Thanks to all for the suggestions in the comments. Making a part 2 is going to be a whole lot easier. I probably spent close to 2 hours making this list because if you couldn’t tell I’m pretty young and wasn’t there😂
@@GreenHawkDrive Hey, it's cool. I can see that. The R-Bodies may be smaller than the C-Bodies, but I'll bet the Mopar R's are bigger than the Ford Panther platform cars.
As a old gearhead I approve of your videos and format. You have even told and showed things I did not know about. It makes me smile to see younger men interested in older car history. Keep em coming buddy.
AMC was always the underdog only do to their size, not their advanced technology. My family has owned them since 1959. The 1971 Ambassador wagon and the 1974 Matador coupe are two models that deserve more recognition.
I had an 83 Concord DL Wagon 258/Auto (actually a rare car by production numbers, I had 1 of 867 wagons made for 83) I can tell you without a doubt, had they purchased GM/Rochester TBI and Ford's AOD transmission, and installed them into the AWD Eagles with the 258-6 they would have been so much better MPG and Drive-ability. - They were truly ahead of their time, gas prices in mid 80's kind of eased which didn't help, had gas went to $2 a gallon in mid 80's there would have been many more.
1:52 the sad unfortunate reality of this video is that it wasn't JUST a brake failure, it was an entirely avoidable accident. The guy's throttle was sticking and instead of pulling over and taking a look at it, nerves from being on camera got the best of him and he just rode his brakes, causing them to heat up and experience fade.
To make matters worse, it had way smaller rims and brakes due to being a "show car." Essentially a car where the brakes were only being used to get it onto the trailer, off the trailer, and maybe move 100 feet at most at a car show. It had 0 business being on the road, especially not being full sent by two dimwits.
Big sedans were commonly used to tow travel trailers back in the day. When my parents were shopping for RV’s in the mid-70s they considered towing an Airstream or Silver Streak with their ‘67 Cadillac. My dad hated the idea of putting those big honking accessory mirrors on his baby, but it was common to see them on Buicks, Olds, Ford LTD’s, and yes, even Mopars. I found out later those big sedans were tougher than the half-ton pickups of that time (and after), and considerably more comfortable.
The disadvantage of towing with the large sedans was the distance from the rear axle to the hitch. It created so much leverage pushing down on the back end; you needed air shocks or heavier springs.
That's a technicality for the "1974 Fury". In 1975, this vehicle became the Plymouth Gran Fury - much as the 1974 Dodge Monaco Custom became the 1975 Dodge Royal Monaco - and stayed in production until 1977. (The 1976 Dodge Coronet would become the base-level 1977 Dodge Monaco.)
There was a 1983 Plymouth Scamp that was the Dodge Rampage twin. Only sold 1 year . Also a 1970 1/2 Ford Falcon using the Torino body only for a short time.
Yes - you're right - the Plymouth Scamp was 1983 only, but the Dodge Rampage was sold from 1982 - 1984. And you're right about the Falcon on the Torino body for only a half year! I forgot about that one!
@@djcjr1x1The Valiant Scamp was a Dodge Dart Swinger in thin disguise. Apparently Dodge people were jealous of the Duster and wanted a piece of that pie, hence the Dodge Demon, and Plymouth got use of the Swinger in exchange~
@@trudygreer2491 yeah I think you're right but you could get a Swinger with a slant six or a Demon. I had both they weren't fast but they got where you needed to go.👍
@@trudygreer2491 There was also the rare Demon Sizzler which was a V8 318 only version with special graphics. I almost bought a factory bright high impact color one but I think the Hispanic guys thought I was a cop or ICE and pulled out of the sale...that sucked. Had the price set ready to give him the cash and they all started blabbing together last minute in Spanish & nixed it... weird. 🤔🤨🤬 There's a reason Florida has a questionable reputation, in the 3 years I lived there in the early nineties I had more crazy 🤬 happen to me than almost the rest of my life.🤯
My aunt had a Chrysler E-Class with the voice chip. It would say things like "Your door is ajar". For 1985 the model was decontented and rebranded Plymouth Caravelle.
Glad to see the E-class in the video. My first car was a 84 Chrysler New Yorker with the 2.2 turbo that I inherited from my grandfather after he passed, very clean and mint because it came out of a barn with
My wife and I own twin 2009 Mercury Sables and they are the best cars we've ever owned. I've owned mine since 2010 and my wife's since 2012. Very roomy, comfortable and more than adequate power. I've never heard of a water pump issue nor have we ever had an issue with either engines. Great cars! You go save one of the last great Mercurys. I miss todays cars lack of CD changers. So convenient.
6:54 - if you have never driven a 70s American land yacht with actual body roll at speed. You have not lived. Bonus points if you have done it during a snow storm!
My tank {71 olds 98) literally slid right over a flooded backwoods bridge and miraculously made it through deep mud! Later after a party coming back from my hippie friend's i pulled over too much and got stuck! The smuck dude was a wrecker, ironically. We had to walk back and leave the car overnite as we hitched a ride. Fun times in my boat (tank🎉
For real. I had a '71 Impala coupe with a 400. It felt like it had all of its weight in all the wrong places... it wasn't the kind of car you wanted to make sudden direction changes in. Even in a straight line, it got real floaty and spooky over 90 mph.
I had a 71 Ford Custom 500 (Cheap Galaxie), going from an Econoline to a Low Slung 4-Door Sedan felt like a Race Car! - Also Drove it in many Minnesota winters.
Just a comment about model changes. Back in the 50s through mid 70s it WAS common for major changes every 2 years, sometimes three, with trim changes, and sometimes new front sheet metal, or new rear sheet metal, or both. Examples... the 63-64, 65-66, 67-68, 69-70, and 71-72 full size Fords (Chevrolets followed the same pattern except the 71 bodyshell last3d through 76). AMC was a master at making old bodyshell designs look new with major updates in front, then a couple of years later a major update at the rear. The got a lot of mileage out of their designs that way out of necessity, being handicapped financially. Plus their "full size" Ambassador was basically the same body as the mid size (Classic, Rebel, and Matador) with a longer wheelbase, that additional length was entirely ahead of the firewall (front fenders and hood) with no interior space increase, but they did look nice. And the Ambassador had a much higher level of standard equipment, in fact the 68 Ambassador was the first American car to make air conditioning standard equipment, before even Cadillac.
74 plymouth gran fury, the car pulling the trailer, could turn from the average stop sign running empty and unloaded with the police package equipment, and do 80 within the distance of a standard city block, they were pretty quick for the time, and with the fleet rear springs that could be ordered heavier for police and taxi, you bet they could pull trailers, you could order up to three core 26 inch radiators in them, they could also be had with auxiliary radiator and power steering coolers 100 amp alternators, mine was lots of fun
Other 1 year only body styles: the 1963 Buick Special/Skylark, Oldsmobile F85/Cutlass, and Pontiac Tempest/LeMans. These cars were continued from the 1961 and 62 platform, but in 1963 they were heavily restyled and were lengthened, so the 63s were actually their own unique year.
Biggest problem with the Ambassador was there was never more interior room than the next size down. AMC gave them a longer wheelbase but it was all extra hood length. People didn't buy AMCs for long-hood style.
