Alfa Romeo Alfa Six: 1979-1984
During the Seventies and Eighties, there was a commonly used cliche that
Italians couldn't build big cars. Looking at the Alfa Six, you'd initially
think this was true. However, look beneath the Alfetta-on-steroids styling,
and there is a genuinely interesting car to be found. The 2492cc V6 was
a gem and the autobox was state of the art at the time. It drove pretty
well, too. However, buyers hated them.
Audi 200 5T: 1979-1983
Until the arrival of the Audi TT in 1998, Audi was usually considered
a 'nearly' manuafacturer. Nearly premium, but not quite. The 200 was the
company's first serious attempt to crash the BMW-Mercedes party, and it
wasn't a sales success. The warbling five-cylinder turbo was charismatic,
and turbo performance was electrifying, if uncultured. The interior was
close to being chintzy, too. A sales flop, but interesting...
BMW 5-Series: 1972-1981
Most people would say the BMW legend started with the 2002, but we reckon
the 5-Series set a pattern that is followed to this day. Six-cylinder
versions were smooth, and styling was crisp. Tail-happy handling now legendary,
but could catch the sleeping driver unawares - especially in the wet.
Dashboard ergonomics and seating set the standard for all to follow. Fabulously
expensive in the UK during the Seventies.
Citroen CX: 1974-1991
The CX was the third Seventies Citroen in quick succession, following
hard on the heels of the GS and SM. It shared the their Hydropneumatic
suspension and the DS's rather course four-cylinder engines, but despite
the indifferent performance and economy, it was still a fabulous driving
machine thanks to DIRAVI Varipower steering and high-pressure braking.
Lived a long life, and remains a desirable car today.
Ford Granada Mk 2: 1977-1985
The Mk2 version of the Granada brought Germanic crispness to the Ford
range, and continued the sales success of its predecessor. A wide range
of four- and V6-cylinder engines were offered and like all Fords came
in a myriad of trim levels. Performance was strong in the more expensive
versions, and handling/ride compromise was a match for any of its rivals.
Many remain today, and are straightforward to run.
Lancia Gamma Berlina: 1976-1983
In many ways the Lancia Gamma Berlina was the closest we got to a production
version of the Pininfarina Aerodyamica.
The fastback styling wasn't an unqualified success and remains overshadowed
by the beautiful Coupe version. 2.5-litre flat four engine was lusty,
and handling was exceptionally neutral, so a great driver's car. However,
rust and reliability issues clouded the Gamma's latter years on the market.
Mercedes-Benz W123: 1976-1986
Like the BMW 5-Series, the Mercedes-Benz W123 was exceptionally expensive in the UK market during the Seventies, but despite this, it still sold reasonably well. Build quality is legendary, and many examples survive today still clocking up the miles. The best version was the twin-cam 280E, but when it arrived in the UK cost more than 50 per cent more than the Rover SD1. Still, it's a great car to go exploring in...
Opel Senator: 1977-1987
When the Opel Senator arrived in 1978, it was a well-engineered replacement
for the Admiral and Diplomat, but was based upon the smaller Rekord model.
Styling was neat if unadventurous, but there's no denying it was a competent
car in 3-litre form. The Vauxhall version was initially called the Royale,
but was changed to Senator when Opel disappeared from the UK market in
1983. Coupe Monza version is a classic.
Peugeot 604: 1975-1985
The Peugeot 604 joined the Citroen CX as France's flagship model, and
thanks to Pininfarina styling, it certainly looked the part - even if
it did look like a four-door Fiat 130 Coupe. Initially offered with the
'Douvrin' 2664cc V6 engine that found its way into the Renault 30 and
Volvo 264 (and, criminally, not the Citroen CX), but a 2.3-litre Turbo
Diesel joined the range in 1980. A good drive, but how many are left in
the UK?
Renault 30: 1975-1983
One of the few genuine rivals to the Rover SD1 thanks to its hatchback,
but the Renault 30 was hamstrung by its plain-Jane styling and lack of
prestige kudos. The 30TS and TX were good run to drive thanks to their
relative light weight and powerful engine, and proved a practical proposition
for those who needed to carry large loads quickly. Renault's lack of presence
in this sector of the market means few survive.
Saab 900: 1978-1993
Considering the 900 was a stretched 99, Saab managed to get a lot of mileage
from the car. Featuring the 1985cc slant-four engine with Triumph heritage,
the Saab 900 was a likeable and useable executive car, with a hint of
safety thrown in for good measure. Good to drive and reliable in service,
the 900 is considered by many to be Saab's high water mark. Especially
in fire-breathing turbo form...
Talbot Tagora: 1980-1984
The Tagora started life as a replacement for the Chrysler 180/2-Litre,
but when its maker joined Peugeot-Citroen in 1980 to become Talbot, its
market aspirations were pushed upwards with the addition of the 'Douvrin'
V6 engine. Hugely spacious and surprisingly good to drive, the Tagora
had a lot to offer, but slabsided styling and lack of identity meant it
was never going to sell. In short, it was a car that no-one wanted.
Volvo 264: 1974-1982
The Volvo 240 was an endearing saloon car, with a Swedish down-to-Earth
nature that made it hard to dislike. However, adding a V6 engine and jacking
up the price meant that appeal ebbed away. Built like a tank, and doing
a good impression of driving like one, the Volvo 264 sold in comparatively
small numbers in the UK, although the estate version found a niche. The
Americans seemed to like it, though.
