OPEC and the Biggest Gas Guzzlers of 1973
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- Опубліковано 3 лют 2023
- In the 1970s, OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, tightened the spigot on oil shipments, causing a real shortage and sending the economy into a panic. Gasoline prices shot up dramatically, ending the era of 30-cent per gallon gas forever.
THIS IS THE THE STORY OF THE MPG GUZZLERS OF IN 1973
During the oil embargo of the 1970s, Shortages cropped up and service stations closed when they ran out of gas, which was often. Before long, people began queuing up at stations that did have fuel. Lines would often start forming well before the stations even opened; as the hours dragged on, tempers rose and fistfights would break out among angry drivers. It was an ugly time.
Needless to say, sales of big cars and trucks fell like an anvil down an elevator shaft. Granted, 1973 was a terrible year for the auto industry when it came to engine performance. Automakers were struggling to keep power numbers in an acceptable range while dealing with new emissions standards and low-lead gasoline. - Авто та транспорт
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Gas mileage be damned. I would rather have any one of cars, than anything on the road today.
These large land yacht cars were very roomy. Also they had a very comfortable soft ride that is not common today. These definitely were not sports cars. These cars also insulated the driver and passenger from outdoor noises.
I’ll take the safety of newer cars ( 2000s )
My dad sold gas in 1973. His pumps only registered up to $9.99 . We couldn’t believe it when prices rose to the point that some cars held more than that, and the pumps started over at $0.00 again. Some cars took $12.00 to fill up! Today 12.00 barely moves the needle
Let’s hope they don’t have to add another place anytime soon!!
Multiply by 7, pr that $12 is $84.
I was with dad one time when he asked for 5, meaning 5 gallons. The gas attendant asked him if he wanted 5 gallons or 5 dollars. My dad's reply, What car do you know that can hold $5 worth of gas. Gas was around $0.25/gallon.
Why was it that as gas prices rose, luxury cars also got bigger ?
I think because people wanted to show off their wealth. It was a way of saying " I can afford the high prices, and in fact, I am so rich that I am going to get the car with the worst mpg there is."
I remember growing up with these exact cars. The MPG rating became a bragging right.
" Oh your car gets 12 MPG ? Oh that's nothing ! Mine only gets 7 MPG ! "
TRue
HA HA HA ! ! ! On March 8, 1973 weeks, yes weeks before the oil embargo I purchased a brand new 1973 5 speed Toyota Corolla (S5 sport model) ! ! ! Got over 35+ MPG regular gas ! ! ! While everyone else was pissing and moaning waiting in gas lines, I was cruising down the roads. Friends in their Mustangs, Camaros and Firebirds were trying to coax more mileage out of their guzzlers I was driving along in my new ride. One of, if not THE BEST purchases I ever made ! ! ! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
There was NOT a gas "Shortage". It was merely being delayed. I worked at a "Company" Union76 station in early 1974. We were told what hours we could sell gas. Usually it was after people had to be at work. I.E. we sold between 10am and 4pm. Outside those hours we had to put out the "Out of Gas" signs. My friend that worked at the Shell station across the street said that they were told the same thing. The hours were always changing so you could not plan to fill your tank. I was required to check the tank levels 2-3 times a day and phone the results to a company number. Soon after a truck would show up and top up the tanks. They were ALWAYS full even though we had the NO GAS signs out! A TV news chopper with an Infra red camera flew near the Richmond, Ca. Chevron refinery and found that all the holding tanks were full. And there were tanker ships sitting out past the Golden Gate bridge waiting to un-load their oil. There was no shortage, It was merely a way to increase the prices. 🐂💩🐂💩
I always knew it was complete bullshit!
It was a way to increase prices, and force automakers to downsize. They also wanted more people to carpool, and use public transportation. I remember it. Also once you were on the road outside of the San Francisco Bay Area on interstate 80 and 5, gas was no problem.
Deoblo, you should go to Wikipedia, find the page titled “1973 oil crisis”, and correct everything there if it’s all wrong. Set the record straight there. It has a bibliography referencing over 25 sources, I guess they’re all wrong, then.
@@KernelBill I would bet over 90% of those sources are government funded like all media today. You will never know the truth, and you will be happy.
Deoblo, that is made up fake news. No evidence.
I worked at gas stations in early 70,s and remember regular going for 20 cents a gallon and we checked under the hood, aired up tires,washed your windshield and gave you trading stamps. it was a fun job and met alot of nice people. those were great times.
Would people really care about full service stations today? I thought about someone opening one up and charging a little extra on the gas. haha!
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Ethel gas, leaded gas
@Ziplokk Yes, I remember those days too. In Flint Michigan where I grew up in the 60's and 70's, those who worked in the shop/GM could fill up and the service attendant would cash paychecks for their customers.
Would go to the gas station and fill up my Honda 50 for 25 cents. The owner would rag every time " I got come out here fir this." I miss the sound of the bell as you drove in.
And leaded vs unleaded gas!
My late Dad started to make a little bit of money at his job in the early 70s and bought himself a 1974 Cadillac Coupe de Ville that year. Beautiful car. Medium blue with a white leather interior. I was 16 at the time and it was my job to take that boat to the gas station twice a week for a gas fill up. That baby drank gas like a Southerner drinks sweet tea on a July day. Wow
Stick your foot to the floor and watch your gas gage go down
You can buy a 1973 Cadillac Eldorado pace car right now! For sale (79,000) at Ray Skillman classic cars as of 2/5/2023
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Hahaha that's a good story.
I used to have a 76 Newport 2 door, 400 4 barrel. It went like stink. My dad had a 76 Caprice wagon with electric tailgate that slid into the roof and floor. Smooth ride
I owned a 1973 Olds Toronado in the early 1990's. I kept a detailed log book for fuel mileage and averaged about 12.8 mpg. On long highway trips I could get up to 17 mpg with the cruise control @ 65 mph.
If that's the 3 speed, you'd have gotten 23@50
About the same as a 2023 Navigator or Escalade or Ram truck.
I did a similar thing with my 1970 Olds 442. It had the similar 455 CI engine. I would let the tank get close to empty taking note of the mileage ect. and came up with the same results. 9 mpg in city 13 with highway driving. But gas was .38 a gallon back then. Now I drive a 2018 Ford Focus with a 2 liter engine, it averages 30-33 around town and close to 36 mpg on the highway. But not near as fun to drive as the Olds
That was very good for one of those .
I owned a 1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV. It never saw a gas station it didn't like. But I didn't drive much back then. I truly loved this car.
lol
I KNEW the Toronado would be on this list! Growing up, my parents had a few cars but I remember our 1975 Toronado along with our 1973 Impala, as being tremendous guzzlers. But man, that Toronado was beautiful. Later, in 1990, I personally owned a 1978 Continental and that too was a gas hog and I recall 8 to 10 mpg as being typical. I do miss those old car though.