I love the clean elegant looks of the 1974 Plymouth Gran Fury. A man who lives in the town I live has two 1974 Gran Furies, One Gran Coupe, and One Gran Sedan. Both of these cars are virtually brand new.
You said exactly what I was thinking. I was also partial to Chrysler's aesthetics. The 1974 Cran Fury was indeed a handsome car. Unfortunately, it didn't sell as well as the competition.
I looove your videos! I have a big interest in the same era of yours as you and you always have so much images! its the perfect thing to watch during my lunch break or at home winding down
Yeah AMC’s are amongst my favourite American car companies. I really liked the Mercury Comet, Chrysler E class with wire wheels and the Lincoln Blackwood.
4:55 - In addition to the other reasons mentioned in the comments (for the Ambassador not selling), AMC had built a reputation as a small and compact car specialist. The '58 Rambler was pitched as a more rational-sized car. It caught on quickly because that was a recession year and because people really were starting to tire a bit of the longer-lower-chromier aesthetic. But it had the side effect of "typecasting" AMC as a small-car maker, which probably worked against them when they tried to move upmarket.
Great selection! I'm glad you mentioned the AMC Sprint, because it's one I've actually seen around town that I couldn't think of at the time of your other video about El Caminos and Rancheros! The Plymouth Satellite was another one only in production ten years - 1964-1974 and had nine model years. Also the Buick Apollo from 1973-75! Funny looking sport vehicles!
Thanks for yet another great video. It’s nice to see someone younger take an interest in cars of my generation. Two suggestions for cars with short production runs: Mercury LN7 - the Mercury version of the Escort EXP. Merkur Scorpio - a made in West Germany sedan sold briefly in the late 1980s under the Merkur sub- brand. Ford’s attempt to sell its European models in North America under the Merkur brand could be an entire video.
Pontiac G8 had a short but glorious run. Too little too late for Pontiac , but one of the rare re-badges from the GM stable (holden) that was awesome .
I’m surprised you hadn’t heard of the Comet. Its history is relatively interesting. It was intended to be the second product line sold as an Edsel. When Edsel crashed and burned in ‘59 (only a few 1960’s were made), Ford took an abortive stab at making Comet its own brand. Some “Comet” signs and promo materials were sent to dealers. Then they reversed course and sold it as a Mercury after selling it only as “Comet” for the first two years. It was basically a beefed-up Falcon, which was released at around the same time.
8:08, I love my 99 Yukon Denali! They were introduced as well as the Escalade and like he said were only made for 2 years, 99/00. They are imo the best rendition of a GMT400 out there. First ever GM truck to have a Bose sound system from the factory, first GM truck to feature a woodgrain steering wheel, and the first GM truck to have color matched bumpers, door handles, cladding, and steps. These are extremely comfortable to drive and very quiet, it’s basically a 96-98 tahoe/yukon but with some cladding, a different front end, and some nice seats. Paid $900 for mine after it sat in a field for 4 years and I love driving it!
FYI we bought a used ultra low mileage, rust free 1977 C-bodied Plymouth Gran Fury Brougham around 1988 that came out of Weyburn Saskatchewan, Canada. So those were not 1974 only. Great car 360, 727, 9 1/4" rear end. Put 400,000+ miles on it. Got 19.75 mph on the hwy, tons of oomph (take off) and passing power. Towed everything we ever hooked to, without any trouble. Wouldn't even know you had a load on the tongue. It was closer to an 8 passenger than a 6 passenger. Ooodles of leg, hip, head and shoulder room front and rear seats. Working at a Plymouth stealership when those B-bodied coke bottle shaped Furys and Monacos were new....they moved ! 440s of course were quick, but the 360s were surprisingly torquey and quick too. Had one over 130mph on a test drive after a repair. The new for 80' Mercurys and Ford LTD Police cars couldn't hit 88 mph with the light bar up top.
Since you brought up the variety of exterior colors offered by Chrysler, I'd love for you to do a video on exterior colors over the years. Especially the 70s.
I loved the look of the big Dodge and Plymouth Police package highway pursuit cars through the 78, when they still came with the 440! They sat low, fat tires on vented steel wheels, big sway bars and a very big diameter exhaust pipe, man they looked intimidating.
I've always thought that the 1974 Plymouth Fury is one of the best looking formal luxury cars ever designed. Every inch of it is tidy and well-thought out. The overall effect is confident, modern, clean, classy, and cohesive. It's a shame they weren't more popular at the time, but people were still in shock from the increased fuel prices at the pump.
Chrysler couldn't decide what to do with the E class. For 84-early 88, it became the Plymouth Caravelle. Nearly the exact same car with some mild updating, as the 83 E class and Dodge 600.
I LOVED that '74 Fury. Beautiful. It was fearsome as a Texas Highway Patrol car. It brought fear and respect from me. When thinking of black and whites, those always come to mind
The Comet started out as a compact (senior computer actually) built on a stretched Falcon platform, for 66 the name was put on Mercury's version of Fords midsize Fairlane. For the 68 and 69 the Comet name was on the entry level midsize Montego, only a stripped down 2 door.
Those last gen sables are great cars. Once the water pump is fixed, like most of the fml cars at the time, they’re super reliable. All of the comfort of a Lincoln at a lower price especially compared to the mks at the time.
Others worth mentioning is: the 1978-79 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Buick Century Aeroback. The fastback versions of those GM siblings were not very popular with consumers and in 1980, the Aeroback bodies were replaced by a more conventional, yet more popular formal sedan. Another one is 1980-81 Plymouth Gran Fury. Built off the short-lived 1979-81 R Body platform, the Gran Fury of that generation was rare because it was introduced late compared to its Dodge and Chrysler siblings which were introduced for 1979, and it was mostly sold to fleets such as police agencies and taxi services. I don't know if it counts, but another mention is the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. Basically, a luxury version of the Ford Fusion, the nameplate only lasted one year before it was renamed the MKZ from 2007 onwards. That was when Lincoln started using the alpha numeric nameplates that lasted for years with mixed reviews.
The Ambassador nose was just the ugliest car on the new car lot that year. The brochure art photos do their best to camoflage the grille snd front-end appearance, but there was no hiding it from customers walking around one on the car lots. Gasoline was expensive and hard to find in 73/74, OPEC was strangling oil supply and people had to line up for blocks around gas stations hoping the pumps didn't go dry before their turn in line, so large car sales took a hit too, not just for AMC.
I was very lucky to see a Lincoln Blackwood three times in a one week period. Once at Tybee island and twice in tri-cities Tennessee (probably the same truck). Saw one in southwest PA a few years ago as well.
I would love to daily drive a Marauder. I used to work at an auto auction and I got to use a first gen Escalade as my mobile "office" for a day. The wood trim on the glove box was probably 3/4 of an inch thick, just sticking off the plastic, looking like an afterthought. Even though it had some quirks, the interior looked luxurious and was really nice. First gen escalades also have the best looking exteriors in my opinion.
My dad had a black 2000 escalade that he got back around 04. Put about 150k miles on it over 20 years, put a brush guard on the front, used it to tow the boat, finally sold it when the engine blew and the transmission was stuck in 2nd about a year ago.
