Toyota Celica USGP : 1980

1980 Toyota Celica USGP

The aerodynamic styling and spirited performance of the Celica GT Liftback quickly secured the title “Import Car of the Year for 1976 and again in 1978.

The 1980 Toyota Celica USGP (which stands for United States Grand Prix) was a one-year only model produced to commemorate Toyota’s association with Grand Prix racing in the United States. Toyota had been actively involved in Grand Prix racing as the Official Pace Car of the Long Beach Grand Prix from 1975, and the Toyota Grand Prix of the United States at Watkins Glen since 1977. It came in Red, White (shown below) or Blue. It is believed that only 200 were produced of each color and it weighed just 2530 pounds.

This $750.00 option was offered only in 1980 and included the following:
Exterior:
• A special honeycomb grill
• Flat Black B pillars
• Special “Grand Prix” two-color side stripes
• Mud guards
• Aluminum alloy wheels and 185/70 HR14 steel-belted radial ply tires raised white letters
Interior:
• Ivory vinyl seats with black piping
• Ivory colored headliner and door panels
• Black leather wrapped steering wheel
• A high performance sound system, which featured electronic AM/FM tuner, cassette deck, equalizer/amplifier and four speakers
• A USGP dash plaque.

The 90hp, 2.2 liter 4-cylinder SOHC engine delivered smooth yet powerful acceleration. 5-speed overdrive transmission reduced engine wear.

The interior included complete instrumentation, including tachometer, which let you monitor the engines’ performance. MacPerson strut front suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars provided a fairly precise and comfortable ride. A power assisted front disc/rear drum brakes brought it to s smooth stop.

For personal luxury, an illuminated entry system greets you when you turn the door lock key and the driver’s seat adjusts six different ways and even included adjustable lumbar support.

1980 Toyota Celica USGP

1980 Toyota Celica USGP high performance sound system.

1980 Toyota Celica USGP

Red 1980 Toyota Celica USGP

Red 1980 Toyota Celica USGP

Red 1980 Toyota Celica USGP

Red 1980 Toyota Celica USGP interior

1980 Toyota Celica USGP high performance sound system.

Published on March 17, 2012 12:44 pm.
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Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A : 1978

1978 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A

This right-hand drive. 6-cylinder 1978 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A is a rare beast indeed. Probably the only one in the USA, and certainly the only one in this condition, which was subject to a body-off restoration to concours standards in the early 2000s, and is fully documented. This one was for sale by Sovereign Auto in Flushing, Michigan. The Middlebridge Enthusiast site is dedicated to the little known Middlebridge Scimitar. (content source: Sovereign Auto)

1978 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A

1978 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A

1978 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A

1978 Reliant Scimitar GTE SE6A

 

Published on March 13, 2012 9:17 am.
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Honda Accord : 1982

1982 Honda Accord

1982 saw the introduction of the new and improved Honda Accord, which was roomier inside and longer outside. It rode smoother and handled better. With the 5-speed, a gallon of gas got you 30 miles in the city or 41 on the highway. It still had its proven front-wheel drive and transverse-mounted engine.

1982 Honda Accord

Published on March 7, 2012 9:06 pm.
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Audi A3 : 2013

2013 Audi A3

The 2013 Audi A3 3-door hatchback was introduced to the world on March 5th, 2012 and this third generation premiered at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Versions with hybrid and alternative drive systems such as natural gas and Audi e-gas are currently in development. A version with an exceptionally efficient 1.6 TDI engine will launch on the market in 2012 with its completely redesigned interior.

2013 Audi A3

2013 Audi A3

 

Published on March 5, 2012 9:43 pm.
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Volkswagen Rabbit L : 1981

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit L

The 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit L was a step up from the base model, including its cloth interior. The Rabbit  is one of the most important vehicles ever produced and was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, of the ItalDesign design studio. The first Golf (VW internal designation Typ 17) began production in 1974, and was marketed in the UnitedStates and Canada from 1975 to 1984. Many generations later and it continues to be one of our favorites. (image source: Karmann Ghias)

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit L

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit L

 

Published on March 2, 2012 9:30 pm.
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Talbot Sunbeam Lotus : 1980

1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus had a 2.2 litre Lotus engine linked to a 5-speed gearbox. It had an output of 150 BHP and accelerated from 0-60 in 8 seconds, with a top speed of 150 MPH. It had room for four passengers and with the rear seats folded down, it had an amazing 42.7 cubic feet of luggage space.

1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

Published on February 10, 2012 10:27 am.
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Fiat Panda : 1981

1981 Fiat Panda

While it doesn’t look it, you could fit a family of five, with luggage in the 1981 Fiat Panda and still get 35 MPG in the city and 56 MPG on the highway. Creature comforts included tinted windows, a rear windscreen wiper, reclining seats which folded down into a double bed, head restraints, and a six year anti corrosion warranty. All for £2,995.

