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
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
What a joy it would be to be driving around today in the gorgeous 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 2.5i. The lines are so classic and simple. It’s held up quite well and is just dripping with personality and grace. Nice color too.
1980 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 2.5i
Alfa Romeo logo
The 1974 Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback wasn’t too different than the previous year. Just a few trim and interior changes.
1974 Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback
A special variant of the Vauxhall Magnum estate, known as the Sportshatch, was produced in limited numbers (197) in 1976. This model used the “droopsnoot” nose cone, which had been designed by Wayne Cherry, Vauxhall’s Chief Design Engineer to be used in the HP Firenza Droop Snoot model. In Trevor Alder’s book “Vauxhall – The Post War Years” mention is made of a HP Firenza Sport Hatch prototype which was a one-off and was painted in silver starfire, with a six light version of the droop snoot nose and also sharing the Viva/Magnum estate body shell. (source: Wikipedia)
1976 Vauxhall Magnum Sporthatch
The 2012, 14-foot long i-oniq hatchback concept is an unexpected and pleasant surprise from Hyundai. It is an electric sport hatchback with a range-extending gasoline engine. The 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generates a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox.
2012 Hyundai i-oniq concept.
Its great to see BMW bring this to the US, a market where most think hatchbacks do not sell. This M 135i is the highlight of the 1-series second body variant, although, in my view, I think the headlights seem a bit too big. Its 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine achives 235 kW/320 hp and is even available as a five-door hatch.
2012 BMW M 135i
The 1976 Acadian Woody Wagon was produced for and sold in Canada. The “Woody” option got you simulated wood paneling on the sides, a woody rear decal and other exterior trim, plus the custom interior. Some of the standard features included a sewn headliner, a maintenance free battery, full front and rear carpeting, column-mounted “Smart” switch, flow-through ventilation, diagnostic system, rack and pinion steering, shell bucket seats with full foam, comprehensive anti-corrosion protection, effective acoustical insulation, full width rear seat back cushion and folding backrest and a removable load floor panel with rubber mat. You also had a choice of five interior colors. Acadian was a division of General Motors from 1962 to 1971.
1976 Acadian Woody Wagon
