SmogEra vehicles- those made after 1972
This time-frame was undoubtedly the low point of automotive performance, though mostly in North America. It was also defined as the Malaise Era.
Some of the best, and most controversial automotive styling was offered in this timeframe. To be overlooked are the hideous graphics, cheesy luxury car grilles, and plush velour, but even that stuff if retro-cool now. Let’s not forget about the vinyl seats and fake woody wagons.
Generally, the most desirable vehicles are those made up to 1972. It is our belief that vehicles from 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 will remain affordable for quite some time, and are waiting for an influx of power… Reasons being are as follows…
In the early 70s, the perfect storm came together that would change vehicles forever. Laws regarding front bumper strength, rear bumper strength, and rollover protection were enacted for the early 70s. The insurance industry was clamping down on high powered vehicles through inflated premiums. The first and second OPEC oil embargoes added to the the need for better fuel economy. The environmentalist movement of the late 60s and early 70s brought awareness to the need for cleaner air.
In answer to these issues, car makers were forced to make the following changes: Heavy bumpers front and rear; pillar-less hardtops were axed for the most part; Factory-convertibles were scarce to come by; Less horsepower through lower compression and milder camshaft profiles; Subcompact cars, previously unheard for the most part, were now being sold in the early 70s; Unleaded fuel, catalytic converters, EGR valves, and ‘miles’ of vacuum lines under-hood were now reality. Not to mention, do you remember all the tape stripe performance packages in the 70s?
Why start coverage in 1973?— GM’s midsize cars got the new colonnade look for ’73. GM’s trucks got restyled for ’73. The GM compacts (X-bodies) gained weight and got uglier in ’73. The Camaro/Firebird were about to get a re-freshening. Ford’s full size cars got restyled for ’73. Ford’s trucks got restyled for 1973. The Mustang was about to get restyled. Chrysler’s fullsize models were about to get changed over to a new look. Because of the previously mentioned industry changes and vehicle restyles, 1973 is a good overall ‘average’ to start from.
Why end coverage at 1983 ?— After ’83, vehicles started to get true performance back through improved turbocharging and/or fuel injection. Also, new trends such as SUVs, mini-vans, and front wheel drives were really starting to take off. Though true ‘barnstorming’ performance still had a few years to go, let’s just point out what started in 1984. The Corvette went through a major redesign. The Pontiac Fiero was introduced. A turbo finally found its way into the Buick Grand National. Ford’s 5.0 V8 was now widely available with fuel injection. The Mustang SVO was launched. The Tempo introduced Ford’s customers to a slightly larger front wheel drive car. The Lincoln Mark VII was launched, which some still consider the original 80s musclecar. The Ford Bronco II was introduced. The Jeep XJ Cherokee was introduced. Chrysler’s minivans were introduced. 1983 is a good average to stop with, due to all the positive changes and new trends starting the next year.
These are all reasons that we won’t cover ’72 and earlier or ’84 and later cars. Most of the ’73-’83 vehicles have been forgotten about by the performance and restoration industry. It’s time to bring these cars back from the dead and into the spotlight.