You wanted to know why AMC fell apart? I can tell you why because I lived in those years as a 20 year old and up when cars were desired, not like today where no one can tell the difference between one brand or another unless they see the logos. AMC had a problem with engine options in general. They rarely offered more than two engines for any one model, usually a 6 or an 8 cylinder motor as an option. When they had a hit, they got jammed up such as with the '65 and a half Marlin vs the Dodge Charger. When AMX first came out, they didn't stick with the body style very long and moved it into the Javelin body. Big mistake, they should have left the AMX as a 2 seater. It was one of the few cars that could keep up with the Corvette short block. When Gremlins first came out, they were cute as 6 cylinder cars but they should have come out with a V-8 right from the onset and not waited until 1972 (by then the oil crisis was almost upon them and so they didn't sell as well as had they'd been already out for a couple of years). Another fatal production error was with the AMC Pacer. That car, like the month of March, started out like a lion and finished off like Lamb. The car itself looked like a turtle (which some people actually liked) but had a major flaw. It only came with an underpowered 4 cylinder motor which added to the Turtle-esque metaphor. In fit and quality it also had serious detriments. The passenger's side door was slightly larger than the driver's door (the idea being that it would allow for easier access to rear seat passengers to enter or exit but this extra weighted door began early to show flaws in leaking and sagging. Add to the fact that rust appeared more quickly when leaking became more serious and soon the car in general rotted out. AMC also should have cleaned the bodies up and removed the B pillars on existing models to make more 2 door hardtops with V-8's. That "B" pillar was a downer too. So many models including the Ambassadors had that "B" pillar which completely detracted from the look. Take a fast looking car like a "58 Chevy 2 drht impala and now make it a 2 door with a pillar. It completely ruins the lines. I'd seen 2 door Pontiac GTO's with a "B" pillar and that too ruined their look. The worst of course is when a company build a beautiful 2 door hard top then decided to make it into a family car. "Yuck"! A perfect example is the '63 and beyond Studebaker Avanti which was way ahead of its time in looks and accoutrements. After Studebaker folded, it sold the Avanti division to private interests who kept the model going for a few decades more. Unfortunately, some people wanted this car in a convertible and a 4 door. As a convertible, the car still looked good when the top was down but when it was closed, it looked funky and not at all attractive. The monster of course was the 4 door which was turned into a sedan with that god awful "B" Pillar. People who own these 4 door versions advertise their sale on occasion in Hemmings but can't get more than $3 to $4 thousand for them regardless of year, mileage, condition or color. They're plain flatly "ugly". AMC's last gaff was to join ranks with Renault. The French got the better shake in that deal in that they desperately needed license for the technology of 4 wheel drive which they now had access too with Jeep (as one of AMC's utility and military divisions). The French immediately incorporated the 4 wheel drive tech into a new division of their own Military branch which is called "Auverland" (in French it's pronounced "Overland"). AMC took some French styling cues and developed the Eagle line of cars which of course bombed in sales just like the Renault line of "Encore and Alliance". After that, in 1986, AMC split and the end came when Chrysler bought the Jeep division, closing down AMC forever in the retail car market. AMC should have improved on its two major best sellers but didn't. The Hornet and the Javelin. When these two models made their appearance, the baby boomers were in their early 20's to mid 30's and buying cars. These two models fit their tastes and their budgets but that fact seemed to go over the heads of the policy makers of AMC (who were still stuck trying to convince the WWII generation with a plethora of other models like the Ambassador, the Rebel, the Matador and the Eagle Premier) that their cars were best suited for them despite the fact that this generation was now in its late '40's to early 60's and wanted mostly simple basic transportation fit for people trying to keep a low profile in life.
It’s a toss up if people like them or not. I made a whole video on them and I’ve never been a fan. I will say, many owners commented on that video and said they are fun to drive. Hope that makes a little sense.
I have an 84 Chrysler E Class. Neat to have something different that you rarely see. Essentially a longer K car derivative with a 103.1 inch wheelbase. Mine is that same gold with wire wheel covers just like you featured. As a kid my folks had an 84 E Class in two tone gold/brown, also featured in your video
I remember when Cadillac introduced the first generation Escalade in '99, it looked so elegant, though the OBS could be seen. It was also the same year the Denali luxury trim was introduced by GMC.
Yes, the AMX and the Javelin were some of the best-looking vehicles ever manufactured. Of the many vehicles l owned was a 69 Ambassador SST with 343 gold with black vinyl top and the AMC version of rally wheels which to me looked better than the GM ones that came factory on the Corvettes.
Cars from pre 50's,60's and even 70's Cars changed every year...Redesign after 2 years! New grilles,lights etc...changed yearly and every 2 years they changed the car completely, new body etc..Thats how they did things! It wasnt that they didnt sell,they just had new models every year and every 2 years an all new body design!
I’m a mopar guy, so here’s some rarity models from them. The 1960 Dodge Matador only made it one year. It had one the coolest steering wheel and dash layouts. Also 78-79 Dodge made a 2 door sporty B body called the Magnum.
There is a Blackwood in my area; it'll be at a gas station or going down the road and I can't help but look at it and ponder on how strange and abstract it is. It is truly one of those vehicles that is so weird that it's kind of cool honestly, and it's very reflective of the time it was produced in. Love your content, keep it up! Could you perhaps do something on the tuner cars of the 1990's? Like the Saleen S351R, Kenny Brown 289RS, Lingenfelter ZR-1 or Hennessy Venom 650r? Or perhaps a full history on the 3rd gen C/K pickups and cabs, both light and medium duty?
Thank you and I agree they are odd but cool. I went ahead and looked up those tuners since I’ve never heard of them. They all look fricken sick man. I can see if I can incorporate at least one of them into a top 10 video or something. I know my audience and if I were to make a solo video on one of those cars, they probably wouldn’t care for it. Thanks for brining them to my attention.
The GMC Sprint was the epitome of badge engineering. But whether Chevy or GMC, the platform was bloody cool back then and even into today. A neighbor of a childhood friend I sometimes would visit and stay over had a beautifully modded example to go with his Hemi Plymouth Superbird. Just absolutely jaw dropping for a pre-teen kid back in their day.
I like the look of the Monaco. It reminds me of long haul trips in the back of my dads old junker. Ill never forget the long road trips. Now when I see them theyre usually done up like the bluesmobile.
I saw a Lincoln Blackwood yesterday. I was surprised. I live in an area where the largest city is only 6,700 people and no Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer.
I thought of a few others. There was a 1975 Ford Elite - it was basically a Torino with a really nice interior. I believe it was 1975 only, but it's possible they had it in 1976 also. There was a 1981-82 Ford Granada that was its own body style. People remember the 1975-80 Granada but forget that they had another body style in 81 and 82 only before discontinuing it. There was even a 4 door Mercury Cougar in 81 and 82 that was its equivalent. There was the little 2 door Ford EXP, which was 1982-83 only. It was sort of like a sporty 2 door Escort. The Ford LTD II only lasted from 1977-79. There was a Mercury Cougar wagon in 1977 only. In 1991 there was a truck called the GMC Syclone. It was this sporty truck that was based on the Sonoma. But the Syclone name was only used for 1 model year (91). It as the fastest production truck that year. By the way, I know you mentioned the 74 Ambassador, but really this was a continuation of the 1967 body style with the belt line raised at the back doors and the C pillar sheet metal slightly changed. If you look at the station wagon, the restyle wasn't done. The 74 Ambassador wagon looks like the late 60s/early 70s Ambassador wagons.
