R. Todd Rothrauff

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  1. The Virtual Car Show . . .
  2. April 5 - 6, 2019: Charlotte Auto Fair, Charlotte, North Carolina . . .

April 6: Hornets Nest Region AACA show . . .

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  • More Class 27F cars.

    More Class 27F cars.

  • 1965 Dodge Dart 270.

    1965 Dodge Dart 270.

  • 1965 Dodge Dart 270.

    1965 Dodge Dart 270.

  • In this case, the name "Dart 270" refers to the mid-level Dart model, (in between the entry-level Dart 170 and upper-level Dart GT), and not the engine size or power level.  The Slant-Six engine would displace either 170 or 225 cubic inches.

    In this case, the name "Dart 270" refers to the mid-level Dart model, (in between the entry-level Dart 170 and upper-level Dart GT), and not the engine size or power level. The Slant-Six engine would displace either 170 or 225 cubic inches.

  • 1965 Chevrolet Nova.

    1965 Chevrolet Nova.

  • For 1965, the compact Chevy II was available in three trim levels.  the entry-level 100, the