I drive my TRX and I don't care about mpg. I'm not a punk though
I owned a 1965 Cadillac Coupe de Ville during the 1973 gas crisis. It got around 12 mph, but gas was about $0.52 per gallon and I worked at a gas station that was receiving 9000 gallons (3 trucks) of gas per day. BTW, I was put on an island that only serviced fleet vehicles (my friend was the night manager). For the drivers it meant no long line. Every driver tipped me at least a buck. I was making more than my father.
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That's better mpg than I'd of expected. I only get 18 in my modern Toyota Tacoma 4x4.
@@Tony__Tone -- I checked. Depending on options, a Tacoma can weigh as much as 4465 lbs. That's only about 200 lbs less than that Caddy.
@@lamplighter5545 yeah but you look way cooler rolling around the old caddy 😎
@@Tony__Tone -- I was 18 years old. The car cost $500, which was most of my savings. But, the guy I bought from told me it was "a pussymobile". That was all he needed to say. It turned out, he was telling the truth. The girls loved that car :)
I had a 1973 Lincoln Continental “coo-pay”😅 that I bought in 1992. I can confirm completely that it got 7mpg. It was an epic car to own tho. Nothing I’ve driven since even comes close to how luxurious and smooth the ride was. The 460 may have been only 212 hp, but the torque it had could easily boil the rear tires. Mine was that metallic split pea green with dark green vinyl top and leather interior to match the top. Sure do miss that car.
I had '72 Marque Brougham...Basically the same car. Had the 429ci motor. I was getting 12-15 mpg. Still, one of my favorite cars I've owned. A real shame that night I decided to get drunk in Hollywood. It drove far smoother than any my parent's Cadillacs. I felt much more ''connected'' to the road in it. Always found the Caddy steering to be ''loose'', sloppy. Like you needed to turn the steering wheel a 1/4 turn before the car reacted. Not so with that Merc. Unbelievably responsive, especially for being such a boat...
When these cars were on the drawing board they were designed to have a lot more HP. These cars were detuned fter hit with emmission regulations, then the were detuned even more to squeeze out more mpg than performance.
What I remember most about the gas crisis was odd/even rationing based on your license plate. My Mother would send me to the gas station to wait in line and gas up the car before taking me to school. The fact that I wasn't legally old enough to drive never was an issue.
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I remember in 1979, I was driving from Vermont to Virginia. In Connecticut, I couldn't buy gas because it was an odd number day and my license plate was even. Although I was 500 miles from home.
I lived in OKC at that time & didnt have that to deal with. I'm guessing because there a gas producing state ??
I remember the odd/even go get your gas days, too
@@williamclarke4510 I carried a second license plate that I only bolted on right as I got to the gas station. (Had to drive from FL to MA in one day...)
I remember about '75, riding in my friend's Lincoln Continental from what is now called Silicrap Valley to Lake Tahoe. No traffic, no cops, just open highway and blue skies. So it was thirsty. Ran smooth as silk and gas was 44 cents a gallon. That car and it's 460, C6 tranny and 9" rear are still on the road today. Original running gear with 320k miles on it. Now there's a traffic jam from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, Cal. Better times!
perhaps during ski season.,or on a holiday weekend. but when i go fly fishing at the truckee or little truckee river.i can put my 14 fusion 2.0 in cruise at 80 mph and just scoot up the mountain.. i do set my cruise thuo at 70,, but sometimes,, that 285 is hp engine and 6 speed paddle shift.. well i blast by bmws pretty good.. esp. when i pass 5000 feet, the the n.a. engines are looking for air,, the turbo on my 2.0 keeps up the power and then some..been lucky so far.. no tickets
@@randellgribben9772 Pretty sure almost all BMW's are using turbo'd engines and have been for some time.
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@@randellgribben9772 Highway 50 or 80 to Tahoe still sucks any month of the year compared to back then. You guys must like crowds.
Now days on that Highway 50 to Tahoe on Friday, you will see an endless convoy of gas guzzling RVs on their way to there. Then on Sunday afternoon, repeats.
I was with my parents when they purchased a 1974 Buick Estate Wagon. I remember seeing the Rivera on visits to the dealership. I learned to drive in the family wagon and when I took my driver's test the instructor could not find a parking space large enough for me to parallel park it. Awesome memories!
Yes those cars was literally a 4 bedroom house on wheels.
I had a 1973 Eldorado convertible that got 8 miles per gallon from what I remember. This was the car given to me when I started college in 1975. My first car when I turned 15 and got a drivers license was a 1970 Olds Cutlass Supreme which had the 455 ci engine. It also got around 8 miles per gallon. I think gas was in the neighborhood of 25 cents a gallon in southwest Louisiana in the early to mid 70’s. These cars were fast and a lot of fun to drive! 😎
My dad bought my mom a Cadillac Sedan De’ Ville in 1974.
It had a 472 V8 Big block with a 4 barrel carburetor. The power and torque were delivered to the rear wheels through a 3spd automatic transmission.
While coming home from vacation in 1977, my dad set the cruise control at 100mph and that Cadillac still got 16mpg.
My sister and I used to race all the Big cars in, such as the Ford LTDs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks, other Cadillacs, Lincoln’s, T-Bird’s and we would blow the doors off everyone else.
Stacy and I had a LOT of fun with that car.
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@@ThisOldCarChannel I’ve been a subscriber for a very long time.
And yea racing the Big boys was fun when we were in our Teens
in 1975 my father had a 1973 caddy coupe with a 472 engine I had a 1970 455 Buick electra 225 Guess what I blew the doors off the Caddy, because GM reduced the horsepower because of oil embargo of 1973. I would say this was the beginning of GM problems.
Dad had a '68 Cadilac De Ville. He used to tell people it could pass anything on the road, except a gas station.
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@@ThisOldCarChannel Done
As a kid in High School, my parents gave me the old family station wagon when they got a new one. A 1976 Chevy Caprice Classic, it got 4.5 - 6 MPG and ate up all my part time job earnings 😱
My dad had a 73' Cadillac Eldorado. The thing was a monster, a true beast. Described as a "land yacht", that is exactly how it handled. Huge, slow and sluggish to respond to any driver inputs, it had one redeeming quality. It "floated" down the road like you were flying on a pillow. Just don't try to swerve out of the way of anything - not happening. Unless you had a couple of nautical miles in which to make your course correction, lol.
That was some list! I was laughing and thinking back too. A lot of those cars became quite fuel efficient over time. They got a lot smaller too. You cannot help but to appreciate these cars from that era for what they were. Thank you for the video and the video and information and effort.
The sad thing is that they were all heavier and yet less powerful than earlier iterations of the same models due to government mandates. Yes, we needed to get off lead. In fact the government never should have allowed it for civilian use. But to require useless 5mph bumpers at the same time they introduced CAFE was like they were deliberately trying to kill Detroit.
