Ford Escort MK3 interior : 1980

1980 Ford Escort MK3

The 1980 Ford Escort MK3 came with either a 1300 OHC or 1600 OHC engine, both with single variable venturi carburetor, automatic choke and electronic ignition. It had 5″ x 13″ styled road wheels with 155/80 SR13 tires and came with halogen headlamps, heated rear window, self checking silicone chip controlled warning light system for front brake pad wear, low washer fluid, oil, coolant and fuel levels.

The interior had reclining front seats trimmed in “York” fabric. Center face level vents with warm air control, side window demisters, perforated headliner, front passenger grab handle, two grab handles in the rear incorporating coat hooks, passenger vanity mirror on sun visor, dipping rear view mirror, cigar lighter, two rear ashtrays, full door/rear quarter trim, front door stowage bins, three speed heater fan, glovebox with lock and document stowage, soft feel two-tone instrument panel, coin box, center console, Ford P21 push-button radio, two-speed wipers with intermittent wipe, load compartment carpet, trip recorder, Quartz clock, special gear shift gaiter and knob, color keyed ribbed carpet, driver’s lower parcel shelf, tilting rear package tray and four spoke soft feel steering wheel.

1980 Ford Escort MK3

 

1980 Ford Escort MK3 interior

Fiat Uno 55 Comfort : 1983

1983 Fiat Uno 55 Comfort

At the time, the 1983 Fiat Uno 55 Comfort represented something far more significant than the launch of a new car. Fiat claimed it was the creation of a totally new class of car. I think not. Its standard equipment included cloth-faced seats, and fitted radio, interior hatch release, quartz analogue clock, illuminated switches, 5-speed gearbox and optional sun-roof. It achieved an amazing 65.7 MPG (does any car today even come close?) and accelerated to 62 MPH in just 11.5 seconds. All, starting at £3,690.

1983 Fiat Uno 55 Comfort

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

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

Nissan Prairie : 1985

1985 Nissan Prairie

Could this 1985 Nissan Prairie be any uglier? Some might ask this but I think it’s awkward profile could make it something interesting to have.

This vehicle was all about space, and luxury – according to Nissan. The roof line is 8″ higher than a typical car and the load platform is only 17″ from the ground. There are no central door pillars and the rear doors slide back to leave a clear open space. Even the seat belts are built-in to the front does to create more space. The interior is not only spacious, it is infinitely flexible. The rear seats recline, just like the front ones, or fold forward to give a cavernous storage space four feet high and five feet long. Or you can fold all the seats flat into a double bed for overnight camping.

The Prairie has a highly efficient lightweight OHC engine, with either 1.5 liters or a 1.8 liter (which had a top speed of 100 MPH), depending on the level of performance you want. Both engines are fitted transversely to give even more space and drive the front wheels though a five speed overdrive gearbox for outstanding economy and safe, sure handling. The high level of equipment included push-button radio, heat-reflecting glass, quartz clock, remote control for door mirrors and tailgate and petrol flaps, all standard. There was even a new “Anniversary II” model, with extra luxury items such as electric windows. Lastly, it came with a 100,000 mile/3-year warranty and a 6-year body warranty.

(image #2 source: John Lloyd).

1985 Nissan Prairie

1985 Nissan Prairie

AMC Pacer : 1980

1980 AMC Pacer

1980 was the last year for American Motors Corporation’s 3-door Pacer hatchback, which was produced by AMC since 1975. Chief stylist Richard A. Teague began work on the Pacer in 1971.

1980 AMC Pacer

Volkswagen GTI Mk 1 : 1984

1984 Volkswagen GTI Mk 1

The GTi has long been one of my top favorite hatchbacks, and this 1984 Volkswagen GTI Mk 1 is probably as close as you’re gonna get to an original MK1. It was on display at Volkswagen of America headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan for approximately seven years.  Volkswagen’s recent move to Virginia caused the car to be sold in February of 2011.  The car was sold new in late 1983 and it was kept by the original owner until 2004, when it was purchased by a Volkswagen employee and put on display. (source: eBay)

1984 Volkswagen GTI Mk 1

1984 Volkswagen GTI Mk 1

1984 Volkswagen GTI Mk 1 interior

 

 

Dodge Colt GT Turbo : 1988

1988 Dodge Colt GT Turbo

1988 Dodge Colt GT Turbo had a turbocharged 16-valve, DOHC 1.6 liter powerplant, power rack and pinion steering, power 4-wheel disc brakes, taut sports suspension, performance radials, a super slippery profile and a lot of spunk. Inside the Colt GT Turbo had ample elbow room, comfortable sport buckets, a telescoping tilt steering wheel, an ergonomically advanced interior and impressive dash graphics and instrumentation.