The Elite was a mid-1974 addition. That year only, the car was called Gran Torino Elite. The 1975 & 1976 were just called Elite. They were a test to see if customers would buy a downsized Thunderbird. The Elite sold quite well, laying the groundwork for the downsized 1977 Thunderbird.
Three oddballs expanding on your thought process. 1. 1977 Ford LTD II station wagon 2. 1982 Mercury Cougar station wagon 3. 1982 Ford Granada station wagon
We had an 83 E class: POS, barely got out of its own way and floated so badly it was genuinely unsafe over 80 mph. I know it would do at least 88 because a girlfriend borrowed the thing and got a ticket for that speed. Not all that sure how she kept it on the road.
I'm surprised you didn't do the 1960 Edsel. With less than 3000 cars built for that model year. Maybe part 2? And for the record it is not Ford Edsel. Edsel was its own division of the Ford Motor Company.
The Mercury Sable 1st appeared in 1986. It was an upbadged Ford Taurus, and featured a radical aerodynamic body style. A few other generations followed stopping in 2005 and returning as you stated.
If I recall correctly, the large-size AMC cars had a hard reputation for both reliability and fuel economy. Additionally, they didn’t have the dealer network Ford, GM, and Chrysler had. When the gas prices shot up, they were the most vulnerable.
The 1961 dodge polara specifically is imo one of the most beautiful cars ever made ( all polara gens last for a year) but the styling on that one ain quirky its downright genius retrofuturism (gta sa oceanic and gledale cars are inspored by the 61 polara). Other 1 year offs that are pretty crazy are the 70s pontiac can am and my personal (literally) favorite car - 1970 buick riviera which had the styling only for 1970 (even though maybe it shouldnt be counted as its part of the 2nd gen run)
Another El Camino variant only had a 2 year model run, the first gen 59-60. They changed it up slightly between those 2 years too, making them unique. For part 2, another good mention would be the 04-06 Pontiac GTO. 04 was unique in having the LS1 while 05-06 was LS2. There were actually more V8 coupes sent to the US as GTOs than V8 coupes sold as Holdens in their home country.
@sasz2107 no not even close look at a 64 ,father bought in 65 from dealership. I grew up and learned to drive in that car And I own a bodyshop took over my father's body shop. Just ask Google they will show you. A 64 impala one year model.
Merkur Scorpio had a run of 2 years. yes it was a Ford Granada elsewhere but only 2 years here in the states. Merkur as a whole was a 5 year flop, but still an interesting idea in the mid 80s
I will always remember the Dodge Coronet as the gold-colored convoy-leading Federalie car Gene Wilder rode shotgun in to intercept the Silver Streak train at the Harris Mill Junction in northern Illinois in the Hitchcockian thriller "Silver Streak (1976)". Wilder: "What am I gonna do with this??". Richard Pryor: "Shoot the tires out on the train.".
@@GreenHawkDrive Dude, I've got TWO dvd copies and it's a Really Really Really REALLY Good Movie!!😎🤓 I remember watching it for the 1st time on WGN9 Chicago on the Saturday Afternoon Movie I think in 1979. Even at age 8, I ALWAYS wondered what kinda car it was! Always thought it said Concord on the dash. No Wonder I couldn't find it in wiki. The others in the convoy were a Caprice or Impala or both.
You answered my Leave it to Beaver car type question. Ward the father owns both of #1 Belvederes and I always wondered about at the drastic change in rear ends. Also the #5 B body's with the 440 you marvel at's towing power are ranked as one of the best cop cars of all time by police.
Thanks to all for the suggestions in the comments. Making a part 2 is going to be a whole lot easier. I probably spent close to 2 hours making this list because if you couldn’t tell I’m pretty young and wasn’t there😂
@@GreenHawkDrive Hey, it's cool. I can see that. The R-Bodies may be smaller than the C-Bodies, but I'll bet the Mopar R's are bigger than the Ford Panther platform cars.
The first generation Mercury sable was a lot better looking in my opinion. However the water pump design is what killed the one we owned.
As a old gearhead I approve of your videos and format. You have even told and showed things I did not know about. It makes me smile to see younger men interested in older car history. Keep em coming buddy.
I couldn't agree more. Humble about not "being there" yet infused with sublime humor and interesting factoids. As before was said, "keep them coming!"
Thanks man!
Cheers!
AMC was always the underdog only do to their size, not their advanced technology. My family has owned them since 1959. The 1971 Ambassador wagon and the 1974 Matador coupe are two models that deserve more recognition.
AMC was way underrated
🤢
You're definitely into some kinky sht....but hey if it fires you an the old lady up then all the power to you and we all wish you the best of luck
I had an 83 Concord DL Wagon 258/Auto (actually a rare car by production numbers, I had 1 of 867 wagons made for 83) I can tell you without a doubt, had they purchased GM/Rochester TBI and Ford's AOD transmission, and installed them into the AWD Eagles with the 258-6 they would have been so much better MPG and Drive-ability. - They were truly ahead of their time, gas prices in mid 80's kind of eased which didn't help, had gas went to $2 a gallon in mid 80's there would have been many more.
1:52 the sad unfortunate reality of this video is that it wasn't JUST a brake failure, it was an entirely avoidable accident. The guy's throttle was sticking and instead of pulling over and taking a look at it, nerves from being on camera got the best of him and he just rode his brakes, causing them to heat up and experience fade.
To make matters worse, it had way smaller rims and brakes due to being a "show car." Essentially a car where the brakes were only being used to get it onto the trailer, off the trailer, and maybe move 100 feet at most at a car show. It had 0 business being on the road, especially not being full sent by two dimwits.
Anybody know what came out of it from a legal standpoint?
Big sedans were commonly used to tow travel trailers back in the day. When my parents were shopping for RV’s in the mid-70s they considered towing an Airstream or Silver Streak with their ‘67 Cadillac. My dad hated the idea of putting those big honking accessory mirrors on his baby, but it was common to see them on Buicks, Olds, Ford LTD’s, and yes, even Mopars. I found out later those big sedans were tougher than the half-ton pickups of that time (and after), and considerably more comfortable.
The disadvantage of towing with the large sedans was the distance from the rear axle to the hitch. It created so much leverage pushing down on the back end; you needed air shocks or heavier springs.
@@shemp1howardTow packages were common options, particularly for station wagons.
@@shemp1howard Air shocks were so common they were advertised on national TV.
I agree, AMC had awesome cars. Another video please!
Definitely in the future!
Didn't the big Ambassador just change names (and snout to meet bumper regulations) to the Matador?
I never understood why AMC cars were so underrated . I felt they were solid cars but no one in my family ever owned one. Great video
That's a technicality for the "1974 Fury". In 1975, this vehicle became the Plymouth Gran Fury - much as the 1974 Dodge Monaco Custom became the 1975 Dodge Royal Monaco - and stayed in production until 1977. (The 1976 Dodge Coronet would become the base-level 1977 Dodge Monaco.)
