These are my favorite cars that you could still see on the roads of Europe in the 70s and 80s.
Citroen 2cv
The 2cv was one of the most common vehicles of the era. Conceived to motorize a large number of farmers still using horses, was often called 'an umbrella on wheels'. The 2Cv has been produced in France without modifications for 41 years, from 1948 to 1989. The engine was a 400 cc. and it could reach speeds around 90km/h.
Renault 4
The model 4 by Renault was an answer to the 2Cv, that was taking all the market of the low segment in France. It was featuring a more urban style and a bigger dimensions than the 2Cv. Consistently harder to drive and faster than the Citroen, it has been produced by the french firm from 1961 to 1992.
Citroen Dyane6
The Dyane derived from the 2Cv, and was Citroen's answer to the growth of popularity of the Renaut 4. It was slighlty more powerful than the 2Cv, the back cargo area was bigger and the frontal lights were embedded in the chassis. Another difference was in the suspensions: even more elastic and fun to drive than hits predecessor.
Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle was very common in the 70s. With a consistently bigger engine than the frenchies above, the beetle was featuring a very robust frame that has been used to all sort of customization. Common was to feature a Porsche engine, less common a Rolls Royce one.
Fiat 500
Very little to do with the new 500, that mocks the pros of her original ancestors, the Fiat 500 was super-tiny. There was an old joke about this car: "how 2 elephants can fit in a Fiat 500? With the doors open!" . I am still wondering how most of the italian babies born in the 70s and the 80s (me included) have been conceived in such a tiny car.
All the images were found under the 'free to reuse' license.