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became quite fuel
My first car was a 1973 Cadillac Coupe DeVille that had the 472 cid engine. I bought it from my Grandparents (who bought it new) when I was 15 years old for $500.00 in 1987. It averaged about 9 mpg on a good day. A very comfortable car however…. I grew up in Montana…. So to be on the open road with the cruise control set was like riding on a cloud.
Except for Eldorados, all 1973 Cadillacs used the 472 engine.
@@Ctrl-XYZ I stand corrected. Yes it was the 7.7 liter 472 cid. I remember it was a massive engine.
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There is
No substitute for cubic inches
I've gotta say I always loved this boat tail Buick Riviera. It really had great style unlike pretty much every car built nowadays.
One thing that resulted from this was that the U.S. managed to figure out how to extract good amounts of oil from fracking oil shale.
This was the time that American companies really dropped the ball and did almost nothing for 10 years or so while the Japanese and Germans brought fuel efficient cars to market. It took another decade after that up to 1990 or so, for us to catch up.
The death of the behemoths was a long one.
They were shell shocked because Toyota and Honda were of a different culture.Here the designers became enamored of beautiful style road presence ride and luxury.They never thought of breaks tires suspensions efficiency emissions or even longevity.They were caught off guard and didn't know how to react...which accounted for much of the rushed through awful aesthetician designs and rushed through downsizing starting in the late 70s but really becoming extreme in the late 80s,with the rush to reduce emissions and consumption.Another betrayal is happening now with American and some overseas cars..
the killing off of all the regular cars and just BUILDING SUVs and trucks claiming people don't want cars.If that's true why are there so many Camrys Sonatas Cuvics and also more upper end Caddy and BMW sedans on the road?
I owned a 74 Monte Carlo and I loved that car. Honestly, I didn't pay attention to how much gas it guzzled because I was a teenager and since I was still living at home that wasn't a huge deal for me. I remember getting an awesome stereo system with an amplifier and I also got Keystone Classic wheels which looked SO good on that car!
Yes the Booster Amp.
That was one good looking car!
Good for you, loving and driving that big, gorgeous car! Those were the days.
Most of the Monte Carlo's had a 350. With a light foot and good driving skills, the 350 is actually pretty good on gas. With a 2 barrel, they are real stingy on gas!
I worked at a full service gas station during both gas crises. As soon the tanker came in a line would form. The lines stretched about a quarter mile. We would pump continuously for about an hour and the gas would run out. The guy who was the next in line when we ran out would really get pissed.
I heard back then people were selling their Hemi cars, Chargers and Challengers for pennies on the dollar. No one wanted them. Imagine that.
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Eventually it's going to happen again.
We didn't have much of a problem in Texas with that. We made our own gasoline and I lived across the street from the refineries in Baytown.
@@stoveboltlvr3798 Unbelievable. One man's junk another man's treasure.
In high school in 1995 I drove a black 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood factory stretch limousine with a 472 cubic inch engine the electric passenger compartment windows flip down 3rd row seats and bulletproof doors and window glass that had to weigh over 7K and got maybe 5mpg, I bought Dayton chrome wire wheels with white wall tires. I’ll never forget how floated like a dream on the interstate and wanted to be run at 105 mph while changing lanes steering with my pinky finger, years later my little brother worked at a car customization shop and a few times we discussed how it should be slammed low on the ground with air bags and fantasized about chopping the roof off the limo and turning it into a long convertible with 3 rows of seats under a long extended Carson top, and that would’ve been really bad assed, yet ultimately I traded it off for a rust free 1970 Monte Carlo with a 402 and a 4 speed and posi traction, and now fast forward to today my old 800 dollar Cadillac limo pimp mobile boat funeral car is like a $40-50K car now!…8\
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That was a limo from the factory….also mostly used as Funeral Home transport…we had one…
My uncle had a 73 Monte Carlo with the swivel seats which I thought were so cool! On long highway trips I could actually see the needle on the gas gauge moving toward "E" lol They all move of course but I've never seen any move as fast as I'd see it move on the Monte!
It was probably a 454
Great research and presentation. In high school, my girlfriend's mom had a 1973 Chevy Impala, similar in size to the cars you counted down. I drove it once. You haven't lived until you've tried to find a space larger enough to parallel park one of these in a crowded area.
I've got an 73 T bird black over burgundy 429 4bbl and the ride on that car is incredible. 1973 saw Ford sell 87, 269 T birds. Purchased 2 yrs ago, had the car weighed last summer and was 5,181 lbs and at 225 inches 7 centimeters long I realized I bought Noah's Ark. But she is just gorgeous. That's when Detroit used to build cars we wanted!! Remember those days?? Grew up in the 70s, how I miss those years. Much better place then
Nobody wants cars like that nowadays. Plus, we have high gas mileage standards and pollution standards.
That's why those kinds of cars are no longer available.
@@aaronwilliams6989 I wouldn’t be too sure about that. Most people want a large, full framed V8 powered vehicle. Which to me describes the best selling vehicle in the United States, the pick up truck.
@@aaronwilliams6989 Really, nobody wants cars like that today?? Huh? Ok then when we go to major and minor car shows people with said cars show up in the tens of thousands I e. Ford nationals . Even smaller shows roughy 3-4 thousand. It's not about " high standards" or pollution it's about memories we have as kids, memories of loved ones whom are no longer with us. My 73 Tbird is about my Mom and Grandfather whom are deceased now, when I drive my Tbird they are with me literally, My Mustang , driving that reunited with 2 good friends on had on active duty during military years . THATS what these cars mean to us. Has zero to do with emissions or standards it's about people whom are gone, but as long as we have are big old body on frame V-8 s trucks and cars they're with us for life.
@@mikee2923 Mike I'm with you Sir, thank you very well said. God Bless
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During the gas crisis, I made a trip across the country from CA to WI then to SC and back to CA. I discovered that you could buy plenty of gas if you got off the main hwys and at times just getting a couple blocks off the freeways you could buy all the gas you wanted even on Sundays. I still currently own a 1978 Cadillac Eldorado with a 425 cu in engine and get 11 around town but on the freeway 16-18 mpg
My grandparents used to have a small grocery/gas station back then. We were out in the country back then, we would fill you up. I know, I used to pump the gas. :-)
Both gas crisis were fake.
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@Alan Hester . . . I heard a similar thing when I lived in the SF Bay Area region of California back in both fuel crisis eras . . . that once the driver was out of the metro area into a rural section of the state, gasoline was easily obtainable.
I still have my 1973 Buick Boattail....455 8/cyl. It's in the garage.
My parents bought their first brand new car in October 1973, the day the OPEC embargo started. A 1974 Chevy Impala that got 8.5MPG. They drove it home from the dealership, parked it in the driveway, and watched the evening news in terror as gas went from $0.33/gal to $0.58/gal overnight!