Correct! I still have my 1975 Plymouth Gran Fury, it was my first car. 😁
*was thinking same
There was still a regular Monaco made in 1975. They used one for the first 5 episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard that were filmed in Georgia.
@@GoodOlRoll : True enough - the Dodge Monaco Custom became the Dodge Royal Monaco in 1975, while the Coronet became the Monaco in 1977.
That's right
Great video as always. That gray Fury with the big wheels looked incredibly tough!
I appreciate it!
There was a 1983 Plymouth Scamp that was the Dodge Rampage twin. Only sold 1 year . Also a 1970 1/2 Ford Falcon using the Torino body only for a short time.
Yes - you're right - the Plymouth Scamp was 1983 only, but the Dodge Rampage was sold from 1982 - 1984. And you're right about the Falcon on the Torino body for only a half year! I forgot about that one!
There was Plymouth Valiant Scamp also I believe it was the V8 only version. Fun car should've kept mine in the early 90's.😥
@@djcjr1x1The Valiant Scamp was a Dodge Dart Swinger in thin disguise. Apparently Dodge people were jealous of the Duster and wanted a piece of that pie, hence the Dodge Demon, and Plymouth got use of the Swinger in exchange~
@@trudygreer2491 yeah I think you're right but you could get a Swinger with a slant six or a Demon. I had both they weren't fast but they got where you needed to go.👍
@@trudygreer2491 There was also the rare Demon Sizzler which was a V8 318 only version with special graphics. I almost bought a factory bright high impact color one but I think the Hispanic guys thought I was a cop or ICE and pulled out of the sale...that sucked. Had the price set ready to give him the cash and they all started blabbing together last minute in Spanish & nixed it... weird. 🤔🤨🤬 There's a reason Florida has a questionable reputation, in the 3 years I lived there in the early nineties I had more crazy 🤬 happen to me than almost the rest of my life.🤯
Fascinating! We had a 1961 Plymouth Fury station wagon. That grille still perplexes me, although it almost looks like today's Toyota/Lexus front ends.
Agreed!!! 👍
I would like to have one today, but I have never seen many 61 Plymouth's and I grew up in 60's.
My aunt had a Chrysler E-Class with the voice chip. It would say things like "Your door is ajar".
For 1985 the model was decontented and rebranded Plymouth Caravelle.
Glad to see the E-class in the video. My first car was a 84 Chrysler New Yorker with the 2.2 turbo that I inherited from my grandfather after he passed, very clean and mint because it came out of a barn with
My wife and I own twin 2009 Mercury Sables and they are the best cars we've ever owned. I've owned mine since 2010 and my wife's since 2012. Very roomy, comfortable and more than adequate power. I've never heard of a water pump issue nor have we ever had an issue with either engines. Great cars! You go save one of the last great Mercurys. I miss todays cars lack of CD changers. So convenient.
Wll lucky you, you got a wife and a life. Fml
6:54 - if you have never driven a 70s American land yacht with actual body roll at speed. You have not lived. Bonus points if you have done it during a snow storm!
My tank {71 olds 98) literally slid right over a flooded backwoods bridge and miraculously made it through deep mud! Later after a party coming back from my hippie friend's i pulled over too much and got stuck! The smuck dude was a wrecker, ironically. We had to walk back and leave the car overnite as we hitched a ride. Fun times in my boat (tank🎉
@@sableminer8133😂😂😂😂 love it!! The smell of these huge mill cars, like cigarettes and tetra-ethyl lead. Like roses and mustard gas. (K. Vonnegut)
For real. I had a '71 Impala coupe with a 400. It felt like it had all of its weight in all the wrong places... it wasn't the kind of car you wanted to make sudden direction changes in. Even in a straight line, it got real floaty and spooky over 90 mph.
I had a 71 Ford Custom 500 (Cheap Galaxie), going from an Econoline to a Low Slung 4-Door Sedan felt like a Race Car! - Also Drove it in many Minnesota winters.
Just a comment about model changes. Back in the 50s through mid 70s it WAS common for major changes every 2 years, sometimes three, with trim changes, and sometimes new front sheet metal, or new rear sheet metal, or both. Examples... the 63-64, 65-66, 67-68, 69-70, and 71-72 full size Fords (Chevrolets followed the same pattern except the 71 bodyshell last3d through 76).
AMC was a master at making old bodyshell designs look new with major updates in front, then a couple of years later a major update at the rear. The got a lot of mileage out of their designs that way out of necessity, being handicapped financially. Plus their "full size" Ambassador was basically the same body as the mid size (Classic, Rebel, and Matador) with a longer wheelbase, that additional length was entirely ahead of the firewall (front fenders and hood) with no interior space increase, but they did look nice. And the Ambassador had a much higher level of standard equipment, in fact the 68 Ambassador was the first American car to make air conditioning standard equipment, before even Cadillac.
Great video! i was born in the fifties and really love these cars, thanks for the time back.
74 plymouth gran fury, the car pulling the trailer, could turn from the average stop sign running empty and unloaded with the police package equipment, and do 80 within the distance of a standard city block, they were pretty quick for the time, and with the fleet rear springs that could be ordered heavier for police and taxi, you bet they could pull trailers, you could order up to three core 26 inch radiators in them, they could also be had with auxiliary radiator and power steering coolers 100 amp alternators, mine was lots of fun
👍 but you forgot to mention
" Shit n git"
Other 1 year only body styles: the 1963 Buick Special/Skylark, Oldsmobile F85/Cutlass, and Pontiac Tempest/LeMans. These cars were continued from the 1961 and 62 platform, but in 1963 they were heavily restyled and were lengthened, so the 63s were actually their own unique year.
Biggest problem with the Ambassador was there was never more interior room than the next size down. AMC gave them a longer wheelbase but it was all extra hood length. People didn't buy AMCs for long-hood style.
Correct - From the cowl back, the Ambassador & the midsize Matador were the same body.
I love the clean elegant looks of the 1974 Plymouth Gran Fury. A man who lives in the town I live has two 1974 Gran Furies, One Gran Coupe, and One Gran Sedan. Both of these cars are virtually brand new.
You said exactly what I was thinking. I was also partial to Chrysler's aesthetics. The 1974 Cran Fury was indeed a handsome car. Unfortunately, it didn't sell as well as the competition.
Buick made the invicta in the early 60,s for only 3 years and 71 to 73 buick had the centurion that replaced the wildcat
More cars I’ve never heard of. Thanks for the suggestions!
The Invicta was offered from 1959-63.
But the 1963 was only offered as a station wagon. So there's a one year wonder!
These videos never disappoint🔥
He’s my favorite RUclipsr, hands down.
Thanks guys!
Someone who worked at my local supermarket owned a Blackwood, and I always parked near it when I shopped just to look at it. Such a rarity to see.
I looove your videos! I have a big interest in the same era of yours as you and you always have so much images! its the perfect thing to watch during my lunch break or at home winding down
That means a lot man, thank you 😊
It’s a very good compilation of low production cars. No apologies needed dude.
Yeah AMC’s are amongst my favourite American car companies. I really liked the Mercury Comet, Chrysler E class with wire wheels and the Lincoln Blackwood.
