10 American Luxury Car Classics Of The '70s That Are Now Rising In Value

Some of these American luxury cars were ahead of their time; now they're cheap.

The American car industry underwent several transformations over time. From the tailfins of the '50s to rambunctious muscle cars of the '60s, to the elongated land boats of the '70s, the domestic automobile changed from one decade to another.

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The 1970s is one of the wildest decades when it comes to cars. A myriad of fantastic cars hit the dealerships over those 10 years. As the American muscle car was under threat, luxurious vehicles of substantial size started getting more attention. Some of these American luxury cars were ahead of their time, now they're cheap. With that said, they are now appreciating in value.

From a European standpoint, America does not have a single luxury car brand. True connoisseurs know for a fact that America is home to two remarkable luxury brands: Lincoln and Cadillac. What was once an admirable and luxurious Cadillac is now worth as much as a brand-new modern Cadillac

The '70 Coupe DeVille is one of the classic American luxury cars that never age. Despite being a 53-year-old classic, the Coupe DeVille looks as exquisite today as it did in 1970. Underneath the giant hood sits a 472 cubic inch V8 that makes 375 hp at 4,400 rpm and a whopping 525 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.

Ford is not known for being a luxury brand. Compared to Mercury and Lincoln, Ford stands at the bottom of the scale. Wanting to offer something extra to its customers, Ford ventured into the luxury market with the now iconic Ford LTD. It was one of the most surprising Ford cars of the early '70s that was neither a pony nor a muscle car.

The '70 LTD may be a Ford, but it is full of surprises. Unlike other Ford cars of that era, the LTD received several features usually found on Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. On top of the luxurious components and finishes, the '70 LTD Brougham came at best with a 429 cubic inch V8 that puts out 360 hp at 4,600 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm.

General Motors released a plethora of instant classics over the decades. With legendary nameplates such as the Corvette and Grand National, GM proved numerous times that it was fully capable of delivering on its promises. With its mid-range brand Buick, GM offered some of the greatest luxurious cruisers of the '70s. The Riviera Boat Tail is one of them.

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With only 3,175 1971 Buick Riviera GSs made, it is quite understandable that it quickly appreciated in value. The Riviera GS comes with a 455 cubic inch V8 rated at 330 hp at 4,600 rpm and 455 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. With Buick being a mid-range GM brand and the Riviera GS the finest thing in Buick's lineup, it is quite normal the Riviera GS keeps on attracting buyers.

Whenever the name Chrysler pops up in a conversation, it usually refers to the group rather than the cars themselves. With mind-blowing cars such as the '70 Charger R/T or the Hemi Cuda of the same year, it is quite understandable why actual Chrysler cars were overshadowed.

Chrysler hit the nail on the head with the sensational Imperial LeBaron. Produced between 1955 and 1983, one of the best years for the LeBaron was 1971. Its elegant physique hides a 440 cu. in. RB V8 that develops 335 hp at 4,400 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.

Defunct carmaker Mercury went through some dark times in its final years. Not a single gearhead remembers the Mercury Topaz or Tracer. Mercury did not always used to be that way. During its heyday, Mercury had some great vehicles including the Cougar XR7 and the Montego GT.

Although the Montego ended up becoming a lukewarm sedan, it once was a gorgeous luxury coupe. In 1972, the Montego came with a variety of engines including Ford's 429 cu in V8. With a power output of 208 hp at 4,400 rpm and 322 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 rpm, the Montego GT is powerful enough to qualify as a luxury sports coupe.

Oldsmobile is one of the former GM brands that always tend to be forgotten. Despite having released tremendous cars such as the 442 W30 or the Jetstar I, Oldsmobile is often remembered for its demise. Before the former American brand went belly up, it released various remarkable vehicles.

RELATED: 5 Cars That Made Oldsmobile Great (5 That Ruined It)

Back in the '70s, the mid-range GM brand, namely Oldsmobile, used to offer outstanding luxury coupes such as the Toronado. The second-generation Toronado came with a 455 cu in V8 that develops 250 hp at 4,000 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. Although less powerful than the previous generation, the '73 Toronado remains a terrific luxury classic.

Ford Motors is known for owning one of America's luxury car brands. Outside of Cadillac, no other domestic brand was able to achieve this level of luxury. There was a time when Lincoln cars were on par with some of the classiest European cars. Cars such as the Continental will never fail to please.

The '74 Lincoln Continental Mark IV is one of the most iconic classic American luxury cars. Equipped with a Ford-sourced 460 cu in V8, the Continental Mark IV is a great luxurious land boat. The 460 makes 220 hp at 4,000 rpm and 355 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 rpm.

Buick regained some of its attractiveness in recent years with more interesting vehicles. With that said, the GM brand moved away from overly aggressive muscle cars such as the GSX or the GNX. Buick had already adopted this business model when the Malaise Era set in.

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The '75 Buick LeSabre Convertible is one of the coolest classic Buicks for collectors. On top of being a 226.9 in two-door convertible, the '75 LeSabre comes at best with a 455 cu in V8 that makes 205 hp at 3,800 rpm and 345 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.

Cadillac is the sort of car brand people would expect to see at the Country Club or Neiman Marcus. Back in the '70s, Cadillac cars were all the rage. Often priced outside most people's financial capacities, Cadillac cars had more than one gearhead daydreaming.

The '76 Eldorado is one of the classic American luxury cars that are worth every penny. The Eldorado is not only fitted with a massive 500-ci V8 that makes 215 hp at 3,600 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. The Eldorado Convertible is a humongous coupe whose sole purpose is to cruise in style.

By the time the late '70s rolled around, the domestic automobile industry was in distress. The muscle car was pretty much a shadow of its former self. More compact cars were offered to rival the Japanese invasion. While everything seemed to be doomed, American carmakers still had a monopoly on affordable and attractive luxury cars.

Although it is possible to find a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham for less than $10,000 in poor condition, a head-turning '78 New Yorker Brougham will set you back at least $37,000 according to the highest sale on classic.com. The New Yorker comes with a 440-ci V8 that develops 185 hp at 3,600 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm.

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Max Veron is an avid fan of anything equipped with a powerful engine. Spending time between Southeast Asia, Europe and the US, Max is travel bug with a great taste for cars.