American Car Spotters Guide - 1978 |
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In December 1978 the government of Iran cut off oil exports to the world. Already that year the market share for imported automobiles had risen to 18 percent, an all-time high. The ensuing rise in gasoline prices—up 52 percent from year-earlier levels in September 1979—pushed domestic automakers seemingly to the brink of failure. By September 1979 Chrysler was insolvent and considering bankruptcy.
Only a government-guaranteed loan negotiated by union officials and politicians from Michigan, and on the administrative talent of chief executive officer Lee laccoca, gave Chrysler the time and capital needed to plot a comeback. Ford was losing money on its domestic operations—$7 billion from 1979 to 1982—and was kept going only on its still-profitable European markets. In 1980 even GM lost money. In 1981 the perennial money-losing AMC was bought by Renault, the government-owned French carmaker. |
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Chevrolet Camaro |
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Also see: Chevrolet Car Reviews | The History of Chevrolet |
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In 1978 GM added a new nose to the 1978 Camaro with an all new body color urethane front and rear designed to meet the new federal safety crash standard. The rear taillights were also redesigned, with 3 color lenses with the fuel door in the center. The Camaro now offered five models including, Rally Sport, Type-LT, Type-LT Rally Sport, Sport Coupe, and Z28. T-tops were now available on all models. |
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Ford Mustang |
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Also see: Ford Mustang Series 3 Car Reviews |
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The Mustang, which first appeared in 1964, had become legendary in America, where it was the first popular domestic sports car. It contiinues its successful career into the 1970's, engine capacities being subsequently expanded, to reach seven liters, until the coming of oil crisis in 1973, when it was suddenly subjected to an enforced power-reduction, which was too substantial. Hence the third generation models, longer (14.92 ft/4.55 m, an increase of 4.33 in/11 cm), but less heavy. Ford's 1978 Mustang was clad in very European bodywork, two-door hardtop, or three-door fastback, and incorporated various improvements, notably to the suspension. Available engines included a 4-cylinder 2.3-liter, V6 2.8-liter, and V8 4.9-liter. There was also a turbo option for the 2.3-liter, which raised power from 89 to 149 hp (66/111 kW). A four-speed manual gearbox was available, and the V8 option car could be fitted with Michelin TRX tires - the first US appearance as a factory option. |
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GMC Cabellero |
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GMC Cabellero Diablo |
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GMC Jimmy |
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GMC Suburban |
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GMC Suburban |
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