Category: Curbside Classic
We’re going to do this a little different this week. For starters, two CC cars for the price of one. And the identification of this weeks cars are obvious (I hope!). Now tell me what specific feature these two cars share. Okay, not the obvious things like wheels and mufflers. A clue for the clue: this feature was not available on full size wagons from GM and Ford of this vintage. And it was also not available on most of the Saab’s competition. Another clue: it’s not something highly technical or esoteric; even women (oops!) would/could recognize and appreciate it.
We’ve reached the end of our 1971 six small car comparison at last. And what a winner we have indeed! Without giving too much away, let’s just say this car runs, was for sale, and I was sorely tempted to buy it. Let’s also say that since many of you probably know our not-so-mysterious winner by now, that what we’re looking for are pithy, profound and insightful comments to explain the significance of the setting and background of where I discovered this very rare car.
It’s (still) 1971. Disney World just opened. Nixon pledges to end US involvement in Vietnam. Daniel Ellsberg reveals the “Pentagon Papers.” The Doors release “LA Woman.” The Bee Gees inflict “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.” Charles Manson is sentenced to death. “All in the Family” starts. The Stones are on top with “Brown Sugar.” The voting age is lowered to 18. Intel invents the 4004 Processor. Peugeot builds a 404 Wagon that ends up as the Niedermeyer family truckster. Janis belts out “Me and Bobby McGee.” China is seated at the UN. Nixon imposes a 10% surcharge on imported cars.
Is it beginning to seem like we’re stuck in a 1971 time warp? Sorry, if that era is a bit painful for some of you. True confessions: I don’t like writing when it’s nice outside. And it’s glorious here in the summer. I wrote this six-car comparison back when it was still rainy and gray. So I’m “on vacation”, and you’re stuck in the early seventies for three more weeks. But for you dear CC readers, I offer this faint hope: If I’m inspired, or if writers start getting paid again (god forbid), I might increase the Curbside Classics once the weather turns crappy in the fall.How often would you like to see a fresh old moldy car?
Oh, and if you already know this week’s car from the results of the C/D test, please don’t spoil it for the others still hanging in deep suspense. Thanks!
This car took fifth place in the 1971 Small Car Comparison, just beating out last week’s AMC Gremlin.














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