Which 1970s sports cars are the best buys? #313

The hosts are making a buying caveat: these 1970s cars are being treated as recreational vehicles (“toys”) rather than daily drivers. That matters because older sports cars often have higher day-to-day friction—like maintenance needs, comfort compromises, and less modern drivability—so the “best buy” criteria changes.

The MG B (MGB) roadster is a classic British sports car from the 1960s–1970s, known for its simple, lightweight layout and easy “open-top” cruising. In this segment, the hosts are treating a specific 1972 example as a budget entry point into 1970s sports-car ownership.

“Five mile an hour impact bumpers” refers to bumper systems designed to meet a low-speed crash requirement (about 5 mph). On cars like the MGB, these regulations led to bulkier bumpers that changed the original styling and are often cited as making the cars look less “clean” than earlier versions.

In classic-car talk, “rot” usually means advanced corrosion—metal that has deteriorated due to rust. The hosts mention checking for rot because it’s often the difference between a car that can be restored and one that becomes expensive or unsafe.

“Buyer beware” here is the idea that buying a 1970s car isn’t just about how it looks today—it’s about hidden history and condition. The hosts emphasize that decades of aging, corrosion, and prior accidents can mean the car may not be as sound as it appears.

The Lotus +2 is a 1970s-era Lotus that’s best known as a longer, more practical take on the classic Lotus Elan formula. In this segment, the hosts discuss how the +2’s styling and packaging differ from the smaller two-seater Elan, and how that affected its reputation.

“Re-bodied” means the car’s bodywork was redesigned or replaced while using the underlying mechanical platform. The hosts use it to explain why the +2 looks different from the smaller Elan, even though it’s still part of the same general Lotus family.

A backbone chassis uses a central structural “spine” that runs through the car, with other components attached to it. The hosts mention it to explain why older Lotus cars likely needed fewer full “new chassis” changes over time, and why aftermarket chassis builders could be relevant.

“Big valve twin cam” describes an engine head design with larger intake/exhaust valves and a dual overhead camshaft (twin-cam) layout. In this segment, it’s used to characterize the Lotus +2’s 1.6-liter engine as a performance-oriented setup for its era.

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C3) is a 1970s American sports car known for its classic C3 styling and V8 performance. In this segment, the hosts compare a typical C3 listing to Richard Bremner’s example, highlighting how the right engine and drivetrain choices change how it drives.

LT1 is a specific Chevrolet small-block V8 engine family used in certain late-1970s/early-1990s Corvettes. In this context, the host says Richard Bremner’s Corvette has an LT1, implying it’s the higher-output engine that helps the car feel more responsive and “right” to drive.

A limited-slip differential (limited slip diff) helps manage wheel spin by allowing the driven wheels to rotate at slightly different speeds while still transferring torque to the tire with grip. The host credits it as part of why Bremner’s Corvette can take corners more confidently instead of “falling over” when pushed.

A manual gearbox lets the driver select gears with a clutch and gear lever, giving more direct control of engine speed. The host specifically prefers it over the automatic mentioned earlier, implying it improves the driving feel and engagement.

A high output engine is tuned or specified to produce more power than the base version—typically via stronger internal components, better breathing, and/or more aggressive calibration. The host uses this to contrast Bremner’s Corvette with other Corvettes that may feel less exciting.

“Proper suspension” here refers to a well-sorted setup (springs, dampers, and geometry) that controls body motion and tire contact during cornering. The host contrasts this with the expectation that older American sports cars will feel floaty or unstable, then says Bremner’s car doesn’t.

The Renault Twingo is a small city car, and the hosts use it as a contrast to a more characterful 1970s sports car. The point is that you could spend similar money on a modern, inexpensive electric Twingo instead of chasing an older car.

“Lowered” means the car’s suspension has been adjusted so the body sits closer to the ground than stock. That typically changes ride comfort and can affect tire wear and how the car handles bumps, which is why it’s a key visual clue when judging modifications.

A “track day” is an event where drivers take their cars onto a closed circuit for performance driving. The hosts’ “halfway to triage in the track day” comment suggests the car has been modified for more aggressive use rather than purely for street comfort.