That's how I felt when Biden was elected.
@@bldontmatter5319 That's how most of us felt when trump stole his way in. Hopefully prison soon.
@@airmanma you felt upset because gas prices went down when trump "stole" his way in?
What the heck...
Bought a '72 Lincoln for $500 as a very used car when I was in desperate circumstances.That 460 cid power-plant is a truck engine--the same truck engine that is widely reviled by commercial users. Rebuilt it once, then rebuilt the rebuild when the oil pump shaft twisted.
On the other hand, it was a surprisingly handy boondocking vehicle. Let it creep at idle on those wide tires, and it would trundle through a foot of water or six inches of mud. I explored pretty much all of the Mendocino National Forest roads that way.
I was born in 1951 and I remember the era of the large, heavy, big engine, gasoline guzzling, land yacht cars. These cars had a soft cushy ride the smoothed out all the bumps in the road. The largest car my parents owned was a 1971 Ford Country Sedan Station Wagon with a 400 cubic inch V8 engine. The fuel mileage figures given in this video appear to be city driving fuel economy figures. On the highway these large cars got somewhere around 14 to 15 miles to the gallon.
Exactly. I still have (and drive) a 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon with 400-2V V8, C6 auto and 2.75 axle. Getting 15 MPG on the highway is no problem, even without overdrive. In fact if you take it easy and keep it at 65 MPH or below, almost could achieve 20 MPG.
the lower numbers were city driving 14-15 MPG on the Highway that was about adverage as long as you kept the peddle off the metal not on the metal you could get OK mileage for a land yart
Exactly, and that's per US gallon. Actually bearing in mind the size of the engine and their weight actually not bad. A lot of small cars really didn't do that much better particularly on the open road.
@@LakeNipissing - One of my cars was a '73 Buick Electra 225. 455 cu. in. w/4 barrel carb under the hood. As long as it was driven for economy it would get 15 mpg. It probably helped that a previous owner had an electronic ignition system installed. I would probably still have it today were it not for the car-destroying salt that is on our roads five months out of the year. I ended up selling it to a guy who wanted it for that big V8. But what a ride it was, like riding in a 747. With five horns under the hood along with that big engine just a little toot made it sound like a train was coming. 😆
@@Inflec My dad had one too. He always said the car would get 15mpg as long as he kept his foot out of it. It was a nice maroon color with dark red crushed velour seats. It was the nicest highway car he ever owned.
My dad always had those gas guzzlers . 78 Mark 5, 77 Ltd, 78 Mercury grand marquis, 75 Ltd, 74 Ltd, 77 Lincoln town car. Massive huge cars, monster 460, 400, 351 V8 engines. He barely got 10 mpg on the hwy. They ride great though
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My family and friends owned various models in this video. As children we referred to the Thunderbirds, LTDs, Continentals, and Cadillacs as boats, due to their suspension and the way they rode. You felt like you were on a boat when riding in them. They were very comfortable and nice inside. Great for long trips on vacation. When the fuel costs sky rocketed my mom bought a bright yellow Ford Pinto brand new off the lot. It was such a lemon she took in back before the first year was over. Happy sailing!!
Seems strange today, but I bought two Pintos. One after the other. They sipped gas and I was a young guy and liked them.
@@stevemccarty6384 I preferred my 1972 Ford Maverick with the 302 V8 and C4 Automatic. Fun car to drive. Fast. Averaged 20 miles to the gallon. Gas $1.20 a gallon in 1980-82. Got my first speeding ticket in that car. Lol 😂
Parents had 1971 Toronado. I was in the Air Force and when they were in Florida, I drove their car to McGuire AFB instead of my 72 Pinto. What a gorgeous car! I got about 10 mpg on the open road and remember it costing me $30 driving it for the week I had it . To and from Long Island. I hated when they sold it for a 75 Cutlass!
I drove a 1973 Cadillac Coupé de Ville triple white with white leather and green carpets and dash from 1986-1995 in Denmark. Absolutely loved that car. Only reason I sold it was some business investments going wrong. Another 1973 car I still love is the Ford Thunderbird.
Never got one, but I have driven a 1975 Continental Mark IV since 2002. It is currently being renovated to last my life time.
Good for you! I'm looking for a 1977 Cadillac and a 1977 K5 blazer. Our neighbor had BOTH and would buy new every two to three years. The father worked as a traveling salesman and as a pre-teen I always was amazed that they bought new and hoped I could do the same one day. I'm 58 now. Never got own both a caddy and K5 NEW but I can buy them used now. ha!!
My parents owned a 72 Olds Toronado & a 73 Chevy MonteCarlo. I got my license in 1985 & got my dad’s beat up 79 Lincoln Continental. Great memories of the old boats….my mom almost made it home in our driveway coming from Boston in the Blizzard of 78. Not bad for RWD….
The 1973 cars were on the drawing board 2 or 3 years before production when gas prices were still about 30 cents a gallon.
My folks had a 73 Eldorado with landau bars, and the winged woman as a hood ornament. The 8mpg, would drop if you got off of the highway. On long trips, I could actually see the fuel gauge needle move - it had a 27.5 gal fuel tank. But... What a magic carpet ride!!!
My brother owned a 73, 74, and 75 Thunderbird. The 1975 model barely made it from Tampa to Tallahassee on a tank of gas. When he got to Tallahassee, (approximately 250 miles) his low fuel light was on. His next car was a 1977 TOWN CAR.
Love me the 77 TC!
As a child, I admired these road ships and the upholstered interior, this was not the case in Europe, some tourists from the USA visited our country and at that time I couldn't tear myself away from these vehicles, they were so special that it was hard to imagine this in our country , there are many fans of these vehicles in our country, but I did not manage to rent one just to test how they drive, this is my great wish, today, unfortunately, the vehicle fleet in USA is very similar to ours in Europe, and that makes me sad
Makes me sad too... We all have cookie cutter and boring cars.
These sorry cars are SO boring, in fact, that I don't even know what I want for my next car. That day is coming all too fast now!
@@aaronwilliams6989 I turned in my lease vehicle, a Chevy Silverado pu... Piece of junk, 13,000 miles and transmission was leaking and rear end clunking. I bought an older 2003 Buick Park Avenue for $2000. Parts are readily available and cheap. I actually enjoy working on it, so not an issue, and I have plenty of proper tools. I will be looking for another older vehicle come spring time. The nice thing here, and I am sure it is the same there, everyone wants new with all of the bells and whistles. Me, AC power windows and an old school radio that plays music. I do not need to contact NASA when I drive up to the grocery store, or find a need to speak with my car.
The good old days! YES....Cars today are SO BORING. I own two corvettes and TRY to be different that the other small boring cars. I'm looking for a classic Cadillac that I can commute to work and back twice a week. NOW THAT WILL BE DIFFERENT! Thanks for watching the video and for commenting ! That's what the channel is all about. Appreciate it. If you haven't subscribed to our channel, can you please help us out?
