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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.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse (W205)

Mercedes-Benz C160/Mercedes-Benz C180/Mercedes-Benz C200/Mercedes-Benz C220/Mercedes-Benz C250/Mercedes-Benz C300/Mercedes-Benz C350e/Mercedes-Benz C400/Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG/Mercedes-AMG C43/Mercedes-AMG C63 (W205/V205/S205/C205/A205). 2014 to date (prod. n/a). 4-door saloon, 4-door LWB saloon, 5-door estate. 2-door coupé, 2-door cabriolet. F/R, F/A, 1497, 1595, 1991 cm³ petrol, 1497, 1991 cm³ petrol–electric hybrid, 1597, 1598, 1950, 2143 cm³ diesel, 1950, 2143 cm³ diesel–electric hybrid (I4 DOHC), 2996 cm³ petrol, 2996 cm³ petrol–electric hybrid (V6 DOHC), 3982 cm³ (V8 DOHC). Sleeker looks for fifth-generation model (if counting W201 as the first). Very refined—beating the BMW 3er and Audi A4—with much improved ride, and longer wheelbase helped with composure. Self-levelling suspension, Airmatic, available. Different suspension settings depending on model. Renault 1·6 diesel delivered outstanding fuel economy compared with earlier Cs. Mostly automatics sold as with earlier Cs, but Mercedes-Benz introduced a new six-speed manual. T-Modell estate from May 2014, coupé from 2015. Mid-term changes 2018.

Manufacturing locations: Bremen, Germany; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; East London, South Africa; Beijing, China; Pune, Maharashtra, India; Iracemápolis, Brazil

Marque: Mercedes-Benz | Model: Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse | Predecessors: Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse (W204), Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse Coupé (C207) | Successor: Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse (W206)

Morris Mini-Minor

Morris Mini-Minor/Morris Mini Cooper (Mk I)/Morris Mini/Morris Mini Mk II/Morris Mini K/Morris Cooper S. 1959–71 (prod. 510,000 approx. in UK of basic Mini-Minor; 75,500 approx. for Traveller, 21,627 for Cooper 998 cm³, 12,465 for Cooper 997 cm³, 1,896 for Cooper S 1071 cm³, 482 for Cooper S 970 cm³, 7,824 for Cooper S 1275 cm³). 2-door saloon, 2-door estate (with 2 rear doors). F/F, 848, 970, 997, 998, 1071, 1098, 1275 cm³ (I4 OHV). Ingenious Alec Issigonis design for small BMC car, with as much of length as possible occupied by passenger cell. Engine placed transversely, with front-wheel drive. Moulton rubber cones instead of springs for suspension. Ignored at first, positioned below Morris Minor, but quickly found a niche as a fun, classless car. Traveller estate added 1960. Sold as Morris 850 in some export markets to 1962. Coopers from 1961. Australia continued production of original Mini Mk I design to 1971, but had wind-up windows and 998 cm³ from 1965. Australian Morris Cooper S with 1275 cm³ from 1965. Mini K in Australia with 1098 cm³ from 1969. Denmark sold Mini as Morris Mascot.

Manufacturing location: Cowley, England; Zetland, NSW, Australia

Marque: Morris | Model: Morris Mini | Successors: Morris Mini Mk II, Morris Mini Clubman

Ford Thunderbird (1977–9)

Ford Thunderbird. 1977–9 (prod. 955,032). 2-door coupé. F/R, 302, 351, 400 in³ (V8 OHV). Downsized ’Bird, created by transferring the nameplate to the intermediate platform, after seeing that Elite worked with buyers. Similar to Ford LTD II but with slightly different styling, and in 1977, outsold its sister line. Drop in weight (900 lb off) and overall length (10 inches) as well as huge reduction in price. Far more manœuvrable than predecessor. Improved trunk volume and back seat actually usable (interior volume, overall, was comparable with the 1972–6 edition), but average in reliability (poorer for 1977s). T-roof option introduced 1978. Diamond Jubilee edition in 1978, essentially renamed Heritage for 1979. Largest 400 in³ engine deleted for 1979 as CAFE raised to 19 mpg (from 18 mpg). Suffered in comparison to GM’s downsized personal–luxury cars such as Pontiac Grand Prix (1978–87).

Manufacturing locations: Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles, California, USA; Canada

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Thunderbird | Predecessors: Ford Thunderbird (1972–6), Ford Elite | Successor: Ford Thunderbird (1980–2)

q.v. Mercury Cougar (1977–9)

Off-site link

Automotive Mileposts: 1977 Ford Thunderbird

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