Automotive Landscape of 1977
A look at models launched in 1977
- Jan 20: Carter Administration Energy Policies – President Jimmy Carter signs legislation establishing the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, legally forcing automakers to drastically improve fleet fuel efficiency year over year.
- May 25: Star Wars Released and Car Culture – Pop culture shifts toward futuristic sci-fi aesthetics, subtly influencing concept car designs and aftermarket custom van airbrushing trends in the late 1970s.
- Jun 5: Apple II and Early Digital Dashboards – Microprocessor advancements inspire automotive engineers to begin conceptualizing digital LED and fluorescent instrument clusters for future luxury vehicles.
- Sep 5: Voyager 1 and Aerospace Materials – Advanced lightweight composite materials developed for space exploration begin trickling into high-end racing and exotic car construction.
US
Lada Niva
4x4
POWER
80 HP
RARITY
150,000 Sold
US
Saab 99 Turbo
Sedan
POWER
170 HP
RARITY
10,000 Sold