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Subscribed after reading this comment. :)
I love these cars with a passion. It takes someone with a very high level of appreciation for sculpture and art to understand them. Most pedestrians, have no understanding of the design, so it’s lost on the majority of people. If you decide to part it out, I’d like to acquire some parts please.
In college I was gifted my grandmother's 1973 Buick Electra 225. 455 CID V-8 with a 4-bbl carburetor. That beast could pass just about anything except a gas station 😂
I had a 75 Electra with the 455. I used to drive 30,000 miles a year -all highway and got 21 mpg consistently.
I had a 1973 Pontiac Grandville with a 455 4 barrel carb. It was by far the most comfortable car I've ever driven. If I kept my foot out of it I could get a solid 8mpg. Wish I still had it.
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"Solid" 8 mpg. LOL!
I had a 1974 Grandville with the 455. I bought it in 1984 for $300 to tow my ski boat with. It was a very comfortable car, like sitting in your favorite easy chair. It may have been the most comfortable car I ever owned.
I owned the 73 Mark lV. It became ridiculous when the embargo hit. My brother had the 73 T-Bird, so he was shafted too. It was a shocking time in America when we realized how other countries could affect our lives so directly.
Baby boomers ruined the country. Bunch of doped headed drunks that ONLY cared for themselves.
Now we have a senile idiot in the Whitehouse, hellbent on making us dependent on the Arabs again.
73 Grand Prix, 400hp 4barrel, pro stick headers, blown out cherry bomb mufflers, 3 speed automatic, smoked tires in all 3 gears.
As a kid I didn't understand gas shortage, just gotta bring the cooler and beer.
Moral. Don't invade them.😅
I had one of several of these cars! My favorite was the 1973 Thunderbird 460 V-8. Mileage was more life 5 MPG
But what a ride!❤
* The way you drove it it got 5 mpg.l o l
@@jeffreyrogers8151 I’m pretty sure that you have never seen my driving, and have no idea how I actually drive…..
my dad had a 70 dodge monaco. I remember racing someone from one block to the next set of lights. You'd get to the next intersection, and you could see the gas gauge dropping like a stone.
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In the day all our cars had names - my VW was "The Fuhrer's Revenge" - and a guy had a car "Flash" which got almost 11 M.P.G. He put every "gas saving" device con men and advertising would sell us to no avail...when going downhill he would put it in neutral and turn off the engine!
I remember the sad days in 1974, three years before I got my drivers license, of all the speed limit signs being taken down and replaced with ones that said 55.
18 months earlier we had driven from GA to Florida down I-75 and Daddy ran 80-90 the entire way. I remember we stopped at a station having a "gas war," and got regular 94 octane gas for $0.18/gallon!
Yeah and what sucked was they held on to the 55 mph limit until 1986 when the Feds let the states decide on it. Ours went to 65 mph immediately thereafter.
@@muffs55mercury61 What really sucked was for us truck drivers. Still 55 for us out in CA...
@@michaelwright1602 Absolutely unreal. 49 years and it's still 55 for trucks (as well as private vehicles pulling trailers such as U Hauls. In the 1970s some areas didn't enforce it all that much but later they did. 60-62 got you a ticket.
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@@muffs55mercury61 Most of the Autobahn in Germany had no speed limit at all times.
However, if you tow a trailer or are a truck, it has always been 80km/h (50mph) - for good reasons I dare to say. Trucks and trailers exceeding 100 oder more km/h and permanently overtaking each other with just a few km/h difference in speed and blocking the overtaking lane would be a too high risk.
Had a 1973 Thunderbird with a 460 as my first car. Cars back then started breaking down at 36k miles. Wish I had a 76 ElDorado now but maintenance would be hard to do! Happy with a 2019 rav4 at 35mpg now.
I had a '66 Riviera. It was absolutely fantastic. Weighed a ton actually several tons. With a huge 425 CU In nail head (the last year for it). Full set of gauges and still got 9 MPG. One of the gauges broke. The gas gauge! I ran out twice. Sold it and got a Pinto 4 spd. transmission and got 29 MPG. Loved that car. I would shift it when it wouldn't go any faster. haha
This is great! I worked for a Chrysler line dealership in 1973. Business went way down until Chrysler introduced the rebate. I wish you would have included fuel tank size for these dinosaurs. That last one, even with a 30 gallon tank would have only gone 210 miles.
they had a 26 gallon fuel capacity with an optional 8 gallon auxiliary fuel tank from some point all the way through 79. yes they go around 200 miles per tank of gas, a bit more if you're brave and keep your foot off the pedal
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Dad traded in his 4 door hard top impala for a Toyota Corolla. I still have that Corolla, it still runs and drives.
Nice 🥰
What years?
Hey, I still have 1972 Ford Torino with a V8 and 4 bbl carb. I also owned a 1973 Thunderbird with the gigantic 460 cubic inch V8. When I moved to LA I towed a double axle trainer over the Grapevine. I was still able to easily pass people, but I could literally watch the gas gauge go down, and I think that car had a 25 gallon gas tank! I think I got 1.7 MPG climbing that pass! When I took the engine out I remember the front got so light the bumper rose up to the level of my head!
Back in the mid-80s I bought a 73 Lincoln Continental. The most luxurious car I have ever owned. The ride was so smooth it felt like you were floating on air. I was kind of glad when I wrecked it, I could barely afford the gas ⛽. Probably only got about 10 mpg or less. It sure was beautiful though.
Those cars were like driving your sofa around town.
Damn I love those land yachts! Back then out of those I had the Monte Carlo, Tbird & Town Car but also had a '72 Chrysler Newport 400 4bbl, '73 Plymouth Fury III 360 4bbl & '70 Buick Electra 225 455 4bbl & yes it was as expensive as hell to fill them up every 3 days...lol
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@@ThisOldCarChannel Right on & I already am ✌💝☮
I was born in April of 73. I remember all these cars. My parents had a 1970 Cutlass Supreme, mom's car and dad a 1973 Mazda B1600 pickup. I now daily drive a 2001 Durango SLT Plus and a 2003 Dakota SLT Ext Cab,both owned since 2006. Mom drove a 1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser after the Cutlass and then they bought the 1st of 2 1979 Buick Estate Wagons with the Olds 403 V8. Their GM run ended with a 1982 Olds Regency Brougham with a whimpy 307. The she had an 87 Nissan Stanza GXE and finally went back to the V8 wagon style with a 95 Grand Cherokee Limited. Her last car is my now daily driver, the Durango. Dad's still around but the Dakota he drove up til 3 yrs ago is now mine and they both run pretty good got 20+yr old vehicles. Love the channel 👍
In the early 70s, my father was the business manager/accountant for a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership in Canada. He was given a demonstrator as part of the job, but they got sold to customers from time to time and he'd get a temporary one for a few days until the dealership's owner figured out which car to give him next. One time he had to use a Plymouth Fury III with a six-cylinder engine - and it wasn't even the 225-cu in Slant Six. It was the 198 cu in. That huge barge with that tiny engine could barely get up to city street speeds. My father never even tried to take it out on a highway. It has to be the most under-powered car I've ever ridden in.
