Vauxhall Chevette Black Magic : 1979

1979 Vauxhall Chevette Black Magic

If you like the looks of the 1979 Vauxhall Chevette Black Magic then you’ll really like how it goes because lurking under the bonnet is a 2279cc single cam engine coupled to a close-ratio five speed Gertrag gearbox, similar to that in the Chevette 2300HS.

The single cam engine is standard production form delivered 118 BHP and had achieved a string of of victories at championship levels in its more powerful rally version. Inside, the level of luxury was promoted as “decadent” with front seats that were contoured in real leather, the dashboard was styled in real wood and the carpet was so thick that “your feet disapear”. The stereo/radio was said to put home systems to shame with individually tunable speakers in the doors. It was probably the most luxurious small car on the road at the time. (image source: John Lloyd)

1979 Vauxhall Chevette Black Magic

1979 Vauxhall Chevette Black Magic

1979 Vauxhall Chevette Black Magic interior

Published on August 8, 2012 4:59 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Pontiac T-1000 : 1981

1981 Pontiac T-1000

The 1981 Pontiac T-1000 was produced until 1987 on GM’s T-Platform. It had either a 1.4 or 1.6 L OHC gasoline I4 engine producing from 53 to 70 horsepower. It was pretty much identical to the Chevette, but of course had unique grille, body molding and vertical lined taillights. Here you see a 3-door and 5-door model. (image source: John Lloyd)

 

1981 Pontiac T-1000

Published on August 4, 2012 5:28 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks, 5-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Chevrolet Chevete Marajo : 1980

1980 Chevrolet Chevete Marajo

The Chevrolet Chevete Marajo was the 3-door hatchback (or station wagon) version of the Chevrolet Chevette, launched in Brazil. It was produced from 1980 to 1989 with 1.4- and 1.6-liter engines. (image source: John Lloyd)

1980 Chevrolet Chevete Marajo

Published on August 4, 2012 5:06 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Hyundai Elantra GT : 2013

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

Hyundai introduced the all-new 2013 Elantra GT at the North American debut of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. This five-door compact hatchback looks like alot of fun to drive, with its 148 HP, 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine that achieves Best-in-class standard fuel economy estimated at 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway. The all-new Elantra GT rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 169.3 inches. The height is 57.9 inches and the width is 70.1 inches.

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

Published on August 4, 2012 4:32 pm.
Filed under: 5-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Citroen BX : 1985

1985 Citroen BX

The 1985 Citroen BX costs £453 less than a Volvo five-door 340DL, listing at £5,199. It had self-leveling suspension for a silky ride and MacPherson struts for sharp handling. This 5-seat, 5-door hatchback with a 1360cc engine, capable of reaching 96MPH. It was promoted as only needing 2.5 hours of servicing a year.

1985 Citroen BX

Published on August 3, 2012 8:58 am.
Filed under: 5-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Citroen Visa 11E : 1985

1985 Citroen Visa 11E

The 1985 front wheel drive Citroen Visa 11E is a five-door hatchback who’s MSRP was £4,117, which was £489 less than the Ford Fiesta Plus 1.1. It was unusually roomy with a very well-equiped interior. It was promoted as only needing 2.5 hours of servicing a year.

1985 Citroen Visa 11E

Published on August 2, 2012 10:05 pm.
Filed under: 5-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Citroen LNA 11E : 1985

1985 Citroen LNA 11E

1985 Citroen LNA 11E listed for £3,526. That was £448 less than a Austin Rover Metro City. With its easy starting 1124 cc engine, it had lively performance and a small turning circle for navigating tight corners. It had a comfortable interior with split folding seats to accommodate bulky loads.

1985 Citroen LNA 11E

Published on August 2, 2012 7:13 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Volvo 66 3-door estate : 1979

1979 Volvo 66 3-door estate

The 1979 Volvo 66 3-door estate was introduced in August 1975, almost exactly a year after Volvo bought DAF, and was almost an exact duplicate of the DAF 66 with the exception of new seat featuring headrests, a safety steering wheel, doors with side impact bars, a “park” mode, and a few other features. It was produced (in conjunction with a saloon version) from 1975 to 1980 and its peak HP was 57PS. (image source: John Lloyd)

1979 Volvo 66 3-door estate

Published on August 1, 2012 4:26 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Volvo 480 ES : 1986

1986 Volvo 480 ES

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

Published on July 30, 2012 3:11 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Honda Civic S 1.3 : 1983

1983 Honda Civic S 1.3

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

Published on July 28, 2012 1:13 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

VAM Gremlin : 1983

1983 VAM Gremlin

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

Published on July 23, 2012 9:33 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Fiat Panda Super : 1983

1983 Fiat Panda Super

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

Published on July 23, 2012 7:12 pm.
Filed under: 3-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Simca Horizon GL : 1978

1978 Simca Horizon GL

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

Published on July 19, 2012 4:05 pm.
Filed under: 5-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Simca Horizon LS : 1978

1978 Simca Horizon LS

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

Published on July 19, 2012 3:01 pm.
Filed under: 5-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,

Dodge Omni GLH : 1984

1984 Dodge Omni GLH

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

Published on July 16, 2012 10:25 pm.
Filed under: 5-Door Hatchbacks Tags: ,