29. Rover SD1 V8
Whatever your father had in the ’70s paled in comparison to the interesting Rover SD1 (via AutoZine). Imagined as a family sedan of the future, Rover presented the SD1 in 1976. It was modern with aerodynamic styling, a hatchback, and a then-futuristic interior. A 2.6 liter 136 HP base version and a 3.5 liter V8 were available.

The V8 version is interesting since it turned the comfy family sedan into a proper four-door muscle car. The Buick-derived 3.5-liter V8 produced 190 HP. That wasn’t much by today’s standards but a pretty high number for the mid-’70s. Unfortunately, due to strikes at the factory and the lousy quality of the components, the SD1 didn’t have the dependability or reputation German cars offered. It was a flop in America.