The Plymouth Volare

[cawimmer430]

The '74 Dodge Monaco is my favorite, but this one is hot to! I hope the guy sitting down next to it drinking beer isn't a representative of the current typical owner of these cars. 

[cawimmer430]

Love these things! 

Was this the Plymouth version of the Dodge St. Regis?

[Rupert]

No, these are the typical owners of that car:

[cawimmer430]

No, these are the typical owners of that car:

The Blues Brothers!

[Rupert]

Yes.

[cawimmer430]

Why did people hate the 70s Oldsmobile Toronado's? They're hot. 

[ChrisV]

However, while they aren't universally hated (after all, nothing is), there isn't exactly a huge following.

They are large enough followings, however. And since most cars fo that era REGARDLESS of manufacturer have vanished due to neglect/accidents, and in many places, rusting away, there's necessarily a small following anyhow.

I can appreciate the examples you've posted, as I imagine most car people would, but that doesn't do much to show that they were good cars. After all, the one's you posted are all modified. How many restored-to-period-correct examples of the above cars have you seen?

The POINT in owning a car of that era is to modify it. Seriouslly. Even looking on the BMW forums now, BMWs exist to be modified until they are very old, then hlaf get restored, but even modified ones retain value and a following. The idea is to show that just becasue not many stock examples are left doesn't mean they aren't worth owning and having fun with.  But even then, the Aspen R/Ts I posted were stock. And cars like these have a healthy following (and the resale prices reflect it):



This one recently sold for $20k. A tad bit more than it cost new...

Basically the same as my car, with a few cosmetic enhancements and the T/A 6.6 liter:



The fact is, however, none of the car of that era are NEW now, so worrying about what they were like on the showroom is silly and pointless, especially when so much is available for them.

[MX793]

Why did people hate the 70s Oldsmobile Toronado's? They're hot. 

Not nearly as good looking as the 66-69 models.

[Rupert]

They are large enough followings, however. And since most cars fo that era REGARDLESS of manufacturer have vanished due to neglect/accidents, and in many places, rusting away, there's necessarily a small following anyhow.

The POINT in owning a car of that era is to modify it. Seriouslly. Even looking on the BMW forums now, BMWs exist to be modified until they are very old, then hlaf get restored, but even modified ones retain value and a following. The idea is to show that just becasue not many stock examples are left doesn't mean they aren't worth owning and having fun with.  But even then, the Aspen R/Ts I posted were stock. And cars like these have a healthy following (and the resale prices reflect it):


This one recently sold for $20k. A tad bit more than it cost new...

Basically the same as my car, with a few cosmetic enhancements and the T/A 6.6 liter:


The fact is, however, none of the car of that era are NEW now, so worrying about what they were like on the showroom is silly and pointless, especially when so much is available for them.

Oh, come on Chris. Duh, modified cars are cool. Duh, factory specials can be cool. Duh, there are many people who like to modify those cars. I'm not saying that that's not cool, or that those people are somehow less car-ish, or less creative, or whatever.

The point that everyone has pretty clearly gotten to is that these cars sucked, when they were new and not modified, and notice that factory specials like the (obscure as shit) one that you posted (Grand LeMans Can Am or whatever it is) really aren't part of the conversation.

"I think 1995 Macs suck."
"No way! They rule, just so long as you upgrade the processor, add more RAM, replace the video card, add a USB driver, and replace OS 7 with OS 9! Here are 15 examples, and there is a huge following!"

[GoCougs]

Each successive decade since the war saw fairly large technical advancements - flathead vs. pushrod engines, manual vs. automatic trannies, BoF vs. unit-body chassis, drum vs. disc brakes, manual vs. power accessories, etc. That all stopped after ~1970 - there was very little technological advancement in the '70s for a multitude of reasons.

Some cars such as the '77 Can Am posted by ChrisV can be okay, and there were a few okay cars that could trace their origins to 1970 or before (Camaro/Firebird, Barracuda/Challenger, Duster/Demon/Dart Sport, etc.) but we do have to be realistic: the vast majority of cars of the '70s had no redeeming qualities.

[sportyaccordy]

If you have to rebuild a car for it to be enjoyable.... 

Fans or no fans, the 70s were a low point in the automotive industry, most notably for American car companies. Toyota + Honda + Nissan would still be fringe brands if not for GM + Dodge in the late 70s

[cawimmer430]

Not nearly as good looking as the 66-69 models.

The 60s version was hot. But I am a sucker for 70s American landyachts. I've seen too many  Charlie's Angels episodes when I was growing up! Loved looking at the cars in the background! 

[Byteme]

Anyone here have experiences with these Plymouth Volare's?

They look really good IMO. They can't be that bad either, can they?

My brother in law had one.  They rusted before your very eyes.  In fact there was a factory recall because the front fenders rusted so quickly.

The Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare are two of the reasons Chrysler Corp nearly went under in the late 70's.

[Madman]

Anyone here have experiences with these Plymouth Volare's?

They look really good IMO. They can't be that bad either, can they?