“Wheels and tires” refers to the car’s contact patch and the rotating hardware that determines grip, ride quality, and steering feel. When the hosts say it has “very non-standard wheels and tires,” they’re pointing out that the car’s stance and handling characteristics may be significantly different from stock.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is an Italian rear-wheel-drive sports-sedan/coupe platform that competed directly with BMW’s 2002-era cars. The hosts mention it as part of the “big competition” when the 2002 arrived, highlighting the classic rivalry between BMW and Alfa Romeo in this size/performance bracket.

“Two-liter engine” refers to engine displacement: the total volume swept by the pistons in the cylinders, measured in liters. In this context, the BMW 2002 is described as having a two-liter engine, which helps explain why it was a step up from earlier 1500/1602 variants.

The Land Rover Series II is a classic, boxy off-road 4x4 from the early Land Rover lineup. The hosts briefly discuss it by model name while debating whether the vehicle is actually a Series II, using it as a quick pivot to the next car on the list.

This segment is part of a broader discussion about which 1970s sports cars (and related classics) are the best buys. The hosts pivot into Land Rover Series variants as examples of how collectible value can form around authenticity and utilitarian design.

Body-on-frame is a construction method where the vehicle’s body is mounted to a separate ladder-style frame. The hosts use it to emphasize the Land Rover’s utilitarian design—built around function first, not styling or fashion.

In car body construction, a bulkhead is a structural panel that separates compartments and helps carry loads. In older vehicles, checking the bulkhead is important because rust or damage there can indicate deeper structural problems.

The Jaguar E-Type is a classic British sports car known for its striking design and strong performance for its era. The podcast highlights how you could find them looking great without spending a fortune, then sell them for more—so it’s also being discussed as a desirable collectible. Its looks and reputation make it a frequent subject in car-history conversations.

The hosts describe a pre-purchase inspection approach focused on the chassis: looking at the underbody, checking the structural state, and then verifying drive behavior. This matters because many classic cars can look good on the outside while having hidden structural or alignment issues underneath.

Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles, and a short wheelbase generally makes a car feel more nimble and quicker to rotate. The tradeoff is that it can be less stable at speed and may feel more “twitchy” on uneven roads.

A four-speed manual is a gearbox with four forward gears operated by a clutch and gear lever. On classic performance cars, the exact transmission matters because it affects driving feel, originality, and collector value.

In classic car listings, “genuine” usually means the car is truly the advertised factory configuration (for example, a real Boss model rather than a lookalike). Buyers care because originality and correct parts strongly influence value and authenticity.

The quarter-mile is a drag-racing distance (one quarter of a mile) used to measure how quickly a car accelerates. The host uses it to explain why a “Boss” Mustang would be set up with performance gearing and an engine that stays in its useful rev range for that kind of run.

“Short gearing” means using gear ratios that multiply engine torque more aggressively, so the car accelerates harder at lower speeds. The tradeoff is that the engine reaches higher RPM sooner and may run out of revs earlier on longer pulls.

“Close ratio” describes how tightly spaced the transmission’s gear ratios are. Closely spaced gears help the engine stay in its power band with less RPM drop between shifts, which is why it’s often associated with performance and drag-oriented setups.

Emissions legislation refers to government rules that limit pollutants from vehicles, which often forced automakers to change engine calibration, compression, and emissions equipment. The host uses it to explain why a 1970 Mustang could make more power than similar cars a couple years later.

In car talk, “neutered” is slang for when a performance model is deliberately made less powerful or less responsive due to changes like emissions controls, detuning, or added restrictions. Here it’s used to describe how later Mustangs lost performance compared with the last pre-emissions years.

Fuel injection is an engine-control method that meters fuel electronically rather than relying on a carburetor. Here, the hosts say the BMW CSI uses a “much better fuel injective version” of the same engine, implying improved drivability compared with the carbureted CS.

Rust is a corrosion problem that can quickly become expensive on older cars, especially in hidden seams and structural areas. The hosts specifically warn that these BMW E9 coupes “really rust” in “all sorts of places,” framing it as a key ownership risk and reason they can become money pits.

The Ferrari 308 GTB is a 1970s Italian V8 sports car known for its mid-engine layout and iconic styling. In this segment, the hosts focus on a specific early-308 detail: some very early cars used fiberglass bodywork, which affected weight, corrosion resistance, and collectability.

