Can You Identify These Ugly Cars From the '70s?

By: Kennita Leon
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify These Ugly Cars From the '70s?
Image: denizen24v via Wiki Commons

About This Quiz

The cars of the '70s were, according to experts, some of the worst in U.S. history. The oil crisis that occurred in 1973 did not help, especially because more regulations were put in place and smaller, fuel-efficient cars took over. All of this resulted in some pretty ugly cars, many of which we've featured in this quiz. These cars have weird shapes, some very unappealing design elements and some, looks aside, didn't even perform well on the road. People were constantly questioning the decisions of some car designers back then, and although we can laugh about them now, it was a sad day for consumers. 

So, we're going to call on your knowledge of ugly '70s cars in this quiz to see if you can name them from their pictures. Of course, you'll see the well-known uglies like The Thing, The Bond Bug and the Gremlin, but do you remember the Granada, Omega and the Allegro?  You might bear the shame of having ridden in one of these as your family car when you were a child, or you might even have (shudder) bought one yourself!

If you think you're up to the challenge of telling us the names of these uglies, then get started on this quiz. 

Chevrolet El Camino
Hugh Llewelyn from Keynsham, UK via Wiki Commons
The brand of this ugly car includes the likes of the Corvette and Impala. But what is its name?
Bianchina Supermini
Ford Thunderbird
Chevrolet El Camino
Duesenberg Model J
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1977 Chevrolet El Camino was the fourth generation of El Caminos to be produced. The car was redesigned using the wagon chassis and energy-absorbing hydraulics.

Oldsmobile Omega
Skully69v via Wiki Commons
Identify which of these names matches this car.
Ala Kart
Oldsmobile Omega
Auto Union Type C
Citroën Traction Avant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Manufactured and sold by Oldsmobile on the X-body platform, the Oldsmobile Omega was a compact car. A clone to the Chevrolet Nova, the Omega was available as a coupe, hatchback and sedan.

Pinto Cruising Wagon
Mr.choppers via Wiki Commons
This was inspired by a car with a similar name — think "horse." Which vehicle do you think it is?
Triumph 1800 Roadster
Duesenberg Model J
Pinto Cruising Wagon
Chevrolet Parkwood
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A variant of the Ford Pinto introduced in 1970, the 1977 Pinto was redesigned with slanted headlamp buckets, parking lamps and an all-glass rear hatch. The new Pinto resembled a small conversion van and was named the Pinto Cruising Wagon.

Advertisement

Volkswagen Thing
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA via Wiki Commons
This was initially created to be used by the Germans, but escaped to haunt the rest of the world! What is it called?
Pontiac Streamliner
Auto Union Type C
L'Oeuf Electrique
Volkswagen Thing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Officially the Volkswagen Type 181, the Volkswagen Thing was introduced in the United States in 1973. Built with a mechanical base similar to the Beetle, the Thing was initially developed for use in the West German army.

Chevrolet Chevette
Vegavairbob (talk)user Vegavairbob/Robert Spinello via Wiki Commons
Choose the name that looks like it might belong to this car.
Chevrolet Chevette
Tucker Torpedo
Ala Kart
Nash Cosmopolitan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced from 1975 to 1987, the Chevrolet Chevette was manufactured as a three-door and five-door hatchback for its 1976 model. Built on General Motors' T Platform, the Chevrolet Chevette was also known as the Pontiac Acadian.

Oldsmobile Cutlass
IdealClassicCars via Wiki Commons
A fifth-generation GM vehicle, which of these cars, named after a weapon, can you see here?
Oldsmobile Cutlass
Muntz
Porsche 356
BMW Isetta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was first manufactured by the General Motors Oldsmobile as a unibody compact car in 1961. Part of its fifth-generation line, the 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass was downsized to a 108-inch wheelbase.

Advertisement

Chevy Cordoba
OsbornTramain via youtube
Do you have any idea what this car could possibly be?
Chrysler Cordoba
Auto Union Type C
Muntz
Bandini Formula Three
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation from 1975 to 1983, the Chrysler Cordoba was a personal luxury coupe. The car featured a three-speed transmission and preceded the Chrysler Laser.