 

1988 Dodge Colt GT Turbo

Dodge Colt GTS : 1983

1983 Dodge Colt GTS

The 1983 front wheel drive Dodge Colt GTS offered 35MPG city and 45MPG highway and was imported for Dodge (and Plymouth). With matte black accents all around, rakish spoiler, side glass louvers, wide tires, GTS badges and racing stripes, this Colt looked the part of the fun machine that it was. Under the hood its engine had an extra air intake valve in each cylinder teamed up with Colt’s exclusive Twin-Stick power train which gave you a bit more power in every gear.

1983 Dodge Colt GTS

Yugo 45GL : 1986

1986 Yugo 45GL

The 1986 Yugo 45GL Supermini 3-door hatchback’s MSRP was £3,399. This compact boasted style, generous room, comfortable upholstered seats and fully carpeted interior with a cavernous 27.5 cu.ft. of luggage space. Standard features included front wheel drive, all round independent suspension, front wheel disc brakes and reliable and proven 903cc engine. Safety features included dual braking, a laminated windscreen and rear wash/wiper. It had a one year unlimited mileage and mechanical warranty plus a 3-year bodywork maintenance program. Th 45GL included alloy wheels and low profile tires, a front air dam and rear spoiler, a radio stereo cassette unit and digital clock in a central console and front and rear fog lamps.

1986 Yugo 45GL

Vauxhall Cavalier SRI : 1989

1989 Vauxhall Cavalier SRI

From what I can tell, the 1989 Vauxhall Cavalier SRI 5-door hatchback had a poor reputation, but as usual, the advertising proudly promoted the road holding and handling from powerful engines.

1989 Vauxhall Cavalier SRI

Talbot Horizon Silver Fox : 1985

1985 Talbot Horizon Silver Fox

The Talbot Horizon Silver Fox sold for £5,199. It had a 1442cc engine that achieved 51.4 mpg at a steady 56 mph. It had distinctive duo-tone paintwork in Fox Grey and Silver. The interior offers push button radio and seat fabric in light and dark grey fabric. It had stylish alloy wheels and was topped off with a glass sunroof.

1985 Talbot Horizon Silver Fox

Vauxhall Mk1 Astra GTE : 1983

1983 Vauxhall Mk1 Astra GTE

The 1983 Vauxhall Mk1 Astra GTE had a 1.8 liter engine with Bosch LE Jetronic fuel injection producing 115 bhp. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, it took the car from 0 to 60 in just 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 116 mph. The GTE boasted a suspension that incorporated anti-roll bars, upgraded springs and gas pre-loaded shock absorbers. It had ultra low profile tires on 5.5″ alloy wheels with ventilated front disc brakes.

The interior included thick carpeting, tinted windows, radio/stereo cassette player, complete with four speakers and Recaro front seats.

1983 Vauxhall Mk1 Astra GTE

Pontiac Sunbird S/E Turbo Hatchback : 1985

1985 Pontiac Sunbird S/E Turbo Hatchback

1985 Pontiac Sunbird S/E Turbo Hatchback had an improved hydraulic clutch and a standard 1.8 liter overhead cam turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivered 150 horsepower at 5600 RPM. The WS6 Performance Handling Package included front and rear springs and shocks, power steering,14″ hi-tech cast aluminum wheels and Goodyear Eagle GT radials.

1985 Pontiac Sunbird S/E Turbo Hatchback

Pontiac J2000 Hatchback : 1982

1982 Pontiac J2000 Hatchback

The 1982 Pontiac J2000 Hatchback had room for five and came with a 1.8 liter fuel injected overhead cam 4-cylinder engine with a free-flow exhaust system. It had contoured bucket seats, front wheel drive, MacPherson strut front suspension, rack and pinion steering and power front disc brakes.

1982 Pontiac J2000 Hatchback