Automotive Dark Ages

I have wrote about this subject before, including in my book; "Grab Some Gears - 40 Years of Street Racing" (check it out at the link below). In chapter five in my book I suggest that during the 1970's the American car manufacturers were consumed by the technical challenges of vehicle emissions regulations, and the ever increasing safety requirements being mandated by the Federal Government. Along with quadrupling gas prices and rising insurance costs, it seemed to signal the end of the muscle cars we had come to love. The car guys started saving and restoring the best loved muscle cars from the 1960's, along with making some "performance adjustments" to the new cars we were buying at the time. It seemed the future looked pretty sad for performance enthusiasts.
Sure, we all can remember such 1970's icons as the TransAm from the movie "Smoky and the Bandit", but for the most part, most cars from that era were a weak replacement for our beloved 60's classics.
Being a life-long car guy, and especially a Mustang fan, I'm familiar with the over 50 year history, and lack of respect the Mustang ll gets among most fans. I actually have experience with several Mustang ll models owned by friends, family members, and myself. Put in perspective of the times, they were fun little cars, when ordered with the right options.
History is not often kind to the "under dogs", and many of the 1970's cars share that status. Hats off to those fans that take the time, and put in the work, to preserve those lost examples from the automotive dark ages.
Here is the link to check out my book, or read sample pages; Grab Some Gears"

Example of a 1977  Ford Mustang ll Ghia, complete with 302 V8 power, and other options (Google image).