6 Cars From the 1970s That Are Worth a Lot of Money
Written by
Emily Fowler
Edited by
Jasmine Browley
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The 1970s weren’t a decade for subtlety. Like the fashion and music of the era, cars were often bold, brash and unapologetically stylish, designed to command attention and dominate the road. This was the era of high-powered engines and daring designs, with vehicles that have since become icons.
Far from just being “old cars,” many of these models are now prized collectibles, fetching jaw-dropping prices at auctions and in private sales. Their value lies in more than just rarity — it’s about their ability to capture the essence of a time when cars were more than transportation.
Based on highest sales prices on Classic.com, here are some models that are some of the most expensive from the era.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Convertible
- Price: $110,000
With a 455-cubic-inch V8 engine and a sleek convertible body, the Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 was built to dominate the streets. Symbolizing an era when American automakers were creating powerful, stylish cars that felt approachable, these cars are still treasured for their classic design and the memories they evoke of simpler, high-octane times.
1970 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
- Price: $110,000
Luxury cruising reached its peak with the 1970 Cadillac DeVille. Cadillac’s name is synonymous with luxury, and this car embodies everything the brand stood for at its heyday. This wasn’t just a way to get from A to B — it was a status symbol. While the average cost for one of these beauties these days is around $20,000, the fact that an all-original, showroom-fresh model went for six figures in 2023 shows how much they can be worth.
1974 Maserati Indy
- Price: $114,240
Luxury, exclusivity and Italian craftsmanship define the pull of the Maserati Indy. Named to honor Maserati’s two Indy 500 wins, the car was designed for buyers who wanted performance and prestige. With just 1,104 produced, its sleek lines and timeless appeal ensure its desirability.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
- Price: $462,000
Its rarity — fewer than 500 were built in 1970 — combined with its connection to NASCAR’s glory days, makes the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 a holy grail for collectors. Interestingly, it wasn’t an instant hit at the time, as Ford prioritized meeting NASCAR engine requirements over effective marketing, leading to modest sales despite its now-legendary status.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS-454 LS6
- Price: $600,000
The Chevelle SS 454 didn’t just look great — less than 1% of Chevelles were built with an LS6 V8 engine that produced a record-setting 450 horsepower. It’s estimated that there are only around 20 to 25 of these cars left, meaning it’s no surprise they generally change hands for six figures.
1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 454
- Price: $785,000
Only 12 ZR2 Corvettes were ever built in 1971, making this model one of the rarest Corvettes in the brand’s history. But it’s not just the exclusivity that makes it valuable — it’s the audacity of its creation. Designed as a track-ready street car, the ZR2 represents Chevrolet’s boldness at a time when performance was king.
As their value continues to rise, these 1970s classics prove that some things really do get better with age. For collectors, they offer more than just a drive — they’re a connection to a golden era of automotive history.
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