He also had a Plymouth Superbird for a few days and you have NO idea how cool you instantly become when you get dropped off at school in one of those.
My Dad purchased a 73 Olds Cutlass Supreme coupe. Not one of the larger cars but those doors were enormous!
Sadly he passed away in 81. He was 52 and I was 14. I inherited it at 16. It was such a cool car. While not a street machine, it did top out at 130 mph. Confirmed by me on the 210 Fwy. Valves never floated, it just wouldn't go any faster. Great date car!
My condolences, in his passing away. Hold on to the good memories.
had a 70 grand prix, had it going 135 mph on the 210 fwy just after it opened, what a great car.
Still have the car Marine Gunny??? Thanks for watching the video and for commenting everyone! That's what the channel is all about. Appreciate it. If you haven't subscribed to our channel, can you please help us out?
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@@ThisOldCarChannel You bet I'm subscribed! Notifications on as well.
Do not have the car anymore. Sold it when I was 18 for money to buy a 69 AMX. Big Bad Green, 390 cid with factory four speed and Hurst quick shift. Drove it until I entered boot camp. Then pulled the engine and rebuilt it. Was getting around 400 HP to the tires after break in. Very fun car until one night was showing off, lit the tires, hit some water and wiped out.😭 Three days later got a letter from the So. Cal. AMX Club stating that I had one of three 500 Specials in California. Have never forgiven myself for being SO stupid.
Umm, (Sir/Ma'am) just 1 more thing 🤔. You know what's really funny? You have people today driving cars like Mini Coopers and little small Audi's that have a" back up camera" in them. But these cars wouldn't even fit in the average car garage in the 60s, LOL. My dad had a 1967 Plymouth fury that I drove in high school. Gas was $.50 a gallon. I was making two dollars an hour at a small taco place and was able to fill up that Plymouth, buy my class ring, my letterman jacket, and my prom tickets. Not to mention the bench seat for my girl when we went to the drive-in. What a great time to be alive.♥️👍
My dad had a '67 Fury, too.
I used to have a little Honda 50 cub motorcycle. At the time it took just under $1 to fill the tank and that lasted me a week. This was back in the 90's. Great video.
I had the 72 Toronado with the 455. I was a very economical driver and most of my driving was rural and highway cruising. I was pretty skilled at getting the most MPGs out of any car I drove. I averaged between 15-17 mpg with my Toronado
They all do. This guy is very wrong
I remember as a kid being so “peed” off when gas went to $1.00 a gallon. It was taking away my profit margins in my neighborhood lawn mowing biz! Haha
You and me both!!😬😖👍
Yes our hit $1 around Feb, 1980. Two months before that it was 55 cents for regular.
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HAA ! Now the state of CA has Banned the gas powered mower.
@@mikemiller659 ya think Elon will make a Tesla Mower? Haha..
Fun fact: all these cars weigh close to the current "mid-size" SUVs! Even a Rav4 is getting close to 4000 lbs.
It's the old engines that gobble the gas.
Only 3 speed trans with no overdrive made it worse
Rear wheel drive, heavier sheet metal, bias ply tires, inefficient carburetor and ignition systems with points and condenser technology was not very advanced at the time
My mother had a '77 Town Car with a 460 and C6. It was almost 22 feet long and probably weighed 6k pounds. She kept track of her fuel economy, it got 10.1mpg year-round, overall. Similar to the ones at 7:30 in the video. It was a great car for long trips, comfy and roomy, but a gas guzzler.
No way it was 22 feet long, I had a 68 Cadillac Sedan DeVille one of the biggest production cars ever and it was a few inches under 20 ft.
@@robertdavila3780 Correct, the Lincoln would've been just under 20 feet and around 5,000 pounds...
I had a 77. The factory retarded the camshaft timing for emissions. I put a 429 timing chain set on it and got 20 mpg on the highway with twice the power.
My father proudly drove his 1974 Toronado during the gas shortages!
Wow your mother kept track of her gas mileage!
I finished high school in May 1973. When I left for college in August, gas was still in the 30-cent range but beginning to rise. By Xmas vacation, a gallon of gas had more than doubled. It was indeed a period of upheaval for family budgets.But I sure did enjoy my friend's 75 Ford Thunderbird in Lipstick red and white. The quietest car I've ever driven, andit wrapped the driver in luxury.
Thunderbirds of that era were absolutely a dream to ride in. I wasn't old enough to drive them at the time, but I remember how well rode down the highway. These econo boxes of today are nothing compared to the 1970's Detroit metal.
You and I are the same age no doubt. I lived in OKC where gas must have been more plentyful as they didnt restrict the gas purchases. the price did go up though. I Do remember when gas hit $1.00 a gallon..IT was like Hair on Fire as Everyone had hands in the Air..WHAT WILL WE DO !!!! It wasnt that long ago gas hit 6 dollar a gallon
Great video!!! I love these big hogs of the seventies, I owned a 75 Mark lV, driving it was like floating down the road, it was smooth & quiet, I miss it!!! My dad had a 79 Town Car, the last of the big Lincolns!!! Thanks for sharing another fun video!!! 👍👍🙂
My old man had a 72 town car. What a sweet gas guzzler ride.
Appreciate it. I didn't like it as much as my others but apparently this video is going to be one of our top 5 all time viewed thanks to you all ! I didn't think anyone would care about the 1973 oil crises but WOW! Thank you! Boca Brothers
I remember it well. I used to work at a gas station during that time . What a nightmare.
I did also. My cars, nor my friends cars were never without gas. Was a great perk at the time.
I really felt for the both the gas attendants and those that had to wait so long for gas. Thanks for watching the video and for commenting ! That's what the channel is all about. Appreciate it. If you haven't subscribed to our channel, can you please help us out?
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I had a 1973 Eldorado in the mid 70's and I can totally relate to this video. It seems I just drove from gas station to the next gas station and often thought there was a hole in my gas tank. Needless to say I didn't keep it too long. Wish I had it now, these cars are getting up to $50,000 in the resale market as collectors items.
My first car was a 69 coupe deville back in 92. It was a great car had factory limited slip diff with snow tires and a couple of tractor weights in the trunk it would go anywhere a 4x4 could go. Just picked up another one to use as a daily driver again. I figured despite the poor fuel economy which isn't much worse than some large suv,s the insurance and registration and part's are only a fraction of newer cars also it will never encounter the problems these newer cars have and I can do all the maintenance myself with no expensive special tools.
AMEN!
I hope it's an Arizona car, or that you are a professional welder!
