We just love hatchbacks.
This 1986 Volvo 480 ES was the first front-wheel drive car made by the brand and the only production Volvo to feature pop-up headlamps. It was announced to the press in 1985, and first shown in Geneva in 1986. It was never sold in the USA. Although it is a 3-door hatchback, it was marketed as a coupe. (image source: John Lloyd)
1986 Volvo 480 ES
With servo-assisted, ventilated front discs brakes the 1983 Honda Civic S 1.3 could stop you in your tracks when you needed to. From the sharply angled bonnet to the spoiler on the hatchback, this car attracted the most serious of motorists. They noticed the smoked glass sun-roof, the air dam skirt under the grille or the very handsome interior. It was superbly appointed with 3 stage adjustable headrests and fully reclining and two-tone bucket seats. The engine was a 1335cc 4 cylinder OHC transverse with Twin Keihins carbonation producing a maximum horsepower of 70ps at 5,750 RPM. It had a 5-speed transmission, with front hydraulic servo assisted ventilated discs and rear leading/trailing drum. Both front and rear suspension were heavy duty, independent with MacPherson strut and stabilizer.
1983 Honda Civic S 1.3
1983 Honda Civic S 1.3
Sure, we had the AMC Gremlin, but Mexico had the 1983 VAM Gremlin. The fancy treats included individual seats with headrests, seat belts, safety glass, illuminated electronics, AM radio with antenna, disc brakes, 6.95×14 tires all powered by a 6-cylinder engine with a manual transmission. (image source: John Lloyd)
1983 VAM Gremlin
The 1983 Fiat Panda Super, promoted as a more sophisticated animal, was undeniably a product of its age. It was a no-nonsence, workman like design without fuss or frills. Rugged, innovative, versatile and compact yet spacious. The Super had an upgraded fifth gear for better economy and relaxed cruising and had thicker insulation to keep things even quieter. It also had a sleeker look with a new distinctive grill with a choice of striking colors including new metallics. The instrument panel was given fully illuminated switches and heater control and a central console with additional storage space, radio mounting and cigarette lighter. The MSRP was £2,995.
1983 Fiat Panda Super
Another example of badge engineering is this 1978 Simca Horizon GL, which was produced by Chrysler Europe and sold as Simca, Dodge, Plymouth and Talbot. (image source: John Lloyd)
1978 Simca Horizon GL
The 1978 Simca Horizon LS was produced from 1978 and 1986. It came in varied version, but more importantly, since it was produced by Chrysler Europe, it massively re-badged as Simca, Dodge, Plymouth and Talbot. (image source: John Lloyd)
1978 Simca Horizon LS
1984 was the first year for the Carroll Shelby-modified Dodge Omni GLH five-door hatchback and was the ultimate Omni. The original name, “Coyote”, was rejected, and Shelby’s choice, the initials GLH, which stood for “Goes Like Hell”, were taken instead. (image source: John Lloyd text source: Wikipedia)
1984 Dodge Omni GLH
A 1974 Honda Civic is a rare bird these days, but to see one with what Honda called “Vinyl Roof Decor” is almost unheard of. This vehicle has and assortment of exclusive accessories only available thru a dealership. Two different styles of the Vinyl Roof Decor where available. A full vinyl roof with decorative moving (shown below) or a vinyl halo for a simple rooftop accent. Both were constructed of heavy duty cloth-backed vinyl. It also includes a rear window defroster controlled from the dashboard, Special decal stripping available in black or white, for that racy look, body side moulding made of vinyl mounted on extruded aluminum, a chrome plated luggage rack permanently affixed to the roof and Mag-Style wheels constructed of heat treated aluminum for extra strength. (image source: John Lloyd)
1974 Honda Civic
The Oltcit Club was produced from 1981 to 1995. It was produced via a joint venture with Citroën. It had front wheel drive, and was promoted as having a self-supporting body made of steel sheet processed by electropriming to resist corrosion. Its air cooled four cylinder engine had an output of 41 hp and claimed to reach a maximum speed of 146.9 MPH with 5 people in it. The front suspension was independent, with torsion bars and transverse flexion blades and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers.It had front and rear disk brakes. (image source: John Lloyd)
1981 Oltcit Club
This vehicle has been around for a long time, so we would fault for not believing that this is a 2012 Lada Taiga LKW. It looks old, but has its own personality and is probably fun to run around in.
2012 Lada Taiga LKW
2012 Lada Taiga LKW
The Lada Taiga, which was also known as the Niva and Sport (just to name a few) was sold in Austria and built by Soviet/Russian automaker AvtoVAZ. It is still in production today. (image source: John Lloyd)
1977 Lada Taiga
1977 Lada Taiga
Taiga logo
In 2004, GM considered and explored the possibility of bringing back the classic Chevrolet Nomad. This time, it was via a 2+2 seating hatchback concept. A 250-horsepower 2.2-liter turbocharged Ecotec inline four sits under the Nomad’s long hood, driving the rear wheels.
2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept.
2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept