4x4 SUV Guide ›› Half-Century Antique Cars
Cars Turning 50 in 2024
If you bought one of the new car models released in 1974 they are now fifty (50) years old and officially classed as "antique cars".
Our research team thought it would be a fun exercise to compile a list of popular models from that era that have retained their historical significance and classic styling.
Old Cars Celebrating their 50th This Year!
It would be fair to say that 1974 was somewhat of a challenge for car manufacturers.
This was especially true for auto makers that were producing powerful "gas guzzlers" (e.g. a fuel economy value below 22.5 MPG).
Why?
You may not be old enough to remember... but the mid 70s was an era still recovering from the oil embargo imposed on the UK, US, and Japan.
As a consequence of that, a rise of 300% in oil prices meant there was very little appetite for buying many of the profligate automobiles built and put on sale exactly half a century ago.
Nonetheless, it's still an intriguing bloggable subject to travel back in time and celebrate the half-century hero car models that first became available in 1974.
Alfa Romeo Spider
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic Italian front-engined, two-seater roadster recognised for its stylish design. The four generations of this quintessential European sports car span several decades from 1966 to 1994.
Key features include:
- Fun to drive, with lightweight handling.
- Unmistakable sleek body designed by the Pininfarina car design company based in Turin.
- Twin-cam inline-four engine.
BMW 2002 Turbo
It's fair to call the 2002 series sporty compact executive cars - especially the high-performance version of the popular BMW 2002.
Why were they so popular back in 1974? For many, they were regarded as a precursor to many of the modern performance-oriented cars from the BMW Group (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG).
Key features include:
- The BMW 2002 was the first European production car to feature a turbocharger.
- During this era, it oozed aggressive styling and a "Turbo" script displayed on the front spoiler.
- The last time we did a test drive, it still retained its lightweight and responsive handling.
Chevrolet Corvette (C3)
The third generation of the iconic Corvette also saw the end of true dual exhaust systems for this model. Even so, these classic sports cars retain a blend of performance and style fifty years on.
Key features include:
- The tell-tale sleek, "Coke-bottle" design.
- It comes with a 454-cubic-inch V8 engine option.
- Rubber bumpers (front and rear) were introduced due to new safety regulations.
Ford Mustang II
They originally introduced it as a smaller, fuel-efficient Mustang (in response to the oil crisis). However, it became popular for representing a major shift by the Ford Motor Company and in American car design during the 1970s.
Key features include:
- Compared to earlier Ford Mustangs the size is more compact.
- There were some controversies during its launch in 1974, but it later became accepted and appreciated for its role in Mustang history.
- It's available in various trim designs, including the sporty Mach 1 and the luxury Ghia.
Porsche 911 (G Series)
Part of the Porsche lineup, the iconic 911 saw the introduction of the first production turbocharged 911. In terms of popularity, it has a timeless design and enduring reputation for performance and engineering excellence.
Key features include:
- It was the first year model that had impact bumpers to meet new safety regulations in the United States.
- The immense power comes from an air-cooled, rear-mounted flat-six engine.
- It has multiple trim options, including the sporty 911 Carrera RS (Racing Sport).
Toyota Celica
This compact Japanese coupe gained most of its popularity due to its sporty design and reliability. It was also one of the early Japanese entries into the global sports car market.
Key features include:
- Many still say it is an affordable and practical collector's item.
- During the mid to late seventies it was known as the "Mustang of Japan".
- It has an inline-four engine with good performance for its size.
Volkswagen Beetle
Without doubt, the Beetle was a popular car on a global scale - especially for its simplicity and reliability. Fifty years later, it still commands enduring charm and historical importance in automotive history.
Key features include:
- The VW Beetle has an air-cooled flat-four engine.
- It received modest styling updates in response to worldwide safety regulations.
- For many car enthusiasts, it is affordable and highly customisable.
Pro Tip: These cars that turned 50 this year represent a mix of American muscle, European luxury, and Japanese practicality. Hence, they still possess enormous appeal for automobile collectors and enthusiasts in 2024.
UK Cars 50 Years Old in 2024
It's also true to say that 1974 in the United Kingdom was an interesting year for car manufacturers. Here's a few lesser-known British car models that became iconic, stood the test of time. and retained their appeal.
Austin Allegro
The Austin-Morris division of British Leyland (BL) aimed the small compact family car at the mass market. Despite not being loved "universally", there's no denying that it still represents a slice of British motoring history.
Key features include:
- It has the distinctive "Quartic" (square) steering wheel in some models.
- The front-wheel drive model has the A-Series engine with a sump-mounted transmission.
- Few motorists would deny it was practical and economical at the time.
Ford Capri Mk2
Built by Ford of Europe, the fastback coupé is the second generation of Ford's "European Mustang". Back then, it was affordable, stylish, and a lot of fun-to-drive. You might call it a working-class hero.
Key features include:
- The Capri has sleek fastback styling.
- There were a range of engines, including a 3.0L V6.
- It enhanced the practical hatchback design.
Hillman Avenger Tiger
The Tiger is a sporty variant of the basic Hillman Avenger. Thus, it is a rare and distinctive performance car from the Rootes Group.
Key features include:
- Striking paint schemes with bold decals.
- High-performance version of the 1.5L or 1.6L engine.
- Enhanced suspension and sportier styling.
Jaguar E-Type Series III
It was the final iteration of the legendary E-Type and renowned for its elegant beauty and superior performance. A classic symbol of British motoring excellence.
Key features include:
- It is powered by a 5.3L V12 engine.
- More luxurious and refined than earlier models.
- Available as either a coupe or convertible.
Lotus Elite
The sleek and innovative 2+2 sports coupe with cutting-edge design and performance is a firm favorite among aficionados and enthusiasts.
Key features include:
- Fiberglass body and lightweight construction.
- 2.0L Lotus 907 DOHC engine.
- Advanced engineering for its time.
MG MGB GT V8
The high-performance version of the beloved MGB GT became extremely popular for combining classic British sports car styling with V8 power.
Key features include:
- Powered by a Rover 3.5L V8 engine.
- Fastback coupe design.
- Lightweight and nimble handling.
Mini Clubman
For many of its owners back in the 1970s, the angular and modern version of the classic Mini seemed to result in the stylish evolution of a British motoring icon.
Key features include:
- Redesigned front end for a more contemporary look.
- Offered as a saloon or estate.
- Retained the Mini's legendary handling and charm.
Pro Tip: Another blog article explains the "old banger car meaning" and why we often use it to describe a rusty clapped-out vehicle.
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
No matter how far back you go, Rolls Royce cars are the emphatic symbol of British automobile luxury and refinement. Why is it still popular in 2024? It is the ultimate expression of elegance and sophistication in the 1970s.
Key features include:
- Hydropneumatic suspension for a smooth ride.
- 6.75L V8 engine.
- Handcrafted luxury interior with wood and leather.
Triumph Stag
The luxury grand tourer had a distinctive design and became much-loved by those who enjoy things that are quintessentially British with a unique blend of performance and elegance.
Key features include:
- Removable T-bar roof.
- 3.0L V8 engine.
- Known for its comfortable ride and upmarket interior.
Editor's Bio: We're self-confessed car fanatics who enjoy writing for our car blog about the automotive industry - especially here in the United Kingdom.