American Car Spotters Guide - 1976 |
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In 1976, the American automobile industry started a recovery from the paralysis produced brought about by the anti-pollution regulations and fuel and economic crises. Buyers' attention turned towards compacts, while even the "standard" models became lighter, less-bulky, and above all, less-thirsty.
Also see: 1976 European Car Spotters Guide | 1976 Japanese Car Spotters Guide |
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American Motors Pacer |
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Also see: American Motors Car Reviews |
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American Motors' unusual Pacer did not sell as well as hoped, so the Company launched a station wagon version, the load-space being significantly increased. |
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Chevrolet Camaro |
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Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet |
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Little changed for the 1976 Camaro. New additions included wire wheels and a brushed aluminum insert in the tail. Sales where up and the Camaro LT (Luxury Touring) was Chevrolet's top seller. The base LT costed around $4,300, and had many options available. |
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Chevrolet Impala |
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Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet |
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New models from General Motors were chiefly concentrated in the Chevrolet Impala/ Caprice range: narrower bodywork, shorter by 10.6 in. (16.92 cm) lighter by 5.9 cwt (300 kg) (J), and with smaller engines. Finalldrive ratios were stepped-up, too. Similar treatment was applied to the Buick Sabre/ Electra models. However, styling changes, and odd gadgets, were not lacking, as exemmplified by the 1977 Pontiac Firebird. |
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Ford LTD II and Cougar |
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Also see: Ford USA Car Reviews |
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Ford replaced the Torino/Montego range of 'intermediates' with the LTD II and Cougar series. These lengthy cars almost reached the huge 'standard size'. |
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GMC Jimmy |
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GMC Sprint |
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GMC Sprint |
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Plymouth Volare / Dodge Aspen |
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Also see: Plymouth Car Reviews | The History of Plymouth |
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Chrysler seemed to weather the crisis with the successful Plymouth Vola re/Dodge Asspen cars. There were many improvements for 1977, and the choice of engines and boodies was vast. The Volare Road Runner coupe, for example, had a two-piecll detaachable roof. Particularly notable was the new electronic ignition system, which perrmits a weaker mixture to be used without diminishing performance. |
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