Auto analysis tracks how 1970s market shifts divided classic and volume models

The short version

• The 1973 oil embargo caused fuel costs to spike, altering American car market dynamics.[Jalopnik]
• NASCAR dealership production rules limited Plymouth Superbird manufacturing to between 1,920 and 1,935 units, with 135 carrying the Hemi option.[Jalopnik]
• AMC Pacer sales fell sharply after reaching roughly 210,000 units over its opening two years, dropping to barely over 10,000 in 1979.[Jalopnik]
• Chrysler earned Motor Trend's 1976 Car of the Year honors for the Plymouth Volaré and Dodge Aspen.[Jalopnik]

Key facts

• The 1973 oil embargo led to surging fuel prices across the market.[Jalopnik]
• NASCAR rules required manufacturers to produce one road version for every two dealerships in 1970, prompting Plymouth to build an estimated 1,920 to 1,935 Superbird models.[Jalopnik]
• Only 135 Plymouth Superbirds were equipped with the most expensive Hemi engine option.[Jalopnik]
• Citroën assembled 12,920 units of its grand-tourer during a five-year production run.[Jalopnik]
• Motor Trend designated the Plymouth Volaré and Dodge Aspen its Car of the Year in 1976.[Jalopnik]
• AMC delivered just over 210,000 Pacers during its first two model years before output slumped to barely above 10,000 units in 1979.[Jalopnik]
• Alfa Romeo launched a vehicle in 1971 named after Expo 67 that was never offered in North America.[Jalopnik]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• 5 '70s Sales Flops That Became Classics, And 5 Popular Cars That Didn'tJalopnik