Posts Tagged: 1973
In the wild world of fuel crises and emissions regulations, Pontiac’s engineers turned the Trans-Am into a fuel-sipping, aerodynamic marvel. By 1982, the third-gen Trans-Am shed pounds like it was prepping for a high school reunion, boasting hidden headlights and a spoiler that whispered, “I’m sporty, yet eco-friendly.” Meanwhile, the Banshee concept, a car that could’ve starred in its own sci-fi flick, lent its futuristic flair to the Trans-Am saga, proving that sometimes, the future is just a concept car away.
The 1973 Plymouth Barracuda rolled in with energy-absorbing bumpers to survive the urban jungle’s 5 mph love taps. Under the hood, the Barracuda offered the 318 and 340 engines initially, with a spicy 360 joining later, all adjusted to sip unleaded fuel and keep the EPA smiling. For those keen on doing the gear dance, a four-speed manual with a Hurst shifter was available for the 240 and 360, and, in a plot twist worthy of a detective novel, a few 318s snuck in with the same setup. Thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for the eye candy!
Get ready to rev your engines, folks! We’re diving into the world of the 1930 Ford Model A Flathead, where the V8 wasn’t just an engine, it was a revolution! Debuting in 1932, the flathead was the go-to choice for hot rod enthusiasts and muscle car maniacs looking for affordable power. This iconic engine, a Ford Motor Company masterpiece, still captures the hearts of nostalgia buffs today. A shoutout to Gateway Classic Cars for the eye candy—those images are the real horsepower heroes!
The Ford Mustang, born in 1964½, galloped into history, creating the “pony car” class. Imagine a sports car on a diet, squeezing into a compact frame! In just 18 months, over a million Mustangs were unleashed. They started small but ate their Wheaties, becoming beefier and fancier over time. From the performance-driven Boss 302 to the luxury of the “Grande,” these steeds catered to every driver’s wildest dreams. And remember, every Mustang comes with a free spirit and a side of road noise reduction!
The 1974 Buick Le Sabre Luxus, the only full-sized “B” body car of its year, is like the last donut at a party—everyone’s eyeing it. Replacing the Centurion and Custom, it sports a basic 350 engine with a carburetor that might not win races but will get you to the grocery store in style. For those who want to feel like they’re flying while barely meeting EPA mandates, the Stage 1 package offers a 455 engine and enough performance tweaks to make you the envy of the neighborhood—and maybe even get a nod from the EPA.
Porsche and VW teamed up in a legendary alliance to birth the “914” roadster, a car that was as much about speed as it was about family feuds. Produced from 1969 to 1976, this mid-engine marvel was originally set to be sold as a VW and a Porsche in North America. But fear of an identity crisis led to both versions being badged Porsche — because who wants a split personality? Speaking of splits, check out the 2.0L Opposed 4 engine with a 4-Speed Manual, priced at $28,995.00. Buckle up, nostalgia’s calling!
Bob’s journey with the 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS is a rollercoaster of automotive passion. Originally a drag racer with a 375-horsepower engine, the Nova saw numerous owners and transformations, including a color change to Hugger Orange. Bob traded his Harley for this beauty and embarked on a winter restoration, adding modern touches while keeping its vintage charm. Now, it’s a highway-ready stunner, complete with a new dash and a vinyl top. Bob’s love for his Nova shines through every upgrade and twist in its tale.
The 1966 Shelby GT 350 Mustang roars back into the spotlight, ditching trunk-mounted batteries and last year’s traction bars like unwanted karaoke partners. Carroll Shelby’s magic touch transformed 252 ’65 models into a whopping 2,378 units of pure American muscle. With optional Paxton Super-chargers and Selectshift automatics, this beauty is a symphony of power and choice. And, oh, those rear quarter panel windows replacing side vents—because who needs extra ventilation when you can have style?
Born out of the need for speed and more horsepower, the iconic Chevy small block V8 roared into history starting with the 265, which gave the ’55 Corvette a much-needed boost from its inline stove bolt six. From there, the 283 took over, flexing its muscles with mechanical fuel injection that made it the first engine with one hp per cubic inch—take that, Chrysler! By 1973, the 307 wrapped up the family saga, proving that sometimes you just gotta stroke it to make it big.