The 1970s were a thrilling era for high-performance cars, with muscle cars and European exotics battling for dominance. While legends like the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, and Lamborghini Countach remain iconic today, some others were overshadowed by changing market dynamics. Here are ten forgotten high-performance cars from the 1970s that are no longer reckoned with.

AMC Hornet SC/360 (1971)

AMC attempted to enter the muscle car market with the Hornet SC/360, a compact coupe powered by a 285-horsepower 5.9-liter V8. Despite its lightweight chassis and strong performance, the SC/360 was eclipsed by more established muscle cars from Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge. Only about 784 units were produced.

Plymouth Road Runner GTX (1972)

By 1972, insurance rates and emission regulations had affected muscle cars, and the Plymouth Road Runner GTX became a victim. Though it featured a 440 cubic-inch V8 with 280 net horsepower, it lacked the raw performance of its late-1960s predecessors. Additionally, the change from gross to net horsepower ratings made it seem weaker.

Ford Torino Cobra (1971)

The Torino Cobra was a serious contender in the muscle car world, featuring a 429 Super Cobra Jet V8 with 370 horsepower. However, the heavy midsize body and looming emissions regulations hindered its longevity. Unlike the Mustang, the Torino never had the same cultural impact, making it less memorable to modern enthusiasts.

Oldsmobile 442 (1973–1977)

Though Oldsmobile 442 was once a powerhouse in the muscle car world, rising insurance costs sapped its performance appeal. Earlier models packed high-output engines, but the 1973–1977 versions were underpowered, with the most potent producing 190 horsepower. Additionally, the shift to a more luxury-oriented design further distanced the 442 from its muscle car roots.

Dodge Magnum GT (1978–1979)

After the Charger name was temporarily retired in 1978, Dodge introduced the Magnum GT, a luxury-leaning muscle car with a 400 or 440 cubic-inch V8. Despite its aggressive styling and NASCAR-inspired aerodynamics, its performance was underwhelming due to emissions restrictions. The rising popularity of personal luxury coupes also overshadowed its muscle car roots.

Pontiac Can Am (1977)

Based on the LeMans, the Pontiac Can Am was a limited-production muscle car featuring a 200-horsepower 6.6-liter V8. It had a white-and-orange color scheme and a shaker hood, making it visually striking. Unfortunately, production was terminated due to a tooling failure for its rear spoiler, limiting the total build to around 1,377 units.

Mercury Capri RS 2600 (1970–1974)

This vehicle, a performance version of Ford’s German-built Capri, was marketed as the “European Mustang.” It featured a 2.6-liter Cologne V6 producing 150 horsepower, which was respectable for its lightweight chassis. Notwithstanding its firm handling and styling, it never reached Mustang-level popularity in America, suffering from limited availability and unfamiliarity among American buyers.

Buick Century GS (1973–1975)

The Buick Century GS, with its 250-horsepower 455 cubic-inch V8, attempted to carry the brand’s muscle car legacy into the mid-1970s. Nevertheless, emissions regulations and rising insurance costs stifled its performance. Also, compared to the legendary GSX models of the late 1960s, the Century GS seemed like a step down, hurting its reputation.

Chrysler 300 Hurst (1970)

A unique collaboration between Chrysler and Hurst Performance birthed the Chrysler 300 Hurst. Featuring a 440 cubic-inch V8 with 375 horsepower, the vehicle had a striking white-and-gold color scheme, a fiberglass hood, and a massive rear spoiler. Yet, as a full-size muscle car, it was heavier and less nimble than its midsize and compact competitors.

Dodge Charger SE (1975–1978)

The Dodge Charger’s SE of 1975–1978 marked a shift away from the aggressive muscle car image of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Embracing a more personal luxury coupe aesthetic, this generation of Charger was larger, heavier, and equipped with a vinyl roof. New safety regulations also resulted in bulkier bumpers and a less streamlined design.