Mercury Tracer LS2 : 1988

1988 Mercury Tracer LS2

The 1988 Mercury Tracer LS2 (also available as a 4-door hatchback) was a sporty little front wheel drive car that left virtually nothing to be desired. Built and backed by Ford, the technologically advanced Tracer, with its disc brakes, independent suspension and power steering, was a product of their best designers and engineers throughout the world. It got significant praise and was a run-away sales success on two continents. It was sold thru Ford’s extensive Canadian Mercury dealer network.

1988 Mercury Tracer LS2

Published on September 30, 2012 5:02 pm.
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Subaru Rex Combi AWD Turbo : 1984

1984 Subaru Rex Combi AWD Turbo

The Subaru Rex Combi AWD Turbo was initially introduced in December 1983. It was the second generation of the model by Subaru which was produced from 1972 to 1992, and was known by a variety of names, like the Ace, Viki and Sherpa among others. It had a 544cc engine.

1984 Subaru Rex Combi AWD Turbo

Published on September 30, 2012 4:20 pm.
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Dodge Colt Custom : 1980

1980 Dodge Colt Custom

The 1980 Dodge Colt Custom is practically identical to the Plymouth Champ (other than a handful of badges and a few details) It is the perfect example of badge engineering, and in fact, I’ve used the same text as the Champ post (as they did in the original manufacturer advertising – it was basically a “Hatchback Package” that included Rallye suspension components that put handling toughness into this economical performer. There is simply nothing else to say.

1980 Dodge Colt Custom

Published on September 30, 2012 10:15 am.
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Plymouth Champ Custom : 1980

1980 Plymouth Champ Custom

The 1980 Plymouth Champ Custom was basically a “Hatchback Package” that included Rallye suspension components that put handling toughness into this economical performer. A nice little simply and clean ride.

1980 Plymouth Champ Custom

Published on September 29, 2012 11:06 am.
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Dodge Colt Turbo : 1984

1984 Dodge Colt Turbo

The 102 HP 1984 Dodge Colt Turbo was imported for Dodge and Plymouth by Mitsubishi and with its 1.6 liter, turbocharged, electronically controlled injected 4 cylinder engine, went from 0 to 50 in 5.78 seconds rolling on Michelin XVS 165/70 HR 13’s, with non-linear high-control springs, solid front and rear stabilizer bars (.79″ upfront and .57″ in the back), heavy duty transmission and clutch and front gas-filled shocks. Front air dam, rear spoiler, tachometer, halogen headlamps and a sport braking system were all standard. A few other details include a Turbo Boost of 7.5 lbs, psi, the 102 bhp was reached at 5500 rpm, its power to weight ratio was 19.77 lbs per hp, Torque of 122 lbs-ft @ 3,000 rpm and 4×2 Twin Stick transmission.

1984 Dodge Colt Turbo

Published on September 29, 2012 10:01 am.
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Volkswagen Golf GTI concept : 2012

2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI concept.

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI concept was shown at the 2012 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris and for the first time, is being offered with two power levels (220 PS in standard version and 230 PS with performance pack) when it goes on sale in early 2013. This is the hatch that made them cool. Nothing comes close to this on the market today, and it still looks great, even after seven generations.

2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI concept.

Published on September 27, 2012 4:07 pm.
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Peugeot 104 ZS2 : 1979

1979 Peugeot 104 ZS2

Peugeot launched the 104 ZS in 1976. It was powered by a 66 horsepower 1,124cc four-cylinder engine. But the brand was interested in Group 2 racing and in 1979 , launched the Pininfarina designed ZS2. Its power was from a 1,361cc engine developing 93 HP. It was front wheel drive and had a manual transmission. The ZS 2 was only available in 1979 and cost 38,000 Francs. It is a real beauty and, I for one, would buy it today. (thanks to Ran When Parked)

1979 Peugeot 104 ZS2

Published on September 26, 2012 9:08 am.
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Mercury LN7 : 1982

1982 Mercury LN7

The 1982 Mercury LN7 is a very rare ride. It was a car that was “right for the times” and was one of the first two-seaters offered by Ford (along with the EXP) in over 25 years. It was a stylish, contemporary and sporty front-wheel drive car with rack-and-pinion steering, independent rear suspension and advanced hemispherical head, 1.6 liter 80 HP engine with two-barrel carburetor that got 29 MPG in the city and 46 MPG on the highway.

