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rlrl, I see what you are getting at....but the Monte Carlo was first with the body style in 1973, while Fury was still a boat; in 1976 the Monte Carlo started coming with the stacked headlamps while the Fury was a scaled down version with round headlamps while the Gran fury was still a boat; in 1977 did the Fury (and Monaco too) receive stacked headlamps.
Also note 1975 the Charger debuted with the body style similar to the 1973-74 Monte Carlo. The Chrysler Corodoba was similar.
That Corinthian Leather got to everybody. In the 1977 Maverick brochure, it shows the Red Bucket seat interior and say's "Upholstered in rich Corinthian Vinyl so Luxurious that you'd never suspect it's practical". I mean really!!!!
Somewhat off topic, but what happened to the "personal luxury coupe"? They used to be everywhere, and were regarded as desirable cars. Now that market-segment is almost completely defunct. What is responsible for the change?
Somewhat off topic, but what happened to the "personal luxury coupe"? They used to be everywhere, and were regarded as desirable cars. Now that market-segment is almost completely defunct. What is responsible for the change?
Changes in the car buying public. Look at the carmakers, domestic, and see how many models they offered back in the '60's and '70's. On top of dozens of options. I special ordered a 76 Grand Prix and there were likely 8 or 10 choices for seat types/styles in addition to over a dozen colors, not to mention 3 or 4 engines, full vinyl or landau top, two-tone paint, striping, wheel covers, etc.
Also, a lot of the "luxury" options filtered down to the base, or just above base, models. Things like power windows and locks, power seats, tilt wheel, enhanced gauges.
I personally think a car like the Fusion or Impala would be a hot seller in a two door coupe.
I personally really liked the Dodge Charger SE for 73 and 74 with the louvered side windows, and conservative hubcaps as opposed to the more mag style. I actually liked that body style better than 75 and after (Cordoba, Magnum etc) tho i thought that the workmanship steadily improved from 74 onward. The Cordobas and Chargers and Magnums no longer had that tacky look. In fact, by 76 and after, these cars were finally riding as quietly as GM and Ford. I think Chrysler really caught on that they had to improve the appearance and quietness of their interiors to stay competitive
Yes. And that's really my question. That is, what has changed, in terms of car-customer mentality, that has caused such a popular vehicle style from the 1960s through the mid 1980s (the personal luxury coupe) to fall into disfavor? Today, it seems, that "personal luxury" means pickup truck or SUV. So my question is more about demographics and culture, than manufacturer offerings (which merely reflect the culture).
Yes. And that's really my question. That is, what has changed, in terms of car-customer mentality, that has caused such a popular vehicle style from the 1960s through the mid 1980s (the personal luxury coupe) to fall into disfavor? Today, it seems, that "personal luxury" means pickup truck or SUV. So my question is more about demographics and culture, than manufacturer offerings (which merely reflect the culture).
Different generation. Look what the mini-van did to station wagons. Totally destroyed that market niche.
Also, foreign makers made huge inroads into the US market.
i just browsed an old ad for a new 73 Monte Carlo which likened the car to a "European" type of experience.
im not sure what they meant by European but for those who may know, would you say that is kind of stretching it or would it be accurate?
I myself, tho a huge fan of early 70's mid sized and full sized Mopars, love the 73 Monte Carlo styling much more than the Chevelle; in fact i prefer the Laguna Chevelles so maybe the term "European" might mean something
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