Subaru BRAT
GrassRoots Garage via youtube
This car, whose name contains an acronym, went by many names. Which of the following is one of them?
Ford Club Coupe
Porsche 356
BMW Isetta
Subaru BRAT
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A light-duty, four-wheel-drive coupe, the Subaru BRAT was sold under several nametags which included the 284 in England and Brumby in Australia. The car's name, BRAT, is an acronym for "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter."

Jaguar XJ-S
Charles01 via Wiki Commons
Can you correctly identify which of these names matches this car?
MGA
BMW Isetta
Ford Club Coupe
Jaguar XJ-S
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced by the British company Jaguar, the Jaguar XJs was sold as a luxury grand tourer. Designed based on the XJ Saloon, the Jaguar XJS was launched in 1975 during what was deemed a bad time. In the wake of the fuel crisis of the '70s, the XJS did not receive great approval.

Advertisement

Country Squire
Josephew via Wiki Commons
This Ford station wagon wasn't as successful as the creators thought it would be. What is its name?
Ford Thunderbird
Triumph 1800 Roadster
Country Squire
Citroën Traction Avant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A station wagon assembled by Ford, the Ford Country Squire was marketed as Ford's premium station wagon. The 1975 variant featured hidden headlamps, catalytic converters and, in 1978, a 351 cubic-inch V8.

Mercury Cougar
GPS 56 from New Zealand via Wiki Commons
Surviving over 30 years on the market, this vehicle shone brightly with its four headlights. But what was it called?
Nash Cosmopolitan
Buick Skylark
Pontiac Streamliner
Mercury Cougar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Mercury Cougar refers to a series of automobiles manufactured by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The 1971 variant was part of the second generation of Mercury Cougars. The 1971 model featured four exposed headlights and a larger center grille.

Mercury Comet
Sicnag via Wiki Commons
Originally based on Ford's Falcon, this vehicle was made for 17 years. What is its name?
Plymouth Deluxe
Pontiac Streamliner
Mercury Comet
Citroën Traction Avant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced as a compact and intermediate car, the Mercury Comet was manufactured by the Mercury company from 1960 to 1977. The Comet was initially based on Ford's Falcon, then on the Fairlane and finally on the Maverick.

Advertisement

Volvo 262C
Bassaar via Wiki Commons
This was the first coupe of its kind for its brand. What was it called?
Buick Skylark
Volvo 262C
Triumph 1800 Roadster
Plymouth Deluxe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed by Jan Wilsgaard in 1977, the Volvo 262c was Volvo's first luxury coupe. The car was assembled by Bertone in Turin, Italy. It was based on the Volvo 200 series.

Ford Fairmont
CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz via Wiki Commons
Which ugly '70s car is this?
Bianchina Supermini
Ford Fairmont
Pontiac Streamliner
Triumph 1800 Roadster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A successor of the Ford Falcon, the Ford Fairmont was made available as a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan and a four-door station wagon during its production life.

Datsun B-210
User:wallerdog via Wiki Commons
Match this ugly car to its name.
L'Oeuf Electrique
Duesenberg Model J
Datsun B-210
Auto Union Type C
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sold in North America as the Datsun B10, the 1973 Datsun was the third generation of the Nissan Sunny. The subcompact car became very popular during the fuel crisis and was offered in six different body styles.

Advertisement

Oldsmobile 98 Regency Coupe
Distancerunner15 via Wiki Commons
Can you correctly identify what this car is called?
Allard K1
Oldsmobile 98 Regency Coupe
Pontiac Streamliner
MGA
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The flagship model of the Oldsmobile manufactured by General Motors, the 98 was the most technologically advanced cars of its time. The 1977 model was downsized and built with a lighter but more spacious body.

Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 45
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA via Wiki Commons
What is this ultra ugly car called?
Bianchina Supermini
Buick Skylark
Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 45
Nash Cosmopolitan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on the F-85 and the Cutlass Supreme, the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 45 was manufactured from 1964 to 1977. The Vista Cruiser was styled as a station wagon.

Dodge Dart Swinger
nakhon100 via Wiki Commons
Can you correctly identify which of these names matches this car?
MGA
Citroën Traction Avant
Dodge Dart Swinger
Pontiac Streamliner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dodge Dart was first introduced in 1960 as a full-size car by the Dodge company. For its 1970 edition, the car was redesigned with rectangular taillights and a more efficient fuel system. The Swinger name was used for the two-door hardtop variant.

