Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr70
I've got this on a 35mm reel,in my GM film library.It's incredible how much detail they put into it,as well as how Family/Saftey orientated they were and not one spoken word of high performance anymore.
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1972 - The Muscle Car Era was over. You sell what people are buying. And they weren't buying high performance cars anymore. Mainly because what was left were performace cars. The "high" was gone when they decreased the compression ratios and the insurance companies wanted your first born before they would insure your Muscle Car.
EDIT:
Keep in mind that the 1972 models were the first to be rated SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) NET horsepower. That in itself created a loss in HP. 1971 and backwards was GROSS. Engine was in a dyno room. 1972 - HP rating is having tngine rated as it sits in the car. Including all accessories, exhaust system and air cleaner.
For example, a 1972 Chevy made 330 bhp for the 401 engine, with the same engine design in 1971 rated 365 bhp.