GREEN HAWK- My neighbor growing up had a 1974 Javelin, it was GORGEOUS!!!
Man…..
4:55 - In addition to the other reasons mentioned in the comments (for the Ambassador not selling), AMC had built a reputation as a small and compact car specialist. The '58 Rambler was pitched as a more rational-sized car. It caught on quickly because that was a recession year and because people really were starting to tire a bit of the longer-lower-chromier aesthetic. But it had the side effect of "typecasting" AMC as a small-car maker, which probably worked against them when they tried to move upmarket.
That 1974 Plymouth Fury was very beautiful.
Great selection! I'm glad you mentioned the AMC Sprint, because it's one I've actually seen around town that I couldn't think of at the time of your other video about El Caminos and Rancheros! The Plymouth Satellite was another one only in production ten years - 1964-1974 and had nine model years. Also the Buick Apollo from 1973-75! Funny looking sport vehicles!
Thanks for yet another great video. It’s nice to see someone younger take an interest in cars of my generation. Two suggestions for cars with short production runs:
Mercury LN7 - the Mercury version of the Escort EXP.
Merkur Scorpio - a made in West Germany sedan sold briefly in the late 1980s under the Merkur sub- brand. Ford’s attempt to sell its European models in North America under the Merkur brand could be an entire video.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Pontiac G8 had a short but glorious run. Too little too late for Pontiac , but one of the rare re-badges from the GM stable (holden) that was awesome .
I’m surprised you hadn’t heard of the Comet. Its history is relatively interesting. It was intended to be the second product line sold as an Edsel. When Edsel crashed and burned in ‘59 (only a few 1960’s were made), Ford took an abortive stab at making Comet its own brand. Some “Comet” signs and promo materials were sent to dealers. Then they reversed course and sold it as a Mercury after selling it only as “Comet” for the first two years. It was basically a beefed-up Falcon, which was released at around the same time.
8:08, I love my 99 Yukon Denali! They were introduced as well as the Escalade and like he said were only made for 2 years, 99/00. They are imo the best rendition of a GMT400 out there. First ever GM truck to have a Bose sound system from the factory, first GM truck to feature a woodgrain steering wheel, and the first GM truck to have color matched bumpers, door handles, cladding, and steps. These are extremely comfortable to drive and very quiet, it’s basically a 96-98 tahoe/yukon but with some cladding, a different front end, and some nice seats. Paid $900 for mine after it sat in a field for 4 years and I love driving it!
Part 2 would be nice. Love these hidden gem cars!
My current car is a 95 Suburban so i would love that generation of the Escalade.
My grandma has owned her 08 Taurus since new and it’s an amazing car, it’s so smooth and the driving position is fantastic
I love your channel. I'm a car nerd. I didn't know other people liked car history as much as me until I found your channel & Steve Magnante.
I appreciate it, thank you
Great vid Hawk!
Thanks man!
Got 1\18 scale diecast 74' Dodge Monaco.. Closest I ever got to owing one
Nice cars back then. Right on Green hawk!!
Excellent topic!
FYI we bought a used ultra low mileage, rust free 1977 C-bodied Plymouth Gran Fury Brougham around 1988 that came out of Weyburn Saskatchewan, Canada. So those were not 1974 only. Great car 360, 727, 9 1/4" rear end. Put 400,000+ miles on it. Got 19.75 mph on the hwy, tons of oomph (take off) and passing power. Towed everything we ever hooked to, without any trouble. Wouldn't even know you had a load on the tongue. It was closer to an 8 passenger than a 6 passenger. Ooodles of leg, hip, head and shoulder room front and rear seats. Working at a Plymouth stealership when those B-bodied coke bottle shaped Furys and Monacos were new....they moved ! 440s of course were quick, but the 360s were surprisingly torquey and quick too. Had one over 130mph on a test drive after a repair. The new for 80' Mercurys and Ford LTD Police cars couldn't hit 88 mph with the light bar up top.
That 1961 Plymouth Belvedere is stunning!
Since you brought up the variety of exterior colors offered by Chrysler, I'd love for you to do a video on exterior colors over the years. Especially the 70s.
Definitely add your idea to my book of recommendations. Thank you!
I loved the look of the big Dodge and Plymouth Police package highway pursuit cars through the 78, when they still came with the 440! They sat low, fat tires on vented steel wheels, big sway bars and a very big diameter exhaust pipe, man they looked intimidating.
@@jamesblair9614 they were!
I drove those 440 police pkg fury and Monaco. They did hold up well. Of course, 10 mpg if you drove slow.
I've always thought that the 1974 Plymouth Fury is one of the best looking formal luxury cars ever designed. Every inch of it is tidy and well-thought out. The overall effect is confident, modern, clean, classy, and cohesive. It's a shame they weren't more popular at the time, but people were still in shock from the increased fuel prices at the pump.
Wow! A car from the 80's I've never heard of before. The Chrysler E class. I guess it drowned out with the: 5th ave, New Yorker and Le Baron.
Chrysler couldn't decide what to do with the E class. For 84-early 88, it became the Plymouth Caravelle. Nearly the exact same car with some mild updating, as the 83 E class and Dodge 600.
I LOVED that '74 Fury. Beautiful. It was fearsome as a Texas Highway Patrol car. It brought fear and respect from me. When thinking of black and whites, those always come to mind
The Comet started out as a compact (senior computer actually) built on a stretched Falcon platform, for 66 the name was put on Mercury's version of Fords midsize Fairlane. For the 68 and 69 the Comet name was on the entry level midsize Montego, only a stripped down 2 door.
Those last gen sables are great cars. Once the water pump is fixed, like most of the fml cars at the time, they’re super reliable. All of the comfort of a Lincoln at a lower price especially compared to the mks at the time.
We've owned two for nearly 14 years with never a water pump problem. Great cars! Plan to keep them for another 14 years.
They're basically volvos...of that era...I woukd think you know that
Amazing video. Good job. 😊
Thank you! Cheers!
Others worth mentioning is: the 1978-79 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Buick Century Aeroback. The fastback versions of those GM siblings were not very popular with consumers and in 1980, the Aeroback bodies were replaced by a more conventional, yet more popular formal sedan. Another one is 1980-81 Plymouth Gran Fury. Built off the short-lived 1979-81 R Body platform, the Gran Fury of that generation was rare because it was introduced late compared to its Dodge and Chrysler siblings which were introduced for 1979, and it was mostly sold to fleets such as police agencies and taxi services. I don't know if it counts, but another mention is the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. Basically, a luxury version of the Ford Fusion, the nameplate only lasted one year before it was renamed the MKZ from 2007 onwards. That was when Lincoln started using the alpha numeric nameplates that lasted for years with mixed reviews.
I appreciate it man, thanks!
You could add the 1978-80 Pontiac Grand Am. The coupe was offered all three years but the sedan was offered for 1978 & 1979.
I love those old AMC. Great cars!!
🤮
The Ambassador nose was just the ugliest car on the new car lot that year.
The brochure art photos do their best to camoflage the grille snd front-end appearance, but there was no hiding it from customers walking around one on the car lots.
Gasoline was expensive and hard to find in 73/74, OPEC was strangling oil supply and people had to line up for blocks around gas stations hoping the pumps didn't go dry before their turn in line, so large car sales took a hit too, not just for AMC.
