7 Pricy '70s Cars That Are Bargains Today

Depreciation hits almost every car, with the average new vehicle losing about 30% of its value in the first two years, according to Kelley Blue Book. While some 1970s models have become pricey classics, others that were super expensive when new have dropped dramatically in value and now look like tempting buys in 2026.

Take the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham, which cost around $40,100 in today's money when new. Recent auction data from Classic.com shows an average price of just $9,230 for ninth-generation models.

The 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 originally sold for roughly $212,100 in today's dollars. Now, Hagerty values good-condition examples between $30,200 and $33,900.

A 1977 Bentley T2 had a U.S. sticker price near $40,000, or about $220,000 today. Current values sit at $13,500, barely more than a decade-old Toyota Camry.

The 1977 Maserati Merak SS cost about $253,500 in today's money but now changes hands for an estimated $46,000 in good condition, per Hagerty.

The Aston Martin Lagonda S2 originally sold for $79,500, which is around $365,700 today. Late-'70s examples in good shape now command $50,000, according to Hagerty, due to quirky looks, unreliable tech, and high restoration costs.

The Stutz Blackhawk, driven by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and the Shah of Iran, cost $74,000 by 1978—roughly $379,000 today. Hagerty says it now fetches about $28,200 in 2026.

Finally, the Rolls-Royce Camargue debuted in 1975 at $68,445, or $424,850 today, making it the most expensive new car in the world at the time. Its value now is only $33,500 in good condition, likely due to its divisive styling, which even Rolls-Royce admitted was a tough sell.