I had just started a family and took a promotion that changed my work drive from 18 miles round trip to 85 miles..Gas jumped from .36 per gal to 1.48 or so. It would be like our 2.58 being 10 bucks a gal. I didn’t have trouble getting gas but you never passed up a chance to fill up either. It is sure when Datsun, Honda and Toyota gained their unremovable foothold on the American car market. It put the economy into such a tail spin that NE Ohio didn’t even start recover until the late 80’s . My children all long time adults just cant imagine those times.
Yup...Toy, Datsun and Honda changed everything. Nothing beats a land yacht for comfort! Thanks Robert!
@@ThisOldCarChannel and for safety .. the you sure didn’t want to be in a head on collision with a 73 Caprice in your 210B
I remember those days quite well. The second photo that you showed of a gas line with the 85.9 and 99.9 was fron 1979. This was round two of the gas shortage. In the line, you can see a 1979 Datsun 210 and a 1975 and up Chrysler Cordoba. We had the long lines, as well as odd and even days. The stations had flags to indicate when you could legally buy gas. Green was we are open. Didn't need it because you would see the line well before you got to the gas station. Yellow for emergency vehicles and red for no sale. Most stations would be open from 6AM to 8AM, then 4PM to 6 PM. The lines were excruciatingly long. I drove a 1972 Mercury Montego MX with a 351 V-8. I swear you could see the gas guage move.
Good observation Rick! Yup...some of the video is from 79. Same difference. People were in lines! Thanks for watching the video and for commenting ! That's what the channel is all about. Appreciate it. If you haven't subscribed to our channel, can you please help us out?
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My dad bought a VW bug in 1969. Not sure what his MPG was (maybe 20-25MPG?), but I can tell you he didn't suffer like the US made vehicles over this period of time...
I can confirm the 73 Toronado mileage was always between 7 to 9 mpg for any given tank. The gas tank held about 26 gallons. The one I had was amazingly fast for the weight and era. The front wheel drive performed well in snow. The 73 Olds Toronado drive train also powered the GMC Transmode and Motorhome of the same era. Mine was as reliable as any car of that era.
My dad bought him a diesel Toronado and my mom 350 V8 Toronado at the same time. The diesel one was hilarious because we would take it and press the gas pedal down and do a complete smokescreen of anybody behind us. And my mom‘s 350 4 barrel Was just one of those engines that was amazing from the factory. we spun some front wheels everywhere we went, and that thing would haul ass for that day.
You are on point. the tornado was extremely reliable and long lasting
I daily drive a 1972 Grand Prix (455) and get around 7mpg, all city. I also occasionally drive my '68 Eldorado and get around 8mpg with the 472, though I drive a little more carefully with it! I did manage to squeeze 15.5 mpg on an all highway trip home with the Eldorado
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That GP is a Great car, I really Love the 4 speed version
My father gave me a 1973 Lincoln Continental 4dr he was originally going to sell when I was just 19yrs old in 1980. I thought I was in heaven! But I got better than the stated 7mpg. More like 9 maybe 10 if I took it real easy on flat, highway conditions. Still, I absolutely loved that land yacht of a car! Great to get the girls at 19yrs old I tell you!!!
I rode in a 1973 Continental numerous times in the 1970's and 1980's. Those rides glide effortlessly down the highway and at one time it did get 12 mpg on the highway. It was a real boss car.
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My Dad had a penchant for land yachts throughout the 60’s and 70’s. The ‘73 Chrysler New Yorker with the 440 cu. in. (215 HP) was the greatest gas guzzler he ever acquired. We never got more than 10 mpg in that boat.
I had a 71 Plymouth suburban wagon with a 400 and got 15mpg in urban driving.
My friend had a 1959 chevy impala in London in the 70s. He took a very short drive into Central London and run out of gas three times (only putting a gallon in each time)
IN THE UK HERE I OWN A 1973 olds 98 as new with 115k miles on her when I got her she had 40
My grandfather would go out and buy the most luxurious big Chevy as his car of choice (he owned General Motors stock and lived off the dividends). During the seventies he would own a '71 Caprice (in metallic lime green!). a '73 and a '75. I loved riding around in those land yachts, but I'm sure they cost a lot to run gas wise. When Chevy downsized the Caprice in '77 he bought one, and while not as spacey he loved the better handling and even better gas mileage. I still see a few restored Caprice convertibles around in my neighborhood every summer.
We had neighbors back in the 70's that owned nothing but Impalas!
I purchased a 73 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham back in College.(85). For some reason, I never had problem putting gas in it. It was previously owned by a funeral home. However there are a few vehices I had that I felt the pinch at every gas fill. My 68 Cougar, 77 Fleetwood Brougham, 78 Thunderbird Heritage and 85 Town Car Cartier all drank gas. I had reasonably gas mileage from my 78 Eldorado Birattz and Fleetwood Brougham. Good gas mileage on my 95 S320, 03 Town Car Cartier. Excellent mpg on 98 & 04 LeSabre, 03 Park Avenue & Ultra.
I think that the first owners of vehicles can change the long-term longevity, millage and reliability of vehicles.
Loved the S320, 02 Town Car and 03 Park Avenue Ultra.
My 1st car at 18 years old….a ‘69 Fury III….HUGE!! At the same time my mother was driving a ‘71 Mercury Marquis Brogham….another beast that literally floated down the road . Drivers seat was like a plush leather la-z-boy. Fun at the drive in. Kids today will never know.
My wife drives a 76 Lincoln mark 4 now . She only drives locally so it's not so bad. One day a new Toyota car rear ended her Lincoln at 40 mph ! The engine on the Toyota jumped out of the engine cradle - body and engine parts all over the road. I drove her Lincoln home - bumper was bent and a tail light damaged. Well built car saved her life. Just saying.
Yep same happened to me. I was in my 1974 F-250 truck. Bent the bumper maybe 1/4 inch. Fortunately they were not hurt but that was a miracle.
Funny, how you describe it. I hope no one else was hurt too bad.
My Mom had a 1967 Olds Delta 88 with a 455. it got 9 mpg. I drove it while learning to drive and remember how it had absolutely no feel for the road. Hard to park in a city too.
Would have been a 425 engine, in 1967.
I owned a 1970 Lincoln Continental 4-door sedan. Mileage was 5 and 9. That was the 365-horse 460. Glad to know I wasn't the only one who knew every gas station attendant in town.
I just got my drivers license in 73 and went into the military. Hard to pick which was the biggest disaster. But man didn’t the cars look better! I sure do remember sitting in his car and hearing Dad tell the attendant. “ Two or three dollars worth. What ever stops first “ and don’t forget the glass please!
I've had my 1973 2WD Blazer for over 30 years. It was originally built with a 350 4 barrel , but I wanted something that burned more fuel, so I pulled the 350 and dropped in a .030" over 400. Put a cam with a lot of overlap in it so it gets even worse gas mileage.