Advertisement

AMC Hornet
CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz via Wiki Commons
This car only survived eight years on the market. What was its name?
L'Oeuf Electrique
Auto Union Type C
Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton
AMC Hornet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A compact automobile, the AMC Hornet was manufactured by the American Motors Corporation from 1969 to 1977. The Hornet was produced in one generation and served as an experimental platform for various power sources for the company.

Chrysler LeBaron
Nickmix01 via Wiki Commons
Match this ugly vehicle to its name, please.
Allard K1
Duesenberg Model J
Chrysler LeBaron
L'Oeuf Electrique
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the 1930s, the Chrysler LeBaron was built using a body manufactured by LeBaron and a chassis manufactured by Chrysler. The 1977 models of the LeBaron were available as coupes and sedans.

Ford Granada
That Hartford Guy via Wiki Commons
This ugly vehicle has a city in its name, but can you tell us what it is?
Ford Thunderbird
Plymouth Deluxe
BMW Isetta
Ford Granada
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Marketed between 1975 and 1982 in two generations, the Ford Granada was a series of mid-size sedans. During its first generation, the Granada was sold as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. A five-door station wagon variant was introduced in its second generation.

Advertisement

AMC Pacer
CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz via Wiki Commons
Which ugly '70s car is this?
Citroën Traction Avant
Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton
AMC Pacer
Duesenberg Model J
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between the years 1975 and 1979, the AMC Pacer was manufactured by the American Motor Company. Also known as the VAM Pacer, the car was designed in 1971 with a unique round shape and large glass area.

Plymouth Arrow
Menright63 at English Wikipedia via Wiki Commons
This car was a train wreck. What is it called?
Bandini Formula Three
Ala Kart
Porsche 356
Plymouth Arrow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Known alternatively as the Lancer Celeste, the Plymouth Arrow was one of several Mitsubishi imports. The Arrow was commonly used as a race car because of its aerodynamic, lightweight design.

Dodge Omni
Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan via Wiki Commons
Also called the Plymouth Horizon, which of these options belongs to this vehicle?
Dodge Omni
Pontiac Streamliner
Ford Thunderbird
Nash Cosmopolitan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Marketed under the Plymouth Horizon nameplate, the Dodge Omni was a sub-compact, five-door hatchback. The car was manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation from 1978 to 1990.

Advertisement

Aston Martin Lagonda
Alf van Beem via Wiki Commons
Tell us which of these options best suits this car.
Tucker Torpedo
Aston Martin Lagonda
Ford Club Coupe
Allard K1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed by William Towns, the Aston Martin Lagonda is a four-door saloon manufactured between the years 1976 and 1990. The sedan owes its name to a marque purchased by Aston Martin in 1947.

Bond Bug
SG2012 via Wiki Commons
This car sounds like it was driven by a British spy. What is its name?
Plymouth Deluxe
Bond Bug
Porsche 356
BMW Isetta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A two-seater, three-wheeled automobile painted in bright yellow, the Bond Bug is of British origin. The car was initially built by Bond Cars Ltd before production transferred to Reliant Motor Company.

Chevrolet Gremlin
samspace81 via youtube
Can you tell us what this car is called?
Triumph 1800 Roadster
AMC Gremlin
Allard K1
Ford Club Coupe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Chevrolet Gremlin or AMC Gremlin was considered the "first American-built import" during its production years from 1970 to 1978. The car was designed with a near vertical tail and shortened Hornet platform.

Advertisement

Chevrolet Monza
order_242 from Chile, cropped and levels adjusted by uploader Mr.choppers via Wiki Commons
Choose the name that looks like it might belong to this car.
Tucker Torpedo
Porsche 356
Ford Club Coupe
Chevrolet Monza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced by Chevrolet from 1975 to 1980, the Chevrolet Monza was built based on the Chevrolet Vega. The Monza was built as a subcompact four-seater with a three, four and five-speed transmission.

Honda Z600
Mr.choppers via Wiki Commons
Which of these names did this car go by?
Auto Union Type C
Allard K1
Honda Z600
Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Marketed under the nameplate Honda Z, the Z600 was a two-door hatchback city car. The car was manufactured by the Honda Motor Company from 1970 to 1974.

