21 Dreams from the 1970's That Didn’t Work Out

Daniel Bonfiglio Published 05/16/2025 in wow

Growing up in the 1970s meant riding your bike to your friend's house, driving to high school in your muscle car, and heading home to your single family home with a garage.

Freedom meant having a future where all these things continued to be true and then some. Unfortunately, those 1970s promises are all broken.

While some wishes did come true, here are 21 1970s dreams that didn't.

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1. Playing in the Street
Sports work better with cars in the mix.
2. Playing Pond Hockey
Washington State in the 1970s.
3. Sports Cars
Back when there were affordable performance cars.
4. Just a Dude and His Sick Car
Nothing compares to a Plymouth Superbird today.
5. Parking Lot Hangouts
Doing “bad” things with friends after school.
6. Parking Lot Party
How many people can fit in one convertible?
7. Free Neighborhoods
There are no more kids “terrorizing” neighborhoods on bikes.
8. Bike Stunts
A girl and her dog trying a seat stand. (No helmet in sight.)
9. 7-Eleven
Kids and their bikes on the move.
10. Economy Flying
No more legroom, free bags, or nice meals.
11. A 1970s Man Flying United
That’s a commercial flight.
12. College
As a respectable, and somewhat affordable institution.
13. College Counseling
Even just planning and applying is an entire industry.
14. Van Life
Living free and on the road.
15. Van Cab
Look at that carpet!
16. Rock Music
Back when rock ruled the world.
17. “The Cryptic Candle”
Not to mention the rise of the garage band.
18. Roller Skating
The best way to get around in the 1970s.
19. Beach Skating
Especially on the boardwalk.
20. The Classic American Family
A house, a kid, a car, and a dog. All on a regular income.
21. Family Portrait
A classic look in front of the fireplace. 1977.

1. Playing in the Street
Sports work better with cars in the mix.
2. Playing Pond Hockey
Washington State in the 1970s.
3. Sports Cars
Back when there were affordable performance cars.
4. Just a Dude and His Sick Car
Nothing compares to a Plymouth Superbird today.
5. Parking Lot Hangouts
Doing “bad” things with friends after school.
6. Parking Lot Party
How many people can fit in one convertible?
7. Free Neighborhoods
There are no more kids “terrorizing” neighborhoods on bikes.
8. Bike Stunts
A girl and her dog trying a seat stand. (No helmet in sight.)
9. 7-Eleven
Kids and their bikes on the move.
10. Economy Flying
No more legroom, free bags, or nice meals.
11. A 1970s Man Flying United
That’s a commercial flight.
12. College
As a respectable, and somewhat affordable institution.
13. College Counseling
Even just planning and applying is an entire industry.
14. Van Life
Living free and on the road.
15. Van Cab
Look at that carpet!
16. Rock Music
Back when rock ruled the world.
17. “The Cryptic Candle”
Not to mention the rise of the garage band.
18. Roller Skating
The best way to get around in the 1970s.
19. Beach Skating
Especially on the boardwalk.
20. The Classic American Family
A house, a kid, a car, and a dog. All on a regular income.
21. Family Portrait
A classic look in front of the fireplace. 1977.