Fiberglass is a composite material used for body panels, and here it’s specifically about early Ferrari 308s having fiberglass bodies. The hosts note three practical effects: less corrosion (“didn’t rot”), lower weight than later steel bodies, and higher desirability because they’re rarer.

The Peugeot 308 is a compact car, and the podcast specifically mentions very early 308s that used fiberglass bodywork. That’s a notable detail because it points to a particular construction approach used on early examples. The car is discussed in the context of how those early versions were built and why that matters.

The hosts are discussing exhaust configuration on the Ferrari 308: some cars had a single exhaust pipe as standard, while many buyers opted for a four-pipe setup. They point out that the specific car being discussed doesn’t have the four pipes, which affects originality and how it would have been ordered.

A front chin spoiler is an aerodynamic lip at the very front of the car, intended to improve airflow and reduce lift. The hosts mention it as a standard/typical feature on these cars and note that the example they’re looking at has it, which contributes to the correct look and aero package.

The Ferrari 308 GTB is a classic Ferrari sports car known for its V8 engine and grand touring performance. The podcast notes that it became fuel injected and that it’s called the 308 GTB, which ties directly to its engine and model identity. It’s discussed because it’s a highly recognizable Ferrari from that era and a common target for enthusiasts.

Fuel injection is an engine-fueling system where electronic controls meter fuel into the engine rather than using carburetors. In the context of the Ferrari 308 GTB discussion, the hosts connect the fuel-injection change to a noticeable drop in performance versus earlier setups.

“Four valve heads” means each cylinder uses four valves (typically two for intake and two for exhaust) instead of fewer. More valve area and better breathing can improve how efficiently the engine makes power, which is why the hosts say the QV’s four-valve setup is a step up.

A mid-engine layout places the engine near the center of the car (typically just ahead of the rear axle), which changes weight distribution and steering feel. Pairing that with a V8 means the hosts are comparing how a mid-engine V8 sports car drives versus front-engine designs.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan built for comfort, refinement, and long-distance driving. In the podcast context, it’s being discussed as a large limousine-style Mercedes rather than the more mass-market luxury version people think of today. That makes it a natural topic when comparing “top-tier” luxury cars and how they’re positioned.

The Pantera referenced in the podcast is a De Tomaso Pantera, a mid-engine sports car known for its dramatic performance and distinctive styling. The conversation mentions a “5.8 liter” engine and a high price point, emphasizing how these cars can be expensive and desirable. It’s discussed because it’s a standout classic sports car with strong enthusiast appeal.

This refers to a strategy where smaller European exotic manufacturers used readily available American engines to solve the cost and complexity problem of building their own powertrains. The host explains the logic: if you can’t afford an exotic engine, you can still build a beautiful car and make it fast by dropping in a proven American V8.

A pushrod V8 is an engine design where camshafts push on lifters via rods to actuate the valves. The host notes that this kind of engine is common in American trucks and buses, and argues that while it can sound “un-exotic,” it can also be a practical advantage.

A four-cam V12 refers to a V12 engine with four camshafts total (typically two per cylinder bank), which is a more complex and performance-oriented valvetrain layout. In the segment, it’s mentioned as the kind of “beautiful” exotic engine people expect in high-end European supercars.

The Ford V8 Sedan is a classic Ford model identified by its V8 engine and sedan body style. In the podcast, it’s brought up to explain why someone’s car has a Ford V8 instead of a Ferrari V12—highlighting how engine choices affect a car’s identity. That makes it relevant when discussing swaps, originality, and what buyers expect from a particular build.

“Flared wheel arches” are bodywork extensions that cover more of the tire. On classic sports cars, flares are often associated with wider tires and a more aggressive stance, and they can also be part of a specific desirable appearance package.

“Daytona seats” refers to a specific seat style associated with the Ferrari Daytona models. Enthusiasts often treat these seats as a desirable period-correct option because they’re tied to a recognizable factory look and fitment.

“Ferrari Dino” refers to the Dino line of cars built by Ferrari, typically associated with V6 engines and a more compact, lightweight feel than many other Ferrari models. In the 1970s context, Dino models are especially prized for their character and styling, even if they’re not the most powerful Ferraris.

