Lost Cars of the 1970s

Overlooked & Underrated? Not Any Longer! Sixty diverse cars, sixty fascinating stories, sixty contrasting specifications, just one uniting factor: they're all forgotten, neglected or misunderstood classics. The casualties and sideshows of motoring history from around the world finally get the recognition they deserve. Revisit a motoring decade when fuel economy was top priority, the rotary engine rose and fell, and car-buyers wanted a hatchback and the latest styling and safety features. Those that made the grade found global popularity now meet the cars left behind. Italy's clever plan to update the Mini; the French GT coupe with an extra seat; America's electric runabout that paved the way for Tesla; Britain's stylish, homespun sports cars; the Japanese limo meant to do 25mph; the 'safety car' turned into a Polish workhorse... each one enjoys a detailed review giving the context and thinking around them. The terrific archive images also highlight thirty 1970s design specials and one-offs even more amazing cars pointing to a future that never quite came true. . Features the Leyland P76 and the Mazda Rpadpacer which was based on an Australian-built Holden, plus many Japanese cars such as the Mazda Capella and Datsun Silvia which were very popular in Australia AUTHOR: Giles Chapman is an award-winning motoring writer. He has edited and written for numerous car magazines, and contributed to national newspapers. His books include My Dad Had One Of Those, Chapman's Car Compendium, Cars We Loved in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and 100 Cars Britain Can Be Proud Of. He lives in Kent. 150 colour illustrations