Back when I was in high school in the 1980s, my friend's mother had a blue 1976 Plymouth Volare wagon.  My friend and his parents called it "The Whale".  I remember riding in it many times but, to be honest, it wasn't the sort of car you pay much attention to.  Near the end of its life, somebody ran into the back of the thing and despite it's age (and the obvious rust holes) the insurance company decided to repair it.  When it came back from the body shop, you could really tell how much the original paint had faded.  The repaired panel was bright blue while the rest of the car was a faded, washed-out shade of blue.  Not long afterwards (I can't remember why) my friend's mother decided to get a new car.  Unfortunately, her taste in cars hadn't improved in the decade since buying the Volare.  She bought a brand-new Chevrolet Chevette.  Yes, it's hard to believe you could still buy a new Chevette in 1986!

[cawimmer430]

My brother in law had one.  They rusted before your very eyes.  In fact there was a factory recall because the front fenders rusted so quickly.

The Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare are two of the reasons Chrysler Corp nearly went under in the late 70's.

The general consensus is that by 1979 the Plymouth Volare problems and defects were sorted out. Supposedly, engine and transmission were very reliable. Many Volare's apparently broke down because of the smog control modifications on the engines. If some modifications were applied to the carburetor the car would work fine...

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/curbside-classics-chryslers-deadly-sin-1-1976-plymouth-volare-and-dodge-aspen/

[cawimmer430]

Back when I was in high school in the 1980s, my friend's mother had a blue 1976 Plymouth Volare wagon.  My friend and his parents called it "The Whale".  I remember riding in it many times but, to be honest, it wasn't the sort of car you pay much attention to.  Near the end of its life, somebody ran into the back of the thing and despite it's age (and the obvious rust holes) the insurance company decided to repair it.  When it came back from the body shop, you could really tell how much the original paint had faded.  The repaired panel was bright blue while the rest of the car was a faded, washed-out shade of blue.  Not long afterwards (I can't remember why) my friend's mother decided to get a new car.  Unfortunately, her taste in cars hadn't improved in the decade since buying the Volare.  She bought a brand-new Chevrolet Chevette.  Yes, it's hard to believe you could still buy a new Chevette in 1986!

Wimmer has no idea what a 1986 Chevette looks like. So he uses Google and...




She traded in her gorgeous Volare wagon for this? 

[3.0L V6]

The general consensus is that by 1979 the Plymouth Volare problems and defects were sorted out. Supposedly, engine and transmission were very reliable. Many Volare's apparently broke down because of the smog control modifications on the engines. If some modifications were applied to the carburetor the car would work fine...

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/curbside-classics-chryslers-deadly-sin-1-1976-plymouth-volare-and-dodge-aspen/

Yeah, Chrysler's six and eight cylinder (slant-6 and LA V8) engines were noted for their durability, as were Chrysler's Torqueflite transmissions, but the electronic Lean-burn system was a damn nightmare. All the worst characteristics of  early fuel injection (complexity, reliance on primitive electronics) with all the misery of carburetors mixed in one happy package.  Most people just replaced the whole damn thing with a regular carburetor and went on with life.

By 1979 it was too late - the Volare's reputation was trashed and GM was introducing front-drive compacts that made it look old-fashioned. Since Chrysler was on the ropes by then, most people were hesitant to buy a car with a bad rap from an automaker that was about to go out of business.

[cawimmer430]

Yeah, Chrysler's six and eight cylinder (slant-6 and LA V8) engines were noted for their durability, as were Chrysler's Torqueflite transmissions, but the electronic Lean-burn system was a damn nightmare. All the worst characteristics of  early fuel injection (complexity, reliance on primitive electronics) with all the misery of carburetors mixed in one happy package.  Most people just replaced the whole damn thing with a regular carburetor and went on with life.

By 1979 it was too late - the Volare's reputation was trashed and GM was introducing front-drive compacts that made it look old-fashioned. Since Chrysler was on the ropes by then, most people were hesitant to buy a car with a bad rap from an automaker that was about to go out of business.

Makes you wonder how Chrysler survived through the 1980s if the late 1970s were so terrible for them.

I think I really should buy Lee Iacocca's book about his days at Chrysler. Would make for an interesting read. 

[Madman]

Wimmer has no idea what a 1986 Chevette looks like. So he uses Google and...




She traded in her gorgeous Volare wagon for this? 

Yep, it was dark blue and looked just like this.  But hey, it was REAR WHEEL DRIVE!!! 

[3.0L V6]

Makes you wonder how Chrysler survived through the 1980s if the late 1970s were so terrible for them.

I think I really should buy Lee Iacocca's book about his days at Chrysler. Would make for an interesting read. 

The US government acted as a guarantor for loans that Chrysler took to stave off bankruptcy. They had a front-drive platform in the works that saved the company in the 1980s.

Here's some reading you might like:

http://ateupwithmotor.com/editorials/132-another-empire-down-part-1-chrysler-bailout.html

http://ateupwithmotor.com/editorials/134-another-empire-down-part-2.html

IMO, Lee Iacocca's book is an exercise in narcissism.