I was very lucky to see a Lincoln Blackwood three times in a one week period. Once at Tybee island and twice in tri-cities Tennessee (probably the same truck). Saw one in southwest PA a few years ago as well.
The Dodge Monaco? Was that the Blues Bros car?
Yes. It was. 1974 model.
I would love to daily drive a Marauder. I used to work at an auto auction and I got to use a first gen Escalade as my mobile "office" for a day. The wood trim on the glove box was probably 3/4 of an inch thick, just sticking off the plastic, looking like an afterthought. Even though it had some quirks, the interior looked luxurious and was really nice. First gen escalades also have the best looking exteriors in my opinion.
Great video. Thanks for posting.
9:42 love how you highlighted Curios Cars😂. I've been watching Bill for years and he does car reviews like no one else.😂
Bill is hilarious!
@@GreenHawkDriveDefinitely 😂
3 that you missed in the 70's 1973 Collonade based Pontiac GTO 1974 Nova based Pontiac GTO 1977 Pontiac Can Am
My dad had a black 2000 escalade that he got back around 04. Put about 150k miles on it over 20 years, put a brush guard on the front, used it to tow the boat, finally sold it when the engine blew and the transmission was stuck in 2nd about a year ago.
You wanted to know why AMC fell apart? I can tell you why because I lived in those years as a 20 year old and up when cars were desired, not like today where no one can tell the difference between one brand or another unless they see the logos.
AMC had a problem with engine options in general. They rarely offered more than two engines for any one model, usually a 6 or an 8 cylinder motor as an option. When they had a hit, they got jammed up such as with the '65 and a half Marlin vs the Dodge Charger.
When AMX first came out, they didn't stick with the body style very long and moved it into the Javelin body. Big mistake, they should have left the AMX as a 2 seater. It was one of the few cars that could keep up with the Corvette short block.
When Gremlins first came out, they were cute as 6 cylinder cars but they should have come out with a V-8 right from the onset and not waited until 1972 (by then the oil crisis was almost upon them and so they didn't sell as well as had they'd been already out for a couple of years).
Another fatal production error was with the AMC Pacer. That car, like the month of March, started out like a lion and finished off like Lamb. The car itself looked like a turtle (which some people actually liked) but had a major flaw. It only came with an underpowered 4 cylinder motor which added to the Turtle-esque metaphor.
In fit and quality it also had serious detriments. The passenger's side door was slightly larger than the driver's door (the idea being that it would allow for easier access to rear seat passengers to enter or exit but this extra weighted door began early to show flaws in leaking and sagging. Add to the fact that rust appeared more quickly when leaking became more serious and soon the car in general rotted out.
AMC also should have cleaned the bodies up and removed the B pillars on existing models to make more 2 door hardtops with V-8's. That "B" pillar was a downer too. So many models including the Ambassadors had that "B" pillar which completely detracted from the look.
Take a fast looking car like a "58 Chevy 2 drht impala and now make it a 2 door with a pillar. It completely ruins the lines. I'd seen 2 door Pontiac GTO's with a "B" pillar and that too ruined their look.
The worst of course is when a company build a beautiful 2 door hard top then decided to make it into a family car. "Yuck"! A perfect example is the '63 and beyond Studebaker Avanti which was way ahead of its time in looks and accoutrements. After Studebaker folded, it sold the Avanti division to private interests who kept the model going for a few decades more.
Unfortunately, some people wanted this car in a convertible and a 4 door. As a convertible, the car still looked good when the top was down but when it was closed, it looked funky and not at all attractive. The monster of course was the 4 door which was turned into a sedan with that god awful "B" Pillar. People who own these 4 door versions advertise their sale on occasion in Hemmings but can't get more than $3 to $4 thousand for them regardless of year, mileage, condition or color. They're plain flatly "ugly".
AMC's last gaff was to join ranks with Renault. The French got the better shake in that deal in that they desperately needed license for the technology of 4 wheel drive which they now had access too with Jeep (as one of AMC's utility and military divisions). The French immediately incorporated the 4 wheel drive tech into a new division of their own Military branch which is called "Auverland" (in French it's pronounced "Overland").
AMC took some French styling cues and developed the Eagle line of cars which of course bombed in sales just like the Renault line of "Encore and Alliance". After that, in 1986, AMC split and the end came when Chrysler bought the Jeep division, closing down AMC forever in the retail car market.
AMC should have improved on its two major best sellers but didn't. The Hornet and the Javelin. When these two models made their appearance, the baby boomers were in their early 20's to mid 30's and buying cars. These two models fit their tastes and their budgets but that fact seemed to go over the heads of the policy makers of AMC (who were still stuck trying to convince the WWII generation with a plethora of other models like the Ambassador, the Rebel, the Matador and the Eagle Premier) that their cars were best suited for them despite the fact that this generation was now in its late '40's to early 60's and wanted mostly simple basic transportation fit for people trying to keep a low profile in life.
So much misinformation, i.e. the Pacer was never available with a four cylinder engine.
Beautiful Javelin dashboard at the end.
You briefly mentioned the last generation of Mercury Cougar. As the owner of one, why were they controversial?
It’s a toss up if people like them or not. I made a whole video on them and I’ve never been a fan. I will say, many owners commented on that video and said they are fun to drive. Hope that makes a little sense.
Dude, don't get me started. First of All, Ford downsized them WAYYYYYYYYYYYY Too Much!!!!!
I have an 84 Chrysler E Class. Neat to have something different that you rarely see. Essentially a longer K car derivative with a 103.1 inch wheelbase. Mine is that same gold with wire wheel covers just like you featured. As a kid my folks had an 84 E Class in two tone gold/brown, also featured in your video
Dude what a cool surprise. I haven't watched it yet but I just had to say it
You forgot about the AMC Marlin...
Love your videos! Wanna see some more 2000s cars tho, love that era
Thanks and I do need to filter them in more.
amc is so underrated man
I agree
a customer of ours where i worked had a sable, i drove it back to his house, it was actually a really nice car to drive.
Dodge and Plymouth mid-size cars had different sheet metal and dashes from 1962 to 1966
I remember when Cadillac introduced the first generation Escalade in '99, it looked so elegant, though the OBS could be seen. It was also the same year the Denali luxury trim was introduced by GMC.
2005 Pontiac vibe? That would be a great entry for a part 2👍🏼 currently own one!
Another great video very informative. I’m sure glad I subscribed looking forward to the next one.
Thanks man!
@@GreenHawkDrive your welcome 🇨🇦
Yes, the AMX and the Javelin were some of the best-looking vehicles ever manufactured.
Of the many vehicles l owned was a 69 Ambassador SST with 343 gold with black vinyl top and the AMC version of rally wheels which to me looked better than the GM ones that came factory on the Corvettes.
Cars from pre 50's,60's and even 70's Cars changed every year...Redesign after 2 years!
New grilles,lights etc...changed yearly and every 2 years they changed the car completely, new body etc..Thats how they did things!
It wasnt that they didnt sell,they just had new models every year and every 2 years an all new body design!
I’m a mopar guy, so here’s some rarity models from them. The 1960 Dodge Matador only made it one year. It had one the coolest steering wheel and dash layouts. Also 78-79 Dodge made a 2 door sporty B body called the Magnum.
