Discover the iconic cars from “That 70s Show” including the Vista Cruiser, El Camino, and Pacer. Dive into car customizations and behind the scenes insights.
Main Cars Featured in “That 70s Show”
Throughout the iconic TV show “That 70s Show,” several main cars played significant roles in shaping the characters’ experiences and adding a touch of retro charm to the overall aesthetic. Let’s take a closer look at three standout vehicles that became synonymous with the show’s nostalgic appeal.
Vista Cruiser
The Vista Cruiser, a station wagon manufactured by Oldsmobile, quickly became a fan favorite on “That 70s Show.” This spacious and versatile vehicle served as the main mode of transportation for the show’s group of friends, allowing them to embark on countless adventures and bonding moments. With its distinctive wood paneling and retro design, the Vista Cruiser perfectly encapsulated the 1970s era and added a touch of nostalgia to the show’s setting.
El Camino
Another standout car featured in “That 70s Show” was the El Camino, a unique hybrid between a car and a truck produced by Chevrolet. The El Camino’s sleek and sporty design made it a perfect fit for the show’s characters, reflecting their rebellious and free-spirited personalities. Whether cruising down the streets of Point Place or hauling goods for their various schemes, the El Camino added a cool factor to the show’s car lineup and became an integral part of the characters’ lives.
Pacer
Last but not least, the Pacer, a compact car manufactured by American Motors Corporation, made its mark on “That 70s Show” with its quirky and distinctive appearance. Despite its unconventional design, the Pacer quickly became a beloved vehicle on the show, symbolizing the characters’ eccentricity and individuality. Whether used for road trips, romantic escapades, or simply cruising around town, the Pacer added a touch of whimsy to the show’s car collection and showcased the characters’ unique tastes.
Car Customizations in the Show
When it comes to “That 70s Show,” the cars featured on the show were not just vehicles – they were iconic symbols of the era. The customizations done to these cars played a significant role in bringing the 1970s vibe to life on screen. Let’s take a closer look at the various customizations that were done:
Paint Jobs
One of the most noticeable customizations on the cars in “That 70s Show” was the vibrant and eye-catching paint jobs. Each car was meticulously painted to reflect the funky and colorful aesthetic of the 1970s. From psychedelic patterns to bold stripes, the paint jobs on these cars were a reflection of the characters’ personalities and the overall vibe of the show.
- The Vista Cruiser, for example, sported a groovy orange and yellow paint job that made it stand out on the streets of Point Place.
- The El Camino was painted in a sleek black with red racing stripes, giving it a cool and edgy look that suited its character.
- The Pacer, with its unique bubble shape, was painted in a bright turquoise color that made it a focal point whenever it appeared on screen.
Interior Decor
In addition to the exterior customizations, the interior of the cars on “That 70s Show” were also decked out in true 1970s style. Plush velvet seats, shag carpeting, and retro dashboard accessories were just some of the features that adorned the interiors of these vehicles. The attention to detail in the interior decor helped transport viewers back in time and immerse them in the world of the show.
- The Vista Cruiser had a cozy and nostalgic interior, complete with wood paneling and vintage stereo equipment.
- The El Camino boasted a leather interior with custom embroidered seats, adding a touch of luxury to its rugged exterior.
- The Pacer featured a funky and colorful interior design that matched its quirky exterior perfectly.
Engine Upgrades
While the visual customizations were what caught the eye, the cars on “That 70s Show” also underwent some serious engine upgrades to ensure they could handle the demands of filming. High-performance engines, custom exhaust systems, and tuned suspensions were just some of the modifications made to these cars to make them show-ready.
- The Vista Cruiser’s engine was upgraded to a powerful V8, giving it the speed and performance needed for chase scenes and fast getaways.
- The El Camino’s engine received a turbo boost, allowing it to roar to life in high-speed sequences and thrilling stunts.
- The Pacer’s engine was fine-tuned for efficiency, balancing power and fuel economy to keep it running smoothly on set.
Behind the Scenes of the Cars
Car Selection Process
When it came to selecting the cars featured in “That 70s Show,” the production team had quite the task on their hands. Each vehicle needed to not only fit the time period of the show but also reflect the personalities of the characters who drove them. From Eric Forman’s iconic Vista Cruiser to Kelso’s flashy El Camino, every car played a crucial role in setting the tone for the show.
To ensure authenticity, the team scoured vintage car lots, auctions, and private collections to find the perfect vehicles. They considered factors such as condition, mileage, and overall aesthetic appeal. It was important that each car not only looked the part but also ran smoothly for filming purposes. The selection process was a meticulous one, but the end result was a lineup of cars that became just as much a part of the show as the characters themselves.
- Vintage car lots
- Auctions
- Private collections
Maintenance on Set
Once the cars were chosen and brought onto the set, the work didn’t stop there. Regular maintenance was crucial to keep the vintage vehicles in top condition for filming. From oil changes to tune-ups, the cars required constant attention to ensure they performed as expected. The production team had a dedicated crew of mechanics who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the cars running smoothly.
In addition to routine maintenance, the cars also underwent special modifications for specific scenes. Whether it was adding decals for a drag race or installing a new exhaust system for a high-speed chase, the cars were constantly being customized to fit the needs of the show. This attention to detail helped bring the world of “That 70s Show” to life and added an extra layer of authenticity to the driving scenes.
- Routine maintenance
- Special modifications for scenes
- Dedicated crew of mechanics
Impact on Show’s Budget
While the cars were an integral part of the show, they also came with a hefty price tag. The cost of acquiring, maintaining, and customizing the vehicles added up quickly and put a strain on the show’s budget. However, the production team knew that the cars were essential to capturing the essence of the 1970s era, so they spared no expense in ensuring they were up to par.
Despite the financial strain, the investment in the cars paid off in the end. The vehicles became iconic symbols of the show and helped transport viewers back in time to the groovy decade. The impact of the cars on the show’s budget was significant, but the value they added to the overall production was immeasurable.
- Cost of acquiring and maintaining vehicles
- Customization expenses
- Value added to the show’s production
In conclusion, the behind-the-scenes work that went into selecting, maintaining, and customizing the cars featured in “That 70s Show” was no easy feat. From the meticulous selection process to the constant upkeep and financial investment, the cars played a crucial role in bringing the world of the show to life. Their impact on the overall production was undeniable, and they will forever be remembered as iconic symbols of the groovy era.