[cawimmer430]

Yep, it was dark blue and looked just like this.  But hey, it was REAR WHEEL DRIVE!!!  

SUPERIOR HANDLING, BABY!  

[Byteme]

Makes you wonder how Chrysler survived through the 1980s if the late 1970s were so terrible for them.

I think I really should buy Lee Iacocca's book about his days at Chrysler. Would make for an interesting read.  

Chrysler only survived because the U. S. Government guaranteed private loans to the company.  At that time they didn't have product on the showroom floors that anyone wanted to buy.  The K-car was in the wings but Chrysler needed an infusion of cash. The company was bleeding red ink.   The financial community wouldn't have put up a dime without the government loan guarantees.  Stock was down around a buck a share or less, IIRC.


Edit:  I see 3.0L V6 beat me with essentially the same information. 

I've read Iacocca and it is indeed quite self serving, but at the same time it does offer some interesting insights into the U. S. automobile industry from the late 50's to the mid 80's.  It's worth picking up a used copy.

[cawimmer430]

The US government acted as a guarantor for loans that Chrysler took to stave off bankruptcy. They had a front-drive platform in the works that saved the company in the 1980s.

Here's some reading you might like:

http://ateupwithmotor.com/editorials/132-another-empire-down-part-1-chrysler-bailout.html

http://ateupwithmotor.com/editorials/134-another-empire-down-part-2.html

Sweet! Thanks. Just bookmarked them. 

IMO, Lee Iacocca's book is an exercise in narcissism.

[cawimmer430]

Chrysler only survived because the U. S. Government guaranteed private loans to the company.  At that time they didn't have product on the showroom floors that anyone wanted to buy.  The K-car was in the wings but Chrysler needed an infusion of cash. The company was bleeding red ink.   The financial community wouldn't have put up a dime without the government loan guarantees.  Stock was down around a buck a share or less, IIRC.


Edit:  I see 3.0L V6 beat me with essentially the same information. 

I've read Iacocca and it is indeed quite self serving, but at the same time it does offer some interesting insights into the U. S. automobile industry from the late 50's to the mid 80's.  It's worth picking up a used copy.

Thanks for the info though. 

It's interesting that you guys think Iacocca uses his book to make himself look good. I think this might only be natural of anyone. 

[Byteme]

Thanks for the info though. 

It's interesting that you guys think Iacocca uses his book to make himself look good. I think this might only be natural of anyone. 

Not to the extent Iacocca did it. You read the book and you'd think he was the only guy at Ford who had an idea.   

[cawimmer430]

Not to the extent Iacocca did it. You read the book and you'd think he was the only guy at Ford who had an idea.   

Well he did coin up the idea of the Mustang! 

[cawimmer430]

So...I just googled "Plymouth Volare Fan Clubs" and there are 0 results! 

Kind of sad. The AMC Pacer has fan clubs as does the Ford Pinto or Mustang II. But the Plymouth Volare and Dodge Aspen have NONE! 


Sorry for bumping up this topic, but this complaint has to be mentioned! I guess I have to start a Volare fan club all the way in Europe! 

[CJ]

Please don't.  There is a real reason nobody likes these cars.  They were garbage when they were new and they're even worse today. 

[pendyman]

Living in New York I had much experience in the early 80s with Volare and Chevy Caprice taxicabs. The city determines which cars can be bought and used as taxis, and in those days those two were the primary choices, as well as the perennial Fords, of course. The Volares had small back seats and weren?t very comfortable, but they ran and ran. As for the Caprices, they were the worst taxis ever in my opinion primarily because the rear window only went down about four inches. That wasn?t enough to provide any air for the back seat rider. Because of the metal and plastic ?cage? protecting the driver, no cool air from the a/c reached the passenger in the back. Riding in the back of one of those Caprice cabs in a sweltering summer day was absolute torture. You arrived at your destination gasping for air and dripping with sweat, and then had to pay for the privilege. I hated those cars with a passion and was very happy when GM discontinued them. And they were ugly.

American car design of that period was ruined when the government imposed crash protection standards that Detroit was completely unprepared for. Without time to design proper bumpers that could absorb impact, they just took their existing product and slapped gigantic front and rear bumpers on them. They looked grotesque and ungainly.

Even importers like Mercedes did the same thing, turning this:



into this:




Not only did the bumpers contribute greatly to the ruination of the looks of the exteriors of the cars of that era, Americans became obsessed with the idea of the ?appearance? of luxury. Padded vinyl roofs were supposed to make a hardtop look like a convertible; cheesy plastic wood slathered all over the interior was supposed to give the impression of glamour and sumptuousness. Add to that shoddy build quality, and it?s no wonder that few Americans look back at the cars of those days with fondness.

[Onslaught]

Second, I love the design on 1970s and 1980s American cars. This baby is beautiful!!! 

Just get one of these then. Looks the same as a 70's or 80's car and it's built better too.