Great video....enjoyed seeing some familar cars of the past.
I enjoyed my 77 AMC Pacer....they didn't last long either.
There is a Blackwood in my area; it'll be at a gas station or going down the road and I can't help but look at it and ponder on how strange and abstract it is. It is truly one of those vehicles that is so weird that it's kind of cool honestly, and it's very reflective of the time it was produced in. Love your content, keep it up! Could you perhaps do something on the tuner cars of the 1990's? Like the Saleen S351R, Kenny Brown 289RS, Lingenfelter ZR-1 or Hennessy Venom 650r? Or perhaps a full history on the 3rd gen C/K pickups and cabs, both light and medium duty?
Thank you and I agree they are odd but cool. I went ahead and looked up those tuners since I’ve never heard of them. They all look fricken sick man. I can see if I can incorporate at least one of them into a top 10 video or something. I know my audience and if I were to make a solo video on one of those cars, they probably wouldn’t care for it. Thanks for brining them to my attention.
The GMC Sprint was the epitome of badge engineering. But whether Chevy or GMC, the platform was bloody cool back then and even into today. A neighbor of a childhood friend I sometimes would visit and stay over had a beautifully modded example to go with his Hemi Plymouth Superbird. Just absolutely jaw dropping for a pre-teen kid back in their day.
1970 Ford Falcon
I like the look of the Monaco. It reminds me of long haul trips in the back of my dads old junker. Ill never forget the long road trips. Now when I see them theyre usually done up like the bluesmobile.
I saw a Lincoln Blackwood yesterday. I was surprised. I live in an area where the largest city is only 6,700 people and no Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer.
You guys still have a Mercury dealer?😂
I thought of a few others. There was a 1975 Ford Elite - it was basically a Torino with a really nice interior. I believe it was 1975 only, but it's possible they had it in 1976 also. There was a 1981-82 Ford Granada that was its own body style. People remember the 1975-80 Granada but forget that they had another body style in 81 and 82 only before discontinuing it. There was even a 4 door Mercury Cougar in 81 and 82 that was its equivalent. There was the little 2 door Ford EXP, which was 1982-83 only. It was sort of like a sporty 2 door Escort. The Ford LTD II only lasted from 1977-79. There was a Mercury Cougar wagon in 1977 only. In 1991 there was a truck called the GMC Syclone. It was this sporty truck that was based on the Sonoma. But the Syclone name was only used for 1 model year (91). It as the fastest production truck that year. By the way, I know you mentioned the 74 Ambassador, but really this was a continuation of the 1967 body style with the belt line raised at the back doors and the C pillar sheet metal slightly changed. If you look at the station wagon, the restyle wasn't done. The 74 Ambassador wagon looks like the late 60s/early 70s Ambassador wagons.
The Elite was a mid-1974 addition. That year only, the car was called Gran Torino Elite. The 1975 & 1976 were just called Elite.
They were a test to see if customers would buy a downsized Thunderbird. The Elite sold quite well, laying the groundwork for the downsized 1977 Thunderbird.
Three oddballs expanding on your thought process.
1. 1977 Ford LTD II station wagon
2. 1982 Mercury Cougar station wagon
3. 1982 Ford Granada station wagon
Wow watching this really made me realize how much I really like the big body cars from the 70s
We had an 83 E class: POS, barely got out of its own way and floated so badly it was genuinely unsafe over 80 mph. I know it would do at least 88 because a girlfriend borrowed the thing and got a ticket for that speed. Not all that sure how she kept it on the road.
Those weren’t designed to go 80 lol
Maybe she's a better driver than you.😆Just kiddin'.🤣
I'm surprised you didn't do the 1960 Edsel. With less than 3000 cars built for that model year. Maybe part 2? And for the record it is not Ford Edsel. Edsel was its own division of the Ford Motor Company.
The '61 Plymouths were dubbed by one auto magazine as "The insect that ate Tokyo". Exner called them "plucked chickens".
The Mercury Sable 1st appeared in 1986. It was an upbadged Ford Taurus, and featured a radical aerodynamic body style. A few other generations followed stopping in 2005 and returning as you stated.
If I recall correctly, the large-size AMC cars had a hard reputation for both reliability and fuel economy. Additionally, they didn’t have the dealer network Ford, GM, and Chrysler had. When the gas prices shot up, they were the most vulnerable.
The 1961 dodge polara specifically is imo one of the most beautiful cars ever made ( all polara gens last for a year) but the styling on that one ain quirky its downright genius retrofuturism (gta sa oceanic and gledale cars are inspored by the 61 polara). Other 1 year offs that are pretty crazy are the 70s pontiac can am and my personal (literally) favorite car - 1970 buick riviera which had the styling only for 1970 (even though maybe it shouldnt be counted as its part of the 2nd gen run)
There was a Grand Fury model from 75-77 that was full size
The car chase scene, i had the Nova and the Monaco LMAO, and I got chased by the police while driving a Coronet 😂
One note with the Esclade, the Yukon Denalis were in that same time frame as well.
Another El Camino variant only had a 2 year model run, the first gen 59-60. They changed it up slightly between those 2 years too, making them unique. For part 2, another good mention would be the 04-06 Pontiac GTO. 04 was unique in having the LS1 while 05-06 was LS2. There were actually more V8 coupes sent to the US as GTOs than V8 coupes sold as Holdens in their home country.
Thank you!
My next door business neighbor has that model Escalade, he's not ever going to sell it.
Both the Chevy Impala and the Ford Galaxy in 1964 were single year body styles. Btw.
Thanks man!
No, the 64 Chevy Impala was the same platform as 1961 - 64, but they offered a "bubble top" hardtop Chevy Impala in 1961 only.
@sasz2107 no not even close look at a 64 ,father bought in 65 from dealership. I grew up and learned to drive in that car And I own a bodyshop took over my father's body shop. Just ask Google they will show you. A 64 impala one year model.
Merkur Scorpio had a run of 2 years. yes it was a Ford Granada elsewhere but only 2 years here in the states. Merkur as a whole was a 5 year flop, but still an interesting idea in the mid 80s
I will always remember the Dodge Coronet as the gold-colored convoy-leading Federalie car Gene Wilder rode shotgun in to intercept the Silver Streak train at the Harris Mill Junction in northern Illinois in the Hitchcockian thriller "Silver Streak (1976)". Wilder: "What am I gonna do with this??". Richard Pryor: "Shoot the tires out on the train.".
Your memory amazes me, Landon.
@@GreenHawkDrive Dude, I've got TWO dvd copies and it's a Really Really Really REALLY Good Movie!!😎🤓 I remember watching it for the 1st time on WGN9 Chicago on the Saturday Afternoon Movie I think in 1979. Even at age 8, I ALWAYS wondered what kinda car it was! Always thought it said Concord on the dash. No Wonder I couldn't find it in wiki. The others in the convoy were a Caprice or Impala or both.
You answered my Leave it to Beaver car type question. Ward the father owns both of #1 Belvederes and I always wondered about at the drastic change in rear ends. Also the #5 B body's with the 440 you marvel at's towing power are ranked as one of the best cop cars of all time by police.
And a valiant