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
Austin Maxi/Maxi (ADO14). 1969–80 (prod. 422,084 not incl. 1980). 5-door saloon. F/F, 1485, 1748 cm³ (I4 OHC). Much-anticipated Austin from merged British Leyland with interesting hatchback concept: seats could fold down to form two beds, and exceptionally roomy. However, hampered by carryover doors from BMC 1800 ‘Landcrab’, making it look dated on launch, and not unlike a hatchback version of the older car. Underpowered with heavy steering originally; fixed somewhat with 1748 cm³ unit from 1971, including twin-carburettor versions. Austin badge disappeared from late 1976, with British Leyland roundel the only sign of a marque. Confusing from this point just what the marque was: BL, Leyland, or marque-less? Nevertheless, colloquially it was often referred to as the Austin Maxi in its home market.
Manufacturing location: Cowley, England
Marque: Austin | Model: Austin Maxi | Predecessor: Austin A60 Cambridge | Successor: Maxi 2
Off-site link
Vauxhall Velox (PB). 1962–5 (prod. 87,047 incl. Cresta). 4-door saloon, 5-door estate. F/R, 2651, 3294 cm³ (I6 OHV). Final model bearing Velox name, replacing gaudy PA model. Largest Vauxhall to this point, measuring some 4·5 m in length, and larger than Ford Zephyr rival. As with more upscale Cresta, larger engine from 1964.
Manufacturing location: Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Marque: Vauxhall | Model: Vauxhall Velox | Predecessor: Vauxhall Velox (PA) | Successor: Vauxhall Cresta (PC)
q.v. Vauxhall Cresta (PB)
Pontiac Grand Am. 1978–80 (prod. 18,141). 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé. F/R, 229, 231 in³ (V6 OHV), 265, 301 in³ (V8 OHV). Downsized intermediate line, and rarer than related Pontiac LeMans (1978–81). More sporting than LeMans, with interiors similar to Grand LeMans. More aerodynamic front end. Coupé only for 1980, as sedans sold less than half what the coupés did in the previous two model years. Comments for LeMans apply: not the most reliable of the GM intermediates.
Manufacturing location: Pontiac, Michigan, USA
Marque: Pontiac | Model: Pontiac Grand Am | Predecessor: Pontiac Grand Am (1973–5) | Successors: Pontiac 6000, Pontiac Grand Am (1985–91)
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