J. Kelly Flory

At more than 900 pages this reflection on US automobiles through most of the 1970s could be described as a tome. The material covered, as per the title, is cars produced by American automobile manufactures. This specifically excludes trucks and other products by the same companies but that does not detract from the content.

For me this era is, or rather was, somewhat unknown. My uncles had long regaled their car history from the 50s and 60s while my own experience started in the early 80s. It was thus helpful that the 15 page introduction thoroughly sets the stage prior to jumping into the details. Covered are industry impacts from the EPA, 1973 oil embargo, and inflation. Of particular interest to me was information on what these external forces did to influence the design and engineering of cars born of their influence.

The bulk of the book is subsequently divided by years, with each one marked on the page edge making it simple to jump to a specific year. Also convenient are the dictionary-like year and make information on the top of each page. Each year starts with its own several page preface explaining major events and actions. Following is a summary that includes industry total production, market share, highest/lowest production series, highest/lowest model base price, highest/lowest MPG, Motor Trend "Car of the Year", plus a few other tidbits. At all times while reading and just flipping through I felt a deluge of information and details.

Within each of the eight years a section, with introduction, exists for each major make from AMC, Buick, and Cadillac to Olds, Plymouth, and Pontiac. The detail that follows is considerable. Every make has a brief summary of production, average price, plants, and VIN summary. This is followed by charts of powertrain options, major options, popular option groups, and paint colors -- all by model with prices and codes where applicable.

Naturally a book about cars enumerates them nicely. Model information seems short but a fair amount has already been covered by the time you get this far. The first bit is the marketing slogan, such as the 1974 Ford Maverick: "The economical car we build for families." Thereafter are some basics including body style lifespan, predecessor, replacement, siblings, competition, and major standard equipment. A set of ten measurements (dimensions, headroom, legroom, cargo, and fuel tank) is provided for each style such as two-door, four-door, wagon, etc. Last up are prices, base MSRP, weight, and production for each model variant plus totals for the model. For serious fans of specific models I should note there is no breakdown of option or paint production counts, such as how many black Mustangs vs red ones were produced.

The ten appendices cover a variety of details including minor makes and replicars, option groups and packages, aftermarket convertible conversions, concept cars, model and body style codes, and manufacturer logos. Like the rest of the book almost every section starts with an introduction and background information so you never feel disconnected from the material.

At the tail end is a brief index dominated by make and model listings. Every reference appears to be provided with the helpful addition that all page numbers with pictures are in bold type.

Overall I enjoyed the combination of explanation and reference presented. I also liked the thoroughness and equitable coverage of everything from the Plymouth Barracuda to the Chevrolet Chevette.… (mais)

The automotive industry underwent great change in the 1960s and the early 1970s. The continuing trend toward market consolidation, the proliferation of sizes and nameplates, and the "need for speed" characterized this period, loosely labeled as the muscle car era.

This is an exhaustive reference work to American made cars of model years 1960-1972. Organized by year (and summarizing the market annually), it provides a yearly update on each make’s status and production figures, then details all models offered for that year.

Model listings include available body styles, base prices, engine and transmission choices, power ratings, standard equipment, major options and their prices, curb weight and dimensions (interior and exterior), paint color choices, changes from the previous year’s model, and sales figures. Also given are assembly plant locations and historical overviews of each model nameplate.

The book is profusely illustrated with 1,018 photographs.

About the Author
J. "Kelly" Flory, Jr., is a claim analyst and longtime car enthusiast. He lives in Lenexa, Kansas.

Other Book(s) by J. “Kelly” Flory, Jr. Available from McFarland:

American Cars, 1946-1959

American Cars, 1973-1980… (mais)

From the resumption of automobile production at the close of World War II through the 1950s, the American auto industry would see the births and deaths of several manufacturers, great technological advances, and an era of dramatic styling as a prospering nation asserted its growing mobility. Cars of this period are among the most iconic vehicles ever built in the United States: the 1949 Ford, the remarkable Studebaker designs of 1950 and 1953, the 1955-1957 Chevrolets, the "Forward Look" Chrysler products, the ill-fated Edsel and many others.

This comprehensive reference book details every model from each of the major manufacturers (including independents such as Kaiser-Frazer and Crosley but excluding very low-volume marques such as Tucker) from model years 1946 through 1959. Year by year, it provides an overview of the industry and market, followed by an individual report on each company: its main news for the year (introductions or cancellations of models, new engines and transmissions, advertising themes, sales trends etc.); its production figures and market status; and its powertrain offerings, paint colors and major options. The company’s models are then detailed individually with such information as body styles, prices, dimensions and weights, standard equipment and production figures. Nearly 1,000 photographs are included.

About the Author
J. "Kelly" Flory, Jr., is a claim analyst and longtime car enthusiast. He lives in Lenexa, Kansas.

Other Book(s) by J. “Kelly” Flory, Jr. Available from McFarland:

American Cars, 1960-1972

American Cars, 1973-1980… (mais)

The 1973 oil crisis forced the American automotive industry into a period of dramatic change, marked by stiff foreign competition, tougher product regulations and suddenly altered consumer demand. With gas prices soaring and the economy in a veritable tailspin, muscle cars and the massive "need-for-speed" engines of the late ’60s were out, and fuel efficient compacts were in. By 1980, American manufacturers were churning out some of the most feature laden, yet smallest and most fuel efficient cars they had ever built.

This exhaustive reference work details every model from each of the major American manufacturers from model years 1973 through 1980, including various "captive imports" (e.g. Dodge’s Colt, built by Mitsubishi.) Within each model year, it reports on each manufacturer’s significant news and details every model offered: its specifications, powertrain offerings, prices, standard features, major options, and production figures, among other facts. The work is heavily illustrated with approximately 1,300 photographs.

About the Author
J. "Kelly" Flory, Jr., is a claim analyst and longtime car enthusiast. He lives in Lenexa, Kansas.

Other Book(s) by J. “Kelly” Flory, Jr. Available from McFarland:

American Cars, 1960-1972

American Cars, 1946-1959… (mais)