What were cars like 50 years ago?

Fifty years ago, in the early 1970s, cars were typically larger and heavier than many modern vehicles, often featuring boxy designs and chrome accents. They were powered predominantly by gasoline engines with lower fuel efficiency, and safety features like seat belts and airbags were not yet standard. Many cars had simpler technology, with manual transmissions and basic stereo systems, and they often emphasized power and performance over fuel economy. Emissions regulations were just beginning to influence design, leading to the introduction of catalytic converters and other pollution control technologies.