GL Wagon
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia via Wiki Commons
Also called the Subaru Leone, what is this car's other name?
L'Oeuf Electrique
GL Wagon
Plymouth Deluxe
Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also known as the Subaru Leone, the GL Wagon was introduced in 1971 by the Japanese manufacturer Subaru. The car was manufactured as a four-wheel-drive station wagon in 1972.

Advertisement

Lincoln Versailles
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia via Wiki Commons
Coming from a division of the iconic Ford company, what name was given to this vehicle?
Lincoln Versailles
Duesenberg Model J
L'Oeuf Electrique
MGA
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Manufactured by the Lincoln division of the Ford company, the Lincoln Versailles was named after the city of Versailles in France. The smallest product of the Lincoln division, the Lincoln Versailles was a compact luxury car.

AMC Matador
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA via Wiki Commons
An American company, they're responsible for this vehicle that's named for a bullfighter. What's the vehicle's name?
Ford Club Coupe
AMC Matador
Plymouth Deluxe
Allard K1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Manufactured by the American Motors Corporation, the AMC Matador was produced in two generations between 1970 and 1978. It was available as a two-door hardtop, a four-door sedan and a four-door station wagon.

Subaru Leone
w:ja:利用者:A15ff11300g, uploaded to commons by User:Regushee via Wiki Commons
We mentioned this car earlier on in one of our questions, but can you recognize it here?
Allard K1
Subaru Leone
Plymouth Deluxe
Tucker Torpedo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The predecessor to the Subaru Impreza, the Subaru Leone was introduced in 1971 and produced until 1994. During this first generation, the car was sold as a front-wheel-drive coupe.

Advertisement

Plymouth Cricket
31Mike via youtube
Manufactured in Europe, this car failed miserably in the U.S. What was it called?
Ford Club Coupe
Tucker Torpedo
Plymouth Cricket
Porsche 356
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An adaptation of the Hillman Avenger manufactured in Europe, the Plymouth Cricket was sold in North America from 1971 to 1973. The car was designed as a small family car with rear-wheel drive.

Austin Allegro
Kieran White from Manchester, England via Wiki Commons
A British car, what name was given to this model?
Austin Allegro
Muntz
BMW Isetta
Bandini Formula Three
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Austin Allegro was built by the subdivision of British Leyland known as Austin-Morris. The Allegro, first introduced in 1973, was sold as a small family car. The Allegro replaced the Austin 1100 and 1300 models.

Bricklin SV-1
CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz via Wiki Commons
Based on this picture, what would you say this car's name is?
MGA
BMW Isetta
Duesenberg Model J
Bricklin SV-1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built in 1974, the Bricklin SV-1 was a two-seater sports car. The car was manufactured by Bricklin Canada Ltd and was easily distinguished by its gullwing doors. The car's name is an acronym for "safety vehicle one."

Advertisement

Ford Pinto
JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States via Wiki Commons
Pick the name that belongs to this car.
Ford Pinto
Tucker Torpedo
Nash Cosmopolitan
Buick Skylark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first subcompact car to be manufactured and sold by Ford in the United States, the Ford Pinto was the smallest American Ford vehicle since 1907. It was first introduced in 1971 as a fastback and developed into a hatchback by 1972.

Tatra T603
Asterion via Wiki Commons
From a Czech brand, what was this ugly car called?
Auto Union Type C
L'Oeuf Electrique
Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton
Tatra T603
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

First produced in 1956, the Tatra 603 is of Czechoslovak origin. The large luxury car featured a rear engine and was produced by the Tatra company as a part of a series of streamlined cars.

Trabant
burts via Wiki Commons
What do you think this car's name is?
Trabant
Duesenberg Model J
Auto Union Type C
Bianchina Supermini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced in East Germany from 1957 to 1990, the Trabant was manufactured by German company VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau. The car featured a 500cc two-cylinder, two-stroke engine and was described as being slow and poorly built.

Advertisement

Mustang II
Cool Stuff in Weird Cars via youtube
Coming from the Ford company, this car's first version is a classic. What's its name?
Mustang II
Chrysler CL Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton
Triumph 1800 Roadster
Porsche 356
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built to meet the demand for smaller vehicles during the 1970s, the 1974 Ford Mustang II was available as a hatchback and hardtop coupe. A pony car, the Mustang II was built using the same platform as the Ford Pinto.

You Got:
/40
denizen24v via Wiki Commons