The 1970s began with the mightiest muscle cars ever built and ended with disco and the last of the big convertibles. You can rent a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454, a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL, a 1975 Rolls-Royce Corniche, a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, a 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle convertible.
On this page
The 1970s opened with the most powerful muscle cars America ever built and closed with disco, wide lapels and the end of an era for the American convertible. In between came fuel crises, plush personal-luxury coupes, European flagships and the cheerful Volkswagen Beetle. It’s a decade of big personalities, and its cars are having a moment again. Here are the real 1970s cars you can rent through our classic car rental service, and the story behind each one.
The 1970s at a glance
| Year | Car | Great for |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 | Muscle-car fans and photo shoots |
| 1972 | Mercedes-Benz 300SEL | Classic European elegance |
| 1975 | Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible | A top-down getaway |
| 1976 | Cadillac Eldorado convertible | Golden anniversaries and 50th birthdays |
| 1976 | Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow | 1970s glamour for weddings |
| 1977 | Volkswagen Beetle convertible | Fun, sunny and full of personality |
What made 1970s cars special
- The muscle peak. In 1970 horsepower hit its high point, with the biggest V8s ever fitted to mid-size cars.
- Then the world changed. New emissions rules, rising insurance costs and the 1973 oil crisis brought the muscle era to a close within a few years.
- Personal luxury. Plush coupes and convertibles, vinyl roofs, velour seats and long hoods became the new status symbols.
- The last convertibles. As safety rules loomed, American carmakers dropped their convertibles one by one, until Cadillac’s 1976 Eldorado was billed as the last of them.
- European class. Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce built some of their most admired cars, while the Volkswagen Beetle stayed the most lovable car on the road.
The 1970s cars you can rent
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
1970 was the high-water mark of the muscle car, and the Chevelle SS 454 was one of its kings. That year Chevrolet offered it with a 454-cubic-inch V8 that, in LS6 form, was rated at 450 horsepower, one of the highest figures of the entire muscle-car era. This silver Chevelle with black stripes is a legend from the last great year before everything changed.
Great for: car lovers, engagement and photo shoots, music videos, 1970s parties.
1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL
The 300SEL was the long-wheelbase flagship of Mercedes-Benz’s W108 and W109 generation, the last top Mercedes before the company began calling its big sedans the S-Class in 1972. Understated, beautifully built and timeless, it’s a favorite with couples and photographers who love classic European style.
Great for: weddings, black-and-white photo shoots, European-themed events.
1975 Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible
The Corniche, whose name means a road along a coastline, was Rolls-Royce’s grand convertible from 1971 into the mid-1990s. This white 1975 car with a tan top is the 1970s at its most glamorous: roof down, sunglasses on, and the Spirit of Ecstasy leading the way.
Great for: a top-down getaway, summer weddings, photo shoots.
1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible
In 1976 Cadillac announced that the Eldorado would be America’s last convertible, and buyers rushed to get one. It carried a huge 500-cubic-inch V8, the largest engine in any postwar production car, under a hood that seems to stretch for a city block. In white, it’s the ultimate 1970s cruiser, and it’s perfect for a couple who married in 1976 and are celebrating their golden anniversary.
Great for: golden anniversaries, 50th birthdays, parades, photo shoots.
1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
The Silver Shadow is the best-selling Rolls-Royce ever made, with more than 30,000 built from 1965 to 1980, including the Shadow II. It was the first Rolls-Royce without a separate chassis, which made it lower and sleeker than the Clouds. This white 1976 car is 1970s glamour at its most refined.
Great for: weddings, anniversaries, 1970s-themed events.
1977 Volkswagen Beetle convertible
The Beetle convertible, built by the coachbuilder Karmann, was made until 1980, and in the 1970s it was the car for sunshine and good times. Cute, cheerful and instantly recognizable, this white 1977 Beetle looks perfect at the beach at sunset, and it makes everyone smile.
Great for: beach weddings, engagement shoots, birthdays, a playful getaway.
Before the 1970s: the 1960s
The 1970s muscle cars grew straight out of the 1960s pony-car craze, and the Silver Shadow and Corniche replaced the elegant Silver Clouds. See where it all started, from the 1966 Ford Mustang to the 1967 Pontiac Firebird, in our guide to 1960s cars for rent.
After the 1970s: the 1980s and 1990s
The Corniche carried 1970s glamour right into the 1980s and 1990s, and a new generation of luxury convertibles, like the Mercedes-Benz SL500, defined the 1990s. Meet them in our guide to 1980s and 1990s cars for rent.
What people rent 1970s cars for
- 1970s and disco parties. Platform shoes, a glitter ball and a Cadillac out front.
- Weddings. A Silver Shadow for the bride, a Corniche or a Beetle for the getaway.
- A 50th birthday or a golden anniversary. Born or married in 1976? A car from that very year makes the celebration.
- Film, TV and music videos. Real 1970s cars for period scenes, commercials and music videos.
- Photo shoots. Retro fashion, engagement sessions and senior portraits.
- Car shows and events. Muscle-car meets, brand launches and retro-themed corporate events.
Booking a 1970s car: what to know
- More comfort than older classics. Many 1970s cars have power steering and air conditioning, but it varies from car to car. Ask if it matters to you.
- Choose by seats. The Beetle convertible suits two; the sedans and the Eldorado carry a few more.
- Plan for the weather. Three of these six cars are convertibles, so have a plan B for rain.
- Book early. 1970s classics are increasingly popular, especially for milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
Questions people ask
Can I rent a real 1970s car?
Yes. You can rent a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454, a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL, a 1975 Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible, a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, a 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle convertible.
Why is the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible famous?
Cadillac billed it as the last American convertible, and buyers rushed to own one. Convertibles came back in the 1980s, but the ’76 Eldorado is still remembered as the end of an era.
What was the most powerful muscle car of 1970?
The Chevelle SS 454 with the LS6 engine, rated at 450 horsepower, was one of the most powerful of the whole era.
What car should we rent for a golden anniversary?
A car from your wedding year is a lovely touch. For couples married in 1976, the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible or the 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is perfect.
Do you have cars from the 1960s and 1980s too?
Yes. See our guides to 1960s cars and 1980s and 1990s cars for rent.