Its unique “bubbleback” rear lift back gave it a exciting new contemporary image, along with its sharply sloped windshield, wheel arches with prominent lips, and wide body side moldings.  It was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show and introduced in April 1981 as an early 1982 model. It was not a hit and by 1983, it was dropped after only 40,000 units produced. (image source: John Lloyd)

1982 Mercury LN7

1982 Mercury LN7

1982 Mercury LN7

Published on September 20, 2012 4:22 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Mercury Bobcat 3-Door Runabout : 1976

1976 Mercury Bobcat 3-Door Runabout

1976 Mercury Bobcat 3-Door Runabout “Woody” featured a striking new simulated woodgrain option applique of simulated cherry woodgrain on the side and back panels with bright surround moldings. The interior was special too, with standard body-countored bucket seats. Backrests have been designed to give comfortable support as you drive. We ride was smooth, quiet and wide-stanced. A 2.3 liter OHC 4-cylinder engine performed briskly with extensive use of sound deadeners and insulation for a quiet ride. Even the underside of the hood was blanketed with fiberglass to help hush the engine sound. It had rack and pinion steering, front disc brakes and a standard manual. Among other options to help you personalize your Bobcat were a sunroof, forged aluminum wheels and sports vinyl roof.

1976 Mercury Bobcat 3-Door Runabout

Published on September 15, 2012 10:15 am.
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Pontiac Sunbird Sport Safari Station Wagon : 1979

1979 Pontiac Sunbird Sport Safari Station Wagon

For 1978 and 1979, the station wagon from the discontinued Astre series was added to the Sunbird line, as seen here in this 1979 Pontiac Sunbird Sport Safari Station Wagon example. They continued to use the same front fascia as the Astre with Sunbird badging. The 2.3 L engine was simultaneously discontinued.

For the 1979 model year, the Chevrolet‘s 5.0 L (305 cid) V8 engine was made optional in the notchback and hatchback, while the Sunbird Safari wagon continued for its final year with a revised vertical styled grill. The 1979 engine options included the 305-V8, 3.8L-V6 and an 2.5L-I4. (image source: coconv)

1979 Pontiac Sunbird Sport Safari Station Wagon

Published on September 5, 2012 5:23 pm.
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AMC Pacer : 1976

1976 AMC Pacer

The 1976 AMC Pacer was the second year of its production, which lasted until 1980. The design explorations for this vehicle started back in 1971 by Richard Teague that Car & Driver magazine called The Flying Fishbowl, and AMC promoted it in 1975 as the first small wide car. Check out this very informative in-depth documentary which tells the true story of the AMC Pacer.

1976 AMC Pacer

Published on September 5, 2012 4:46 pm.
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Ford Fiesta Ghia : 1978

1978 Ford Fiesta

The 1978 Ford Fiesta Ghia was engineered and built to exacting standards by Ford of Germany and achieved excellent EPA fuel economy ratings of 46 MPG highway and 34 MPG in the city. Front wheel drive and a transverse-mouned 1.6 liter OHV engine put more over the driving wheels to help improve traction. Its drivability was enhanced by rack-and-pinion steering for more precise control and a MacPherson strut front suspension system for improved directional stability. It had Michelin steel-belted radial tires, front discs brakes, carpeting and a fold-down rear seat. The 3-door Fiesta hatchback was a beautiful value.

1978 Ford Fiesta Ghia

Published on September 4, 2012 3:34 pm.
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AMC Pacer X : 1976

1976 AMC Pacer X

This 1976 AMC Pacer X has the “X” Package, which was available from 1975-1978 in coupe form and consisted of vinyl bucket seats, sports steering wheel and custom trim, as well as a floor-mounted gear shift and front sway bar. The model received exterior chrome features, styled road wheels, Pacer X decals on the doors, and other package identification. It was renamed “Sport” in 1978 and subsequently eliminated.

1976 AMC Pacer X

Published on September 4, 2012 2:55 pm.
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Ford Pinto Runabout Squire : 1976

1976 Ford Pinto Runabout Squire

1976 Ford Pinto Runabout Squire 3-door hatchback was a small, fun and economical car that was fun to drive. The Runabout went on sale five days after it was shown at the 1971 Chicago Auto Show, and has an MSRP of $2,062.

1976 Ford Pinto Runabout Squire

Published on August 31, 2012 8:02 pm.
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Chevrolet Vega Panel : 1972

1972 Chevrolet Vega Panel

The 1972 Chevrolet Vega Panel was basically a delivery vehicle hatchback. It was a way to save on initial cost, maintenance, gasoline (it got 25 MPG) and insurance. It was slightly over 14 feet long and had a turning radius of 33 feet.

1972 Chevrolet Vega Panel

1972 Chevrolet Vega Panel

Published on August 31, 2012 5:47 pm.
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