The speaker is making a relative performance claim: they’re describing the Dino as the least powerful Ferrari road car (with an exception for much older models). For enthusiasts, “least powerful” can still mean highly desirable because of balance, sound, and driving feel rather than outright numbers.

A 2.4-liter V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine with a total displacement of 2.4 liters, arranged in a “V” shape. Here it’s presented as the special heart of the car, and it’s tied to Ferrari’s racing-derived V6 heritage.

A “65-degree V6” describes the angle between the two banks of cylinders in the V6. The hosts emphasize it as unusual and historically specific, explaining that Ferrari chose this angle to create packaging space for larger carburetors between the cylinder banks.

“Carbs” is short for carburetors, devices that mix fuel and air before it enters the engine. In this segment, the hosts explain that Ferrari’s V6 cylinder-bank angle was chosen to make room for larger carburetors.

The Ferrari F50 is referenced as an example of Ferrari claiming a connection to Formula 1 heritage. The hosts push back on that idea, saying the F50’s relationship to F1 engines is more distant than people assume—useful context when they later talk about the 246’s V6 racing lineage.

“Spun to nearly 8000” refers to engine speed (RPM) reaching close to 8,000 revolutions per minute. The hosts use it to highlight how high-revving the Ferrari V6 was for its era, especially compared with many late-1960s/early-1970s engines.

The Ferrari 206 is an early Ferrari mid-engine sports car that directly began the lineage leading to the Ferrari 246. In this segment, it’s used to explain why Ferrari’s early mid-engine layout wasn’t automatically “unstable” in corners—Ferrari’s engineering made it surprisingly forgiving.

The Ferrari 246 is a landmark early mid-engine Ferrari, and the hosts frame it as the first mid-engine car in Ferrari’s lineup. They connect its 2.4-liter V6 heritage to Ferrari’s racing history and argue that, despite early mid-engine stereotypes, the 246 is actually “forgiving” and fun in corners.

Dino Ferrari refers to the Dino-branded Ferrari line named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari. The hosts connect the name to why the cars weren’t simply badged as regular Ferrari—Ferrari used Dino as a distinct identity.

Porsche 911 2.7 RS touring refers to a 1970s Porsche 911 variant built around the 2.7-liter flat-six and RS (Rennsport) performance focus, then specified as a more usable “touring” car. In this context, the hosts discuss how the original buyer intended a lightweight RS-style car but the final build was altered into a touring specification for long-distance driving.

Homologation is the official approval process that lets a car be legally sold or used in a specific country under the rules that apply there. In motorsport, it often also means the car must meet certain production/technical requirements to be eligible to race.

In the context of classic Porsche RS models, “replicas” means cars built to look like the original 2.7 RS rather than being genuine factory cars. The host warns that many listings can be misleading, so buyers need to verify authenticity before paying collector prices.

Left-hand drive describes a vehicle configured with the steering wheel on the left side. For UK buyers, left-hand drive can be less desirable because the UK market is typically right-hand-drive, so it can reduce collector appeal and resale value.

In classic sports-car collecting, “touring” refers to a more comfort-oriented specification rather than a stripped, track-focused setup. The host implies that a touring-spec 2.7 RS is less desirable than rarer lightweight versions, which are typically valued more highly.

The Aston Martin DB5 is a legendary grand touring car associated with the brand’s performance and style. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as an expensive purchase, reflecting its status as a high-value classic. That kind of background makes it a common reference point when discussing iconic cars and ownership costs.

A “cyclical” collector-car market means demand and pricing move in waves rather than rising steadily forever. The host suggests that interest in 1980s and 1990s cars may be temporary fashion, and that it could return as tastes change again.

The host is emphasizing a collector-car mindset: buying for personal desire rather than expecting the car to appreciate. In practice, older cars can become “assets you can’t get rid of,” so the safest approach is to ensure you’d still enjoy owning it even if the market doesn’t reward you.

The BMW 3.0 CSL is a 1970s homologation special built around BMW’s 3.0-liter “Batmobile” era racing heritage. It’s famous for its lightweight, aerodynamic bodywork and its role in BMW’s touring-car and endurance racing legacy.