The Definitive GM Performance Car List Part II: 1973-1985

[yamahr1]

Cool list. As I've said here before, even in its darkest days GM was never the uncompetitive wasteland that its critics, including most automotive journalists, like to portray. They've always had at least some desirable cars, and not just Corvettes.

[Raysz71]

ok.. What is a Malibu M80 ?

Also, the Turbo Monte Carlo SS must have been after market as all that the factory lists is a LG4 305 HO.

[poncho1982]

1984 Cavalier type 10 ?

They are joking right?

I thought it was a DEFINITIVE PERFORMANCE CAR list.

I had an 85 Cavalier type 10, it was no performance car.

[69Firebird400]

Originally Posted by FBODYRULES

what a cool article,
good work.
I think this list also highlights what cars can be considered classics from this period of time up til 85.

I agree - it's a really cool list, and should be considered a near-definitive guide of which GM cars should be considered collectibles (or potential future collectibles) from this era.

Originally Posted by FBODYRULES

Does anyone know about this;
I didn't know the Oil Crisis happened as early as 1973,
I thought 1973/74 was when the govt introdruced all the stupid law changes that changed compression rotio's and hp and bumpers and other safety stuff that all put a stop to real muscle cars.
I thought the oil crisis was in the late 70's early 80's?

In response to the Israeli-Arab Yom Kippur war in 1973, and the support that the US and some Western European nations gave to Israel, OPEC stopped selling oil to the US. At the time, we only got 12% of our oil from Arab countries. The embargo lasted from August 1973 to April 1974.
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_embargo_crisis

Then there was a second oil crisis, in 1979, caused by the Iranian revolution, when oil exports briefly ceased and caused a disruption to the world oil supply, and energy traders bid up the price on speculation of further supply problems (hmm, sound familiar??)
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_energy_crisis

[mrmonte]

The turbo Monte was from 1979-1981 and wasnt an SS I think it could be had in any trim level. Kind of neat but not a great performer. None of those years mentioned were dark days for GM they sold tons of nice looking cars they wish they had those days back.

[FBODYRULES]

Originally Posted by 69Firebird400

I agree - it's a really cool list, and should be considered a near-definitive guide of which GM cars should be considered collectibles (or potential future collectibles) from this era.

In response to the Israeli-Arab Yom Kippur war in 1973, and the support that the US and some Western European nations gave to Israel, OPEC stopped selling oil to the US. At the time, we only got 12% of our oil from Arab countries. The embargo lasted from August 1973 to April 1974.
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_embargo_crisis

Then there was a second oil crisis, in 1979, caused by the Iranian revolution, when oil exports briefly ceased and caused a disruption to the world oil supply, and energy traders bid up the price on speculation of further supply problems (hmm, sound familiar??)
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_energy_crisis

so why didn't america just invade them to get oil in 1973?
joke.
so that explains why here in New Zealand we didn't have an oil crisis until 79, but before then it was all good.
thanks

[mikmak]

Ming, the picture you have of the Holden is a HQ GTS, not a HJ as indicated in red according to the list.

[Z16monte]

All 80's era Monte SS's were L69 305 automatic cars in the US and Canada. A 350 4spd was available in Mexico but it was a diesel. 70/71 Monte SS's were 454 only

[darknight9]

I'm glad to see the 85 Z24 hatch on there! That was my first car. Well, mine was an '86 Z24 CL. Beautiful car. Had every option, CL trim, factory sunroof, hatch curtain, power seat, cassette with eq and all the usual power goodies. Too bad mine was an automatic, it really blunted the force of the 2.8 Multi-Port.

Brings back fond memories of my ex and how much room was in the back hatch with the seats folded down...

[Ming]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Ming, the picture you have of the Holden is a HQ GTS, not a HJ as indicated in red according to the list.

Thanks mikmak - I changed the photo to a 1976 HX Monaro GTS 4-door --- hope its accurate!

Originally Posted by poncho1982

1984 Cavalier type 10 ?

They are joking right?

I thought it was a DEFINITIVE PERFORMANCE CAR list.

I had an 85 Cavalier type 10, it was no performance car.

OK, since the Cavalier is represented by the Z24 hatch, I think its safe to ditch it.

Keep in mind, though, some of these cars are just there to spice up the list and change things up a bit.

Originally Posted by Raysz71

ok.. What is a Malibu M80 ?

87Aero had some good comments after each model he suggested, which you can read here: The Definitive GM Performance Car List Part II: 1973-1985

1979-1980 Malibu M80 (dealer installed option package available in NASCAR loving South)

I also have 87Aero to thank for most of those Chevrolet image links in photobucket.

Originally Posted by FBODYRULES

it goes up to 1985,
otherwise the grand-nation would be there for sure

Don't forget the original list that is from 1986-Current:

Link: The Definitive GM Performance Car List 1986-2006

Buick:



1986 Riviera T-Type
1986 Buick Somerset T-Type
1986 Performance Motorsports Trans-Am Somerset *
1987 GNX
1987 Grand National
1987 Regal Turbo
1987 Skyhawk Turbo Hatchback Coupe
1987 Electra T-Type
1989 Reatta Coupe
1991 Reatta Convertible
1991 Park Avenue Ultra
1992 Riviera Gran Touring Package
1995 Roadmaster Limited
1999 Riviera Silver Arrow
2003 SLP Regal GSX +
2006 Lucerne DUB Edition CXS V8 +
2008 LaCrosse Super

[elgreen]

1975-1976 Chevelle Laguna S-3. Back when NASCAR still ran real-looking cars, the S-3 dominated the big tracks. They were scarce new, and are really rare now.

[Ming]

Got it elgreen. Snagged a pretty hot photo of one from Hemmings Motor News, too.

Unfortunately it looks like we already have a '74 Laguna S3 on the list. Were there any big differences between the 1974 and 76 models?

1976 Chevelle Laguna S3

[FBODYRULES]

Hey Ming,
I think these lists should be made into a perminent section of the GMI site,
not only as a performance guide but also a future classic's guide,
and I think it would bring alot more people into the GMI site.

[Ming]

I'm all for that, FBODYRULES. Of course I'd strip out the commentary and just leave the lists. I'll bring it up with the other Admins and Mods. I still have a few more lists I'd like to do, and then plan a front page wrap up. For now, they are "sticky" in the Staff Member Commentaries section.

And thanks to you and others who enjoyed this list and find it "Definitive". Means a lot coming from hardcore GM fans.

[FBODYRULES]

Originally Posted by Ming

I'm all for that, FBODYRULES. Of course I'd strip out the commentary and just leave the lists. I'll bring it up with the other Admins and Mods. I still have a few more lists I'd like to do, and then plan a front page wrap up. For now, they are "sticky" in the Staff Member Commentaries section.

And thanks to you and others who enjoyed this list and find it "Definitive". Means a lot coming from hardcore GM fans.

do that man, that would be cool if they were in the "information pages" section.