting speed records in the process. Though never intended for production, its gullwing doors and sleek styling made it an unforgettable automotive icon.
4. Alfa Romeo Carabo (1968-1970)
Although technically conceived in 1968, the Alfa Romeo Carabo left an enduring impact throughout the 1970s. Designed by Bertone, this vibrant green, wedge-shaped concept introduced scissor doors, a feature later made famous by the Lamborghini Countach. The Carabo’s sharp lines and futuristic aesthetics cemented its place in concept car history.
5. BMW Turbo (1972)
The BMW Turbo was more than just a design exercise—it was a showcase of safety innovations and turbocharged performance. Featuring gullwing doors, a mid-engine layout, and an advanced crash protection system, it foreshadowed BMW’s future sports cars, most notably the iconic M1. Its striking red-and-black design remains one of the most memorable in concept car history.
6. Lamborghini Bravo (1974)
Designed as a possible entry-level Lamborghini, the Bravo was a bold and aggressive concept by Bertone. Its compact wedge shape, large air intakes, and pop-up headlights gave it a distinct character. While it never reached production, many of its design cues later appeared in Lamborghini’s production models, including the Countach.
7. Aston Martin Bulldog (1979)
The Aston Martin Bulldog was a radical departure from the company’s traditional styling, embracing a futuristic wedge design with dramatic gullwing doors. Built to achieve speeds beyond 200 mph, it featured a twin-turbo V8 producing 600 horsepower. Though only one prototype was built, it remains one of Aston Martin’s most ambitious and audacious projects.
8. Maserati Boomerang (1971)
The Maserati Boomerang was a stunningly futuristic concept designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. With its sharply angled, wedge-shaped body and glass canopy, it looked more like a spacecraft than a road car. Beneath its radical exterior lay a 4.7-liter V8 from the Maserati Bora, making it as powerful as it was visually striking.
9. Porsche Tapiro (1970)
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Porsche Tapiro was a unique take on the classic Porsche 914. It featured a wedge-shaped body, gullwing doors, and a mid-mounted engine. Though it never went into production, the Tapiro hinted at Porsche’s willingness to explore bold, angular designs in the future.
10. Citroën Karin (1979)
The Citroën Karin was a truly unconventional concept car featuring a pyramid-shaped cockpit and a three-seat layout with the driver positioned centrally. Its radical design emphasized aerodynamics and interior innovation, pushing the boundaries of how a car could be structured for maximum efficiency and visibility.
11. Chevrolet Aerovette (1973)
The Chevrolet Aerovette was GM’s attempt at a mid-engine Corvette concept, featuring dramatic gullwing doors and a sleek, aerodynamic profile. Originally developed in the late 1960s, it resurfaced in 1973 with a rotary engine before GM ultimately decided to stick with traditional front-engine Corvettes.
The concept cars of the 1970s were more than just design experiments—they were glimpses into a future of speed, innovation, and avant-garde aesthetics. Though most never made it to production, their boldness and creativity influenced generations of automobiles. Even today, these extraordinary machines remain symbols of an era when automakers dared to dream big and design even bigger.
Now Classiest Cars of the 1960!
The 1960s was a golden era for automotive design, a time when cars weren’t just modes of transportation but rolling works of art. It was the decade of elegance, speed, and innovation, with manufacturers blending performance with timeless style. Whether it was the European grand tourers or the American muscle cars, the ‘60s produced some of the classiest vehicles ever made. Here are 15 of the most distinguished cars from this iconic decade.