Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Pontiac LeMans/Pontiac Grand LeMans. 1978–81 (prod. 405,127). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 2-door coupé. F/R, 229, 231 in³ (V6 OHV), 265, 301 in³ (V8 OHV). Pontiac’s downsized intermediate, twinned with Chevrolet Malibu (1978–83), Oldsmobile Cutlass (1978–81) and Buick Century (1978–81). Not as reliable as the other GM intermediates, but better handling, especially compared with outgoing Colonnade generation. Fixed rear windows on four-doors. Also spawned a sporting variant, the Grand Am, covered separately.
Manufacturing locations: Pontiac, Michigan, USA; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Marque: Pontiac | Model: Pontiac LeMans | Predecessor: Pontiac LeMans (1973–7) | Successors: Pontiac 6000, Pontiac Grand LeMans (1982–3)
Ford Granada. 1972–7 (prod. 850,000 approx. incl. Consul). 2- and 4-door saloon, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate. F/R, 1699 cm³ (V4 OHV), 1993 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1998, 2293, 2496, 2550, 2792, 2993 cm³ (V6 OHV). Excellent executive range developed by Ford of Germany, sister car to Ford Consul (1972–5). Double wishbones for front suspension, coil-sprung independent rear-end. Considered equal to or better than more expensive Mercedes-Benz models. Fastback coupé originally had coke-bottle styling; this changed in 1974 to a flatter waistline. Consul range absorbed in 1975. South African dealers sold after-market converted V8 with 4942 cm³ (the Windsor 302) block.
Manufacturing locations: Köln, Germany; Essex, England
Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Granada | Predecessors: Ford 17M, 20M, 26M (P7/II), Ford Zodiac Mk IV, Ford Executive, Ford Consul (1972–5) | Successor: Ford Granada Mk II
Austin Allegro 3 (ADO67). 1979–83 (prod. 642,350 incl. Allegro Mk I and 2). 2- and 4-door saloon, 3-door estate. F/F, 998, 1098, 1275 cm³ (I4 OHV), 1485, 1748 cm³ (I4 OHC). Facelift with plastic bumpers and air dam (and four-headlamp treatment on high-line models) helped improve Allegro looks, but it was far too dated to deal with newer competition from Ford, Vauxhall and the Japanese. Introduction of base one-litre model with A-Plus engine. Sold without Allegro name in some Continental markets.
Manufacturing location: Longbridge, England
Marque: Austin | Model: Austin Allegro | Predecessor: Austin Allegro 2 | Successor: Austin Maestro
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