Hi folks -- I am starting a new study on the late 1960s and early 1970s. This period was pivotal to the future of the American automobile industry. That year I graduated from Davidson College, largely in a mental fog concerning the world around me, obsessed with fears of the draft and oblivious to much of what was really important. Just as 1970 would prove decisive to the future of America, it was also decisive in a negative way in terms of my own life. I have spent much energy since then in dealing with the ramifications of the decisions I made back then, just as the American automobile industry continues to do. Here is how Forbes began 1970 with its analysis of the auto industry:
The Ford product line reflected the dilemma of markets and complex consumer preferences. The LTD was placed at the top of the Ford line, a long wheelbase (121 inches) vehicle with hidden headlamps and five possible engines, ranging from a 302 cubic inch V-8 to a 460 big block. With hard top sedan, coupe, convertible and station wagon variants, the LTD was just one example of the fruits of flexible mass production, if one sees these large number of consumer choices a direct benefit to the firm. Immediately below the LTD was the Galaxie, also a 121 inch wheelbase car, and also available with numerous options, including a 6 cylinder 240 cubic inch engine. The intermediate model in the Ford line was the Torino, the Motor Trend car of the year for 1970. Influenced by designer Bill Shenk, the Torino had a "Coke bottle" shape with a narrow waist and bulging front and rear fuselages, mimicking a supersonic aircraft of the day. The Torino consisted of 13 models on a 114 inch wheelbase, and engines ranging from a 250 cubic inch 6 to a 429 that was featured in the Cobra Jet model. As Motor Trend commented, the Tornio was "Not really a car line in the old sense, but a system of specialty cars, each for different use…from luxury to performance."
A Galaxie 500 in stripped down trim.
The LTD, this one obviously marketed to African-Americans.
The Muscle Car -- a Torino intermediate -- not dead yet.
A base Mustang
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