The original never-broadcast pilot episode of MotorWeek. September 1980.

[Madman]

Well, here's something I never knew existed.

In September 1980, The original pilot for MotorWeek was recorded.  This pilot episode was used to sell the programme to other PBS television stations across America but was never broadcast.  After sitting on a shelf for 35 years, the producers of MotorWeek have decided to post it on their YouTube channel.  This is the very first time the public has seen this un-transmitted pilot episode.

First, we see an introduction by an uncharacteristically subdued John Davis.  For Christ sake, he looks to be barely awake!  Seriously, the guy looks like he's been taking massive quantities of Quaaludes!  This is a million miles away from the annoyingly overenthusiastic vocal delivery which would later become a John Davis hallmark.  As for shite, check out that two-tone Plymouth Horizon in the studio.  It's so awful, Davis makes no mention of the car at all!  Also note that instead of Pat Goss, the on-air mechanic is Craig Singhaus.  Singhaus would later become a long-time contributor to MotorWeek.

Next, there's an in-depth comparison between the old-tech Ford Fairmont and the brand-spankin'-new Chevrolet Citation.  The Citation was one of GM's X-cars, along with the Pontiac Phoenix, Oldsmobile Omega and the Buick Skylark.  Although it had yet to become evident at the time of this recording, the X-car was a reliability nightmare for General Motors.  Plagued with numerous recalls and design defects that were never fully corrected, the Citation and it's siblings soon became recognised as one of the worst cars ever made by Detroit.  By way of contrast, the rear-drive Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr were fairly robust.  This was the earliest iteration of Ford's "Fox" platform, which survived all the way up to the 2004 Mustang.

This episode is also a painful reminder that 1980 was an annus horribilis for the motor industry.  Mired in the depth of a recession and with car sales in free-fall, Detroit was running scared.  And they had good reason to be afraid.  Remember, this was the era when Chrysler nearly went under (for the first time) and Ford and GM weren't doing much better.

Anyway, enjoy this rare glimpse into a period of seismic upheaval for the American motor industry.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x7EmXT-Sf4

[Eye of the Tiger]

What a dull boy. Definitely drugged up for that pilot episode.
Unfortunately, it looks like the Citation wins that comparison in every category. I choose Fairmont, though, since I can swap Mustang parts into it.

[cawimmer430]

I know that I'll be crucified, have my balls ripped out and my face smacked for this, but the early Citation is actually a nice-looking car from a design point of view IMO. 

[Eye of the Tiger]

I know that I'll be crucified, have my balls ripped out and my face smacked for this, but the early Citation is actually a nice-looking car from a design point of view IMO. 

With squinty eyes, I suppose the overall shape is like a Saab 9000.

[Madman]

I know that I'll be crucified, have my balls ripped out and my face smacked for this, but the early Citation is actually a nice-looking car from a design point of view IMO. 

Not to worry, you balls and face are safe!  I agree the Citation was a forward-looking design and a huge leap ahead for GM, especially when compared to the Nova it replaced.  The problem was the execution.  In typical GM fashion, it was under-engineered and cost-cut to death by the accountants.

[Laconian]

The only thing I think is interesting about the Citation is the amount of glass in the cabin. The roof pillars are extremely thin so the outward visibility must be fantastic.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I think the only thing interesting about the Citation is the X-11 exotic muscle sports version.

[Secret Chimp]

This is the only way to make a Citation OK:
1981 Chevrolet Citation X-11 with Cadillac 4.9L V8 Engine

[cawimmer430]

With squinty eyes, I suppose the overall shape is like a Saab 9000.

I see more Rover SD1 in the Citation than Saab 9000, but that's just me.

[cawimmer430]

Not to worry, you balls and face are safe!  I agree the Citation was a forward-looking design and a huge leap ahead for GM, especially when compared to the Nova it replaced.  The problem was the execution.  In typical GM fashion, it was under-engineered and cost-cut to death by the accountants.

There was a great if not hilarious article written about the Citation on The Truth About Cars where it got slammed. There are over 200 comments under this article and most are from former Citation owners or people who knew someone who had one. I'm amazed at the extreme negativity towards the car. It's like literally every single Citation was a piece of shit...

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/tag/gms-deadly-sins/

[Morris Minor]

My father-in-law had a Citation. He loved it.

As to MotorWeek, it has declined from narcolepsy-inducing to as good as John Davis' current on-camera delivery style: i.e. appalling.

[Colin]

I think the 5 door Citation was more like a Chrysler Alpine (Simca 1307/1308) than anything else............