1972sday

"bwp240" (bwp240) 03/31/2015 at 13:41 • Filed to: 2sday

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Welcome back to the weekly (Tuesday-ly) series where we examine the cars of years past (ending in 2, of course).

This week we come to the 1970s, a time when everyone is still hungover from the drugs of the 60s, but nonetheless an important time in the automobile era. Muscle cars began becoming popular. The shark fins and big bodies of the 50s and 60s began to fade toward elegant boxes (then the 80s happened, but that is another story). Horsepower and quarter mile time were the name of the game.

However, in Germany, one of the most iconic luxury sedans was born. The BMW 5 series. More specifically, 1972 saw the introduction of the E12. Stylized after the popular 2002 coupe, the E12 was designed to be a 4 door touring sedan.

Oddly, the E12 was market differently in the European and American markets. Europe saw a four cylinder version of the car stripped down to bare essentials whereas most of the American E12's were luxury models equipped with all of the high-end features such as air conditioning and power windows. The American market never saw the 4 cylinder E12, but during the 70s, I don't think any American would buy one.

The 5 series was not know for its performance or handling. The early models were known for snap oversteer due to their floaty suspension. It wasn't until 1985 when the first M5 was released did the 5 series enter the realm of performance sedan.

So Opponauts, what other interesting vehicles from 1972 can you find?

RallyWrench > bwp240 03/31/2015 at 13:51

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"The American market never saw the 4 cylinder E12, but during the 70s, I don't think any American would buy one."

We didn't get any 5 series in the US until they finally replaced the 3.0S/Bavaria here in 1977.