1970s

The 70s.

They are often portrayed as an era of mediocrity and the car industry, but... We disagree (and not just out of nostalgia for bell-bottoms). It's true that new safety and pollution standards have made manufacturers' work a little harder, but that hasn't put a brake on motoring pleasure!

Mid-engined supercars took off with models like the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari BB, and the Porsche 911 was fitted with a turbo and a 'whale tale' rear spoiler. Gandini and Giugiaro came up with futuristic wedge-shaped designs, while independent manufacturers like Jensen, Iso, and De Tomaso sold European sophistication with robust American V8 engines. Meanwhile, the Cosworth DFV dominated Formula 1, and engineers experimented with all manner of aerodynamic innovations and chassis configurations. In short, it was far from boring all round.