American Cars, 1960-1972: Every Model, Year by Year [Hardcover]

J. Kelly Flory (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0786412739 | ISBN-13: 978-0786412730 | Edition: illustrated edition

The automotive industry underwent great change in the 1960s and the early 1970s. The continuing trend toward market consolidation, the proliferation of sizes and nameplates, and the "need for speed" characterized this period, loosely labeled as the muscle car era.

This is an exhaustive reference work to American made cars of model years 1960-1972. Organized by year (and summarizing the market annually), it provides a yearly update on each make's status and production figures, then details all models offered for that year.

Model listings include available body styles, base prices, engine and transmission choices, power ratings, standard equipment, major options and their prices, curb weight and dimensions (interior and exterior), paint color choices, changes from the previous year's model, and sales figures. Also given are assembly plant locations and historical overviews of each model nameplate.

The book is profusely illustrated with 1,018 photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

When one thinks of cars from the 1960s, the first thing that comes to mind is muscle cars. This unique book covers the muscle cars of that period. It is arranged by year and includes all of the cars that were offered for sale by U.S. automobile manufacturers. For each model year there is an overview of the cars followed by extensive data about each, including production numbers, pricing, specifications and dimensions, standard equipment and major options, paint color choices, running changes from the previous model year, and other information. The information is presented in standardized form so that comparisons can easily be made from one model to another. The small black-and-white pictures of each model are not of much use since they are so small that the detail cannot be seen. Trucks are not included, and neither are those imports such as the Dodge Colt, Plymouth Cricket, Ford Cortina, and the Opels sold by Buick. A two-page index of car models concludes the book. There is no bibliography, but it appears from the author's acknowledgments that much of the information was gleaned from NADA's Used Car Guide, motor magazine, and the NATB Motor Vehicle Identification Manual.

Flory covers an enormous amount of information, and his friendly writing style makes interesting reading. A nice feature is the use of advertising quotes used by the automobile industry, such as "It's the car to arrive in when you've arrived" for the Buick Electra 225 or "Go pert, peppy and proud . . . in a Falcon" for the Ford Falcon or "Sports car action with a luxury look" for the Mercury Marauder. With the interest in trivia, an index of these quotes and the automobiles to which they refer would be extremely valuable. Public libraries will find this a useful reference source. H. Robert Malinowski
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"A good statistical source...recommended." --Choice

"Comprehensive...detailed." --Antique Automobile Club of America

"Unique...extensive data...enormous amount of information...friendly writing style makes interesting reading...useful." --Booklist RBB

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 944 pages
• Publisher: McFarland; illustrated edition edition (May 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786412739
• ISBN-13: 978-0786412730
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #89 in Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Transportation

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive Encyclopedia of American Cars produced from 1960-1972, May 5, 2009

By 

G. Swanson (Capitola,Ca. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Cars, 1960-1972: Every Model, Year by Year (Hardcover)

THis book is a grea reference book of American Cars produced from 1960 -1972. For those of you who have the decade picture books in your library this is the book you need to make that lbrary complete. Every car is covered with all the pertinant information you need. Model produced, colors, prices, options, engines, specifications etc. This book falls into the category of must have for any serious car lover of the period.