1981 Fiat Panda

1981 Fiat Panda

Published on February 9, 2012 3:49 pm.
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Mazda GLC : 1981

1981 Mazda GLC

The 1981 Mazda GLC was conceived, engineered and built to be nothing less than the new state of the art in front-wheel-drive technology. Among its refinements was a more powerful yet more economical 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine. Advanced 4-wheel independent suspension and a redesigned rack-and-pinion steering system which was alot of fun to drive. The shift was quick and positive and had one of the shortest turning radius around. The interior was one of the roomiest in its class, with reclining front bucket seats, split fold-down rear seat backs, electric rear window defroster and remote control driver’s door mirror. It offered an impressive 43 MPG highway and 35 MPG city. The GLC Custom had an MSRP of just $5,295.

1981 Mazda GLC

Published on February 9, 2012 3:13 pm.
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Renault Encore : 1985

1985 Renault Encore

The 1985 front-wheel drive Renault Encore’s unique pedestal seats offered an extra degree of style and rear legroom giving it an amazing perspective on hatchback design. The fold-down rear seats was designed to extend the cargo space convenience. The Encore’s 4-wheel independent suspension with twin coaxial rear torsion bars and power front disc/rear drum brakes results in impressive performance and handling. Choice of engines included the optional 1.7 liter, for increased performance. Electronic fuel injection produced fuel ratings of 40 MPG highway and 34 MPG city. It was built in America and had an MSRP of $5959.

1985 Renault Encore

Renault logo

 

Published on February 7, 2012 4:40 pm.
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Lancia 1600 HPE : 1978

1978 Lancia 1600 HPE

1978 Lancia 1600 HPE (High Performance Estate) started at £5,438. It was an impressive sight with its distinctly eager 1600cc twin-cam engine with aluminum head and twin-choke carburetor with drove the front wheels. The top speed was 108 mph and had a 5-speed gearbox. The handling, helped by all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes was superb.

The interior had a complete array of instruments including rev counter, oil level, oil temperature and oil pressure gauges, topped with a quartz clock. The accommodations was for five, with integral headrests on the front seats and wrap-round rear seats with tons of leg room, front and rear. You had a choice of luxurious hardwearing cloth or PVC. Although the rear seats looked continuous, they were in fact separate. You could fold both of them forward, or just one, to carry a long load and a third passenger. Open the rear hatch and you find 42 cu.ft. of luggage space.

1978 Lancia 1600 HPE

Published on January 16, 2012 8:15 pm.
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MGB GT Sports : 1978

1978 MGB GT Sports

With the 1978 MGB GT Sports, you could reach a top speed of around 100 mph and cruise comfortably at over 90 mph, but with the fitted overdrive, it also meat the 1998cc engine got you 41.1 mpg.

This was a surprisingly spacious car, beautifully appointed with thick carpet everywhere, even in the luggage compartment and the contoured rake-adjusting front seats were covered in an attractive striped fabric.

The MG MGB GT had an impressive 9.6 cubic feet of flat, easily accessible loading space. This has been one of my favorite hatches for some time.

1978 MGB GT Sports

Published on January 16, 2012 7:24 pm.
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Austin Rover Metro Gala Special Edition : 1983

1983 Austin Metro Gala Special Edition

1983 Austin Rover Metro Gala Special Edition was built to celebrate Britain’s best selling small car. Amenities included plush velour seats, radio/stereo cassette player, analogue clock and glass sunroof.

1983 Austin Metro Gala Special Edition

Published on January 5, 2012 2:02 pm.
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Dodge Colt : 1986

1986 Dodge Colt hatchback

The 1986 Dodge Colt hatchback had an MSRP of $5431 and achieved 41 MPG on the highway and 36 MPG in the city. The Colt was imported for Dodge and Plymouth and was built by Mitsubishi in Japan.

 

1986 Dodge Colt hatchback

Published on January 5, 2012 12:55 pm.
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Renault Le-Car : 1979

1979 Renault Le-Car

The 1979 Renault Le-Car, which dominated its class in racing in 1977 had front wheel drive, rack and pinion steering, four wheel independent suspension and Michelin steel-belted radials as standard. It achieved 41 MPG highway and 26 MPG city.

1979 Renault Le-Car

Published on January 4, 2012 7:25 pm.
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Daihatsu Mira TR-XX Avanzato R : 1996

1996 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX Avanzato R

The 1996 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX Avanzato R hatchback has a 659cc four cylinder engine. Other than a race inspired, and large logo on the side, this is one car and brand I just can’t seem to fully embrace. (image source: John Lloyd)

1996 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX Avanzato R

Published on December 23, 2011 3:11 pm.
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