Awesome for you. V8 Power All the Way!!!
My driver’s Ed car was a Chrysler Newport. The teacher made me learn how to drive in a blizzard - literally, the first day on the road they cancelled school at 10 am. He dragged me off the bus, plunked me in the drivers seat and away we went for several hours. I learned how to go into and out of skids, find traction on an icy road and keep safe. Hat’s off to Mr. O, wherever you are!
I am now 67. I have NEVER been in a car accident despite driving a couple million miles, here in the USA, and around the world. Learn how to drive at the worst times and the good times are a breeze!
I had Trouble in Driver's Ed. They had US drive retired Police Fury cars. You tapped the gas, and you were on the MOON!
...and, our courses were held in the Summer.
Those cars didn't get good gas mileage but they sure rode well, much better than today's front wheel drive cars. They more more mechanical problems but the problems were cheaper to fix!
I purchased my first new car in 1973 while in the military. I wanted a Chevrolet Caprice but the credit union refused, “too much car for a single man”. So I got a 73 Monte Carlo for about $3,000, bench seat and the 350 4 barrel carb. Loved driving that car. Never paid attention to the mpg, didn’t drive it that far from base, except to go home every month or two. Had another Monte Carlo in 76, that time with the swivel buckets and T top. The 73 Monte Carlo was the Motor Trend Car of the Year I believe, made me proud.
My 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 with a 350 2V & a 3:08 rear axle never got more than 10 mpg. I did drive like a madman. High test gas was $1.39 in the late 70s. It was 32 cents in 1973 before the phony gas crisis.
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I remember when gas hit a Dollar a gallon..1980 I think it was..Canned Coke went up to 50 Cents. Everyone was Hands in the air...OMG WHAT are we going to do ???? It was a few months back gas hit $6.00 a Gallon
@@mikemiller659 My dad remembers when about 1965 canned coke from a machine went up from 10 cents to 15 cents. He said he'd never buy another one! LOL.
Love the 70s cars! Currently own a 79 Lincoln Continental 4 dr. With the 400 cid V8 the only engine offered, I get a respectable 9.5 MPG! Love it… every mile!
Many European cars at the time, was also great gas guzzlers. Rolls Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ferrari and the infamous Jaguar V12 models all had a heavy gas consumption rating.
But there where a lot of normal family cars with a 1.3/1.6 4 cylinder that got normal comsumption.
I question some of those gas mileage specs - in 1974 my grandpa bought a brand new Mustang 2, for better gas mileage he got it with the 4 cylinder option, my Dad drove a 1971 Buick Electra with the 455. They both filled up in Stockton, California and drove to Reno, Nevada. When they filled up again in Reno, the Mustang took more gas then the Buick. That Electra, on the freeway with cruise control set at 75, averaged around 18-19 mpg! And I just remember how smoothly and quiet it rode too! Before that my Dad had a 66 T-Bird that literally sucked the gas down like it was sugar soda! Couldn’t make it from Tucson - Yuma on a full tank of gas! (About 230 miles) lol! My grandpa later traded his Mustang 2 in on a ‘73 Buick Electra which he kept until he passed away in early 80’s and my grandma kept driving several years after that!
On a Friday the 13th in 1973, my father brought home a 1973 Coup de Ville. It was dark green with a black vinyl top and black interior. He had special ordered it at the Cadillac dealership in Tracy California. It was a beautiful car. I believe he choose that car because my oldest sister got married that year and he wanted her to be driven to the church and to the reception in a beautiful new car. My mother never really liked that car. One time she picked me up at school and the de Ville's engine sounded strange to me. A few miles down the road the engine stopped. Apparently, there was now oil in it. She called my father and he arrived in Mom's 1968 Pontiac Catalina station wagon. He figured out what the problem was, added a couple of quarts of oil and the de Ville started right up and ran like a champ.
In 1970, a Lincoln 460 had 365 (or was it 360, I can't remember?) gross HP. By 1973, it was reduced to 212 (net) HP. Yes, there were some emission control features that reduced horsepower in the transition, but the major factor when determining HP was that it was always measured in gross HP, until they decided to measure it in net HP. Net HP is calculated after all things are applied, such as A/C, exhaust, alternators, etc. So the decline in HP isn't nearly as dramatic as it may seem. It was just calculated differently. You wouldn't have noticed it when pressing the accelerator. This applied to all cars during that transition time.
Plus by 1973 compression ratios were lowered to anywhere from 8.0:1 to 8.5:1 from the 10:1 to 10.5:1 they were in 1970.
A friend of mine has a 1973 Continental. The engine is a 460, and there is a 4 bbl carb. The air filter cover states it is a 460, and has 375 HP. It also spins the tires quick. A real boss car.
@@ericknoblauch9195 --- The never were advertised as 375hp. There will be a metal tag on the radiator support that says "Continental" on it and brags about things like HP and compression. It is going to say 365hp, and I believe in 73 the compression was still 10.5 to one. I've owned a few of them, along with Mark III's. They are tire spinners though, and really quite fast, even in such a heavy car.
@@smartysmarty1714 I'm pretty sure 71 was the last year for high compression 460/429 Fords. I could be wrong though.
We've always been told that Chrysler produced the biggest gas-guzzling dinosaurs back in '73. I'm glad to learn that the other automakers had them beat in this instance!
the Cordoba was their gas hog, but it got at least 8-9mpg
Honorable mention of the 1970s Ford LTD station wagon. Sold in large numbers, and sucked lots of fuel.
@@williamhaynes7089 And had rich Corinthian Leather. (Which was another name for cheap vinyl.)
@@vapoet Yea haven't heard those words in years..
I owned a 1974 Mercury Monterey which was effectively a Lincoln Continental without the Continental. It was BOAT, and BEAST, and I was lucky to get 6MPG, but I loved that car! Unfortunately, I owned it in Pittsburgh, PA, and the winter ROCK SALT treatment of the roads rotted out the undercarriage quickly.
Best memory was stopped at a light and some idiot came up next to me in some hot rod - revving his engine like he was all that. I just firmly planted my foot on the brake pedal and started pushing on the gas. The rear of my Monterey began to QUIETLY raise up. The light turned green and all I heard next to me was screeching tires. I took my foot off the brake and my Merc QUIETLY launched forward, leaving the idiot still burning tires at the light. It was a sensation much like the Millennium Falcon going into hyper drive. [sigh]
I miss that car. Once in a while, I will find one on some sandlot car lot and hop in just for the moment of nostalgia.
I bought my first car, a 1970 Lincoln Continental 2-door with a 460, when I was 14. It had a cracked head which I replaced, made road worthy, and traded for a 1969 Fairlane before I even had a driver's license. I always liked the look of that Continental, and you rarely see them anymore. I've had lots of land yachts and always believed that life is too short to worry about miles per gallon.