The 1970s revolutionized automotive design with the advent of wedge-shaped cars. These sleek, futuristic vehicles captivated car enthusiasts and became cultural icons. From concept cars to production models, the wedge shape symbolized innovation and ambition in the automotive industry.
Explore how these designs influenced sports cars and shaped modern trends. This list of 27 wedge-shaped cars from the 1970s showcases some of the most memorable and groundbreaking examples.
Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach stood out with its radical, futuristic unique wedge shape and scissor doors. Produced from 1974 to 1990, it redefined supercar design and became an icon of 1970s supercars.
Lotus Esprit
The Lotus Esprit, built from 1976 to 2004, gained fame for its angular design by Giorgetto Giugiaro and its appearance as a submarine car in the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me” and many more movies and on TV.
Maserati Khamsin
The Maserati Khamsin was a grand tourer produced from 1974 to 1982, designed by Marcello Gandini. With only 435 units made, it featured a wedge-shaped design. The Khamsin was named after a hot, violent wind in the Egyptian desert.
Ferrari 308 GT4
Ferrari’s first production car with a mid-engine V8 layout and the first Ferrari designed by Bertone. It boasts a 3.0-liter V8 engine. It achieves a top speed of 155 mph, displaying superb performance and sleek design. The iconic wedge shape enhances its aerodynamic profile.
Lancia Stratos
A rally legend with its compact, distinctive wedge-shaped body and powerful V6 engine, designed designed by Bertone for optimal performance in rally racing. It sports a Ferrari Dino 2.4-liter V6 engine, boasting 187 hp.
Aston Martin Bulldog
The Aston Martin Bulldog is a unique wedge-shaped car designed by William Towns in 1979. It aimed to be the world’s fastest production car. Styled with sharp angles, the Bulldog featured a twin-turbo V8 engine.
De Tomaso Pantera
The De Tomaso Pantera offers a sleek 1970s wedge shape. A blend of Italian design by Ghia and American muscle with its Ford V8 engine, making it a unique hybrid of styles.
Aston Martin Lagonda
The Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury four-door saloon produced between 1974 and 1990. Designed by William Towns, the car features a unique wedge shape and advanced digital instruments that were initially unreliable.
BMW M1
The BMW M1 debuted in 1978 with a striking wedge design. Giugiaro designed the M1, making it an iconic supercar. BMW’s M1 Hommage celebrated its 30th anniversary. It excelled in Group 4 and Group 5 racing.
Alfa Romeo Carabo
The Alfa Romeo Carabo, designed by Marcello Gandini, debuted at the 1968 Paris Motor Show. Its wedge shape and scissor doors influenced many 1970s supercars.
Maserati Bora
The Maserati Bora stands out in the 1970s with its distinctive wedge-shaped profile designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Produced from 1971 to 1978, this classic sports car can reach an impressive top speed of 171 mph. Only 524 units were built, making it a rare gem.
Ferrari 512S Modulo
The Ferrari 512S Modulo, designed by Paolo Martin, debuted in 1970. It featured a sleek, futuristic concept car with an extremely low profile and canopy-style doors, that was revolutionary.
Lamborghini Bravo
The Lamborghini Bravo, a concept car, first appeared in 1974. Marcello Gandini designed it for Lamborghini. Key details includes, showcased at the Turin Auto Show, built on a shortened Urraco chassis and intended to replace the Urraco. It exhibited many stylistic elements reminiscent of the Countach.
Lancia Beta Montecarlo
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo was initially to feature a 3.0-liter V6. It eventually received a 2.0-liter engine due to the oil crisis of the 1970s. It shared design elements with the Fiat X1/9.
Maserati Boomerang
The Maserati Boomerang, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, debuted at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. Its extreme wedge shape made it an iconic 1970s concept car. The Boomerang’s innovative design influenced many later vehicles.
The Alfa Romeo Navajo, designed by Bertone, debuted in 1976. This concept car featured a distinctive wedge shape and an aerodynamic rear wing, making it stand out. Its design drew inspiration from sci-fi aesthetics, resembling futuristic vehicles.
Ferrari 365 GT4 BB
The Ferrari 365 GT4 BB featured a mid-engine design. Introduced in 1971, it was Ferrari’s first mid-engine production car. With its wedge-shaped nose and hidden headlights, it was quite the head-turner. It sported dual overhead camshafts and a 4390cc engine.
Lotus Eclat
The Lotus Eclat was produced from 1975 to 1982. It featured a fastback design and was powered by a 2.0-liter Type 907 engine. The Eclat offered practicality with its hatchback style.
Lamborghini Marzal
The Lamborghini Marzal, introduced in 1967, was a stunning concept car featuring a wedge-shaped design and gullwing doors. This unique vehicle captured the imagination of car enthusiasts with its futuristic style and innovative glazing on the roof.
Bricklin SV-1
The Bricklin SV-1 is a two-seat sports car produced from 1974 to 1975. It’s known for its distinctive gull-wing doors and composite bodywork. The car was introduced by American businessman Malcolm Bricklin. Approximately 2,850 units were built.
Fiat X1/9
The Fiat X1/9 was introduced in 1972. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, it featured a striking wedge shape and mid-engine layout. This rear-wheel-drive sports car offered affordable supercar-like performance for everyday driving enthusiasts.
Triumph TR7
The Triumph TR7, produced from 1974 to 1981, was known for its striking wedge shape designed by Harris Mann. This model featured a length of 160 inches, a width of 66 inches, and a wheelbase of 85 inches.
Lotus Elite
The Lotus Elite, debuting in 1974, featured a distinctive wedge shape. It housed a 2.0-liter Type 907 engine with 150 bhp. The car hit 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds and had a top speed of 125 mph. The interior, designed by Italdesign, offered ample space.
Lamborghini Urraco
The Lamborghini Urraco, designed by Marcello Gandini, debuted at the 1970 Turin Auto Show. It featured a unique wedge shape. The Urraco was intended as a more affordable option. A 2+2 coupe with various engine options over the years.
Vector W2
The Vector W2 was a 1970s concept car with twin-turbo V8 power. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds. It was designed by Jerry Wiegert to showcase American engineering.
Maserati Merak
The Maserati Merak featured a compact 3.0L V6 engine, enhancing cabin space. Known for its elegant design and remarkable handling, it stood out among 1970s wedge-shaped cars.
Nissan 300ZX
The Nissan 300ZX, introduced in 1983, was built on the Z31 chassis. It featured aerodynamic design and increased power. It marked the transition from Datsun to Nissan.
Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7, introduced in 1978, is renowned for its wedge shape and rotary engine. The first-generation model, identified as the “FB” platform, was compact and sporty. Its lightweight design and unique engine enhanced performance and driving pleasure, offering a thrilling experience.
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