Discover Hidden Gems: Obscure GM Muscle Cars of the 1970s

Ever think you could stump a muscle car know-it-all? Next time, hit them with this trivia: obscure GM muscle from the 70s!

We all know the classics, right? GTOs, Chevelles - those beasts ruled the 60s and early 70s. But ask about the mid-70s, the "Malaise Era" some call it (thanks to emissions stuff and big bumpers), and you might draw a blank.

Here's the thing: that era gets a bad rap, but those cars have tons of potential! Sure, they weren't speed demons straight out of the factory, but the frames were solid, and the shapes were boss. Perfect for tinkering into awesome muscle machines today.

So, buckle up, gearhead, because we're diving into 10 of these undercover muscle cars: the GM Colonnade A-Bodies from 1973 to 1977.

First, what's a Colonnade A-Body? In GM speak, it's their midsize chassis. Think of it like a Lego set where the frame and suspension are built first, then the body gets added on. This A-Body wasn't new, but for 1973, they added a key feature: better rollover protection. They also added a B-pillar to the coupes and sedans, making them look extra sleek.

These Colonnade A-Bodies were everywhere in the 70s (over 7 million!), but not many survive today, and even fewer get transformed into muscle monsters. That's what makes them cool - they're unique! Here are 10 of our favorites we've spotted over the years:

• 1974 Chevy Laguna: This one might ring a bell. It starred in the whacky movie "Cannonball Run" with Burt Reynolds and a bunch of other 70s A-listers. This particular Laguna is a clone of the movie car and packs a serious punch under the hood - a 454ci big-block Chevy engine, just like you could get back in the day.

• 1977 Buick Century Special: Buick's not usually known for drag racing, but the colonnade A-Body platform gave their Century and Regal some serious customization cred. Check out this 1977 Century Special - we love the unique grille, lowered stance, and the big wheels that tuck perfectly into the body.

• 1974 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Cutlass: Remember the Pontiac GTO? Oldsmobile had their own answer in the 4-4-2 muscle car. Most people think the 4-4-2 faded away after 1972, but it stuck around with the new A-Body platform. This particular 1974 model is super rare - a barn find with a mean 350ci engine!

There's more where that came from - moonshine runner's Pontiacs, crazy rare Buick Sun Coupes, and even a one-of-a-kind NASCAR pace car Grand Am. Check out the rest to see these colonnade A-Bodies in all their boxy glory!