First Drive from the 1970s

Rare first drive footage of famous musicians from the 1970s. Browse 5 clips below.

All First DriveAll 1970s

About First Drive Footage

First drive content captures the raw, unfiltered reaction of driving a new car for the very first time — before familiarity dulls the senses and before the reviewer has had time to intellectualise the experience. These clips are the most honest form of automotive review, revealing genuine surprise, delight, and sometimes disappointment. The best first drives combine the excitement of the unknown with enough expertise to articulate what the car is doing and why it matters.

The 1970s in Music

The 1970s was a decade of contradiction for the car world — the fuel crisis, tightening emissions regulations, and the 55 mph speed limit threatened to kill automotive enthusiasm, but simultaneously Japanese imports began their quiet invasion of Western markets. The Datsun 240Z, Toyota Celica, and Honda Civic arrived as the American muscle car was being neutered by smog equipment. Meanwhile, motorsport thrived — Formula 1 entered its most dangerous and dramatic era, and rally racing produced legends like the Lancia Stratos. Footage from the 70s captures an industry in upheaval, adapting to a world that was suddenly hostile to horsepower.

Artists

CarVehicleBusFerrariJaguar XJDatsun