Cars Through The Ages: 1961-1990

During these years we seem to realize that safety, fuel economy and emissions are important!

Cars Through The Ages: 1961-1990

1961 – 1970
1961 – Jaquar E-type is shown at the Geneva Motor Show.
1962 – The Chevy Nova is introduced.
1963 – Porshe’s W-RS Spyder wins again at Le Mans.
1964 – The Ford Mustang is released and sells over 500,000 in just 18 months.
1965 – The rear-engined Chevy Corvair is criticized by Ralph Nader as unsafe.
1966 – U.S. Congress passes an Auto Safety Act.
1967 – Energy-absorbing steering column introduced by General Motors.
1968 – Federal law requires front seat belts for all passenger cars.
1969 – Head restraints are required in U.S. vehicles.
1970 – Airbags become standard.

1971 – 1980
1971 – Chrysler introduces a brake-slip control system.
1972 – Federal law requires front bumpers meet 5 mph crash standard.
1973 – Arab-Israeli War causes fuel supply problems and pain at the pump as prices rise around the world.
1974 – Manufacturers try to look at ways to improve fuel economy in vehicles.
1975 – All American cars have catalytic converters to cut air pollution emissions.
1976 – The Ford Fiesta is launched with a front drive.
1977 – Volkswagen stops production of the “Beetle” in Germany after 40 years.
1978 – Tennessee is the first jurisdiction in the world to pass a child passenger safety law.
1979 – AMC produced the Eagle 4 x 4 car.

1980 – 1990
1981 – General Motors launches Saturn in the USA.
1982 – Honda starts production at its first US factory.
1983 – Toyota introduces Lexus as its luxury brand in USA.
1984 – First U.S. seat belt law is enacted in New York.
1985 – Every U.S. state passes the use of child safety seats.
1986 – General Motors announces the rear seat lap/shoulder safety belt will replace the lap safety belt.
1987 – The Ford Motor Company acquires 75% of shares in Aston Martin Lagonda.
1988 – Ford’s first 6-cylinder car with front-wheel drive is the Lincoln Continental.
1989 – Honda starts Civic production in East Liberty, Ohio plant.
1990 – First accident with both cars equipped with airbags occurs and both drivers walk away.

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