It’s crazy to think that the 1970s was already over 50 years ago, and over this time, we’ve learned a lot about just about everything. This includes cars, making us think twice about many of the myths and design flaws that we followed back in the day. Sure, the decade had its charm for drivers, but it was undeniably a time filled with misinformation that just didn’t stand the test of time. So, let’s revisit some of these ideas and see how they’ve shifted gears in the decades since.
Bigger Engines Mean Faster Cars
Back in the 70s, engine size mattered, with bigger engines being seen as a ticket to unbeatable speed. However, while they might have been powerful, these engines weren’t always efficient, and their size often led to unnecessary bulk rather than blistering performance. Since then, modern engineering has demonstrated that smaller, finely-tuned engines can deliver just as much speed with better fuel economy. If only we knew that back then!
Seatbelts Are Optional
It’s crazy to think how many Brits used to believe that seatbelts were just an inconvenience. Shockingly, some even argued that they could trap you in an accident, which we now know is a ludicrous claim. Thankfully, today’s statistics paint a clear picture: seatbelts dramatically reduce the risk of serious injury or death in crashes. As a result of this, the ‘optional’ mindset has thankfully faded, replaced by laws and common sense.
Diesel Is Only for Lorries
Bizarrely, diesel engines used to be largely dismissed as noisy and suited only for commercial vehicles, often being seen as unrefined compared to their petrol counterparts. Fast forward, and diesel became a popular choice for its efficiency in passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, though, recent environmental concerns have now cast it in a different light.
Red Cars Are Prone to Accidents
If you were around during the ‘70s, you can probably remember the myth that red cars attract accidents more than other colours. Yes, really–people genuinely thought twice about their paint choice because of this. Sure, red does stand out, but studies clearly show that accident rates depend more on driving behaviour and road conditions than colour. If anything, red cars should be involved in fewer accidents because they’re more noticeable!
Keeping Windows Down Saves Fuel
One of the funniest myths that was exchanged by drivers in the ‘70s was that using air conditioning wasted fuel, so keeping the windows down was the cheaper option. The first part might be true, but research revealed that at higher speeds, open windows create drag, making this an inefficient choice compared to using AC sparingly.
Cars Need to Warm Up for Ages
Another driving myth from the ‘70s was that cold starts in the morning required you to idle your vehicle for several minutes before driving off. People believed that this would protect the engine, but honestly, it was mostly mambo jumbo. Yes, some older engines might have needed some warming, but most of the cars of the decade were already designed to start and go almost immediately, reducing unnecessary idling and pollution.
Convertibles Are Dangerous
Understandably, people thought that convertibles were more unsafe due to their lack of a solid roof, leading them to assume that they offered little protection in a crash. Yes, this might have been the case for some ‘70s convertibles, but advances in safety standards show that it’s not inherently true. Reinforced roll bars, stronger frames, and other improvements have made them just as safe as other cars when driven responsibly.
Automatic Gearboxes Are for Lazy Drivers
Due to the prevalence of manual gearboxes in the UK, manual transmissions were once seen as the mark of a skilled driver. In contrast, automatics were viewed as inferior and only for those unwilling to engage in “proper driving”. Now, though, automatics are often preferred for their convenience and efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Leaded Petrol Is Better
Drivers of the 70s swore by leaded petrol, believing that it enhanced engine performance. Thankfully, we have since learned that the health and environmental impact of lead is awful, leading to its global phase-out in favour of unleaded alternatives.
Radial Tyres Aren’t Worth It
Radial tyres, which were becoming popular in the 70s, faced a whole lot of scepticism, causing many drivers to stubbornly stick to bias-ply tyres, dismissing the new technology completely. Over time, though, this perception shifted, with radial tyres now dominating the market for their improved grip, longevity, and overall performance. If only we had listened at the time!
Fancy Steering Wheels Boost Control
Another strange thing that we believed about cars in the ‘70s was that custom steering wheels, especially those that were smaller or uniquely shaped, led to improved handling. Nonsense–while they might have looked cool, they often reduced comfort and made precise control more difficult, especially in older cars without power steering.
The Heavier, the Safer
Just like with engine size, weight was equated with safety in the 1970s, leading to a countrywide preference affection for large, heavy vehicles. Obviously, mass can play a role in crash safety to a certain extent, but in general, modern cars rely on advanced materials and crumple zones to protect passengers without the need for excessive weight.
Car Wax Protects Everything
For some reason, waxing was treated like a magical shield against rust, scratches, and weather damage back in the day. Yes, wax did provide a certain level of protection, but it certainly wasn’t a substitute for proper maintenance and rust-proofing.
Tyre Pressure Doesn’t Matter Much
If you drove in the ‘70s, you’ll probably remember how checking tyre pressure was often overlooked, with the belief that minor variations didn’t really make much of a difference. Later, we finally learned that incorrect pressure affects fuel efficiency, handling, and tyre wear significantly, proving that this small detail has a surprisingly large impact.
Airbags Are a Gimmick
When airbags began appearing in the 70s, a lot of us doubted their effectiveness and saw them as unnecessary. Since then, decades of data have shown how crucial they are in reducing fatalities, working alongside seatbelts as part of a car’s safety system. As a result, we feel a whole lot safer getting on the road these days!
All Cars Rust Eventually
Rust was once considered inevitable, so owners just accepted it as part of a car’s ageing process. That’s ridiculous when you think about it; improved materials and treatments have since made modern cars far more resistant to corrosion, especially with regular care, something that our ‘70s selves would have been baffled by.
Roof Racks Ruin Aerodynamics
One of the more understandable driving myths of the ‘70s was that roof racks caused drag that was so severe that it compromised performance and fuel efficiency to a great extent. Sure, they do create some resistance, but we now know that the effect is pretty minimal unless overloaded or poorly secured.
More Cylinders Mean More Power
Along with myths about larger engines and heavier bodies, high cylinder count was often equated with performance in the 1970s. Obviously, additional cylinders can add power, but efficient designs like turbocharging have now allowed smaller engines to deliver equal or greater output without fuel-guzzling, dispelling this myth completely.
Rear-Wheel Drive Is Always Best
For some reason, rear-wheel drive was the darling of enthusiasts, seen as the ultimate layout for any serious vehicle. Come on, though–what were we thinking!? Yes, it offers great handling in performance cars, but front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems have proven more versatile for everyday conditions and poor weather, which we get a lot of here in the UK!
Classic Cars Hold Value Forever
Last but not least, one of the most expensive myths around in the ‘70s was that any classic car would appreciate in value over time. Some do, but for the most part, older vehicles depreciate due to their high maintenance costs and lack of demand. At the end of the day, a car’s true worth often depends on rarity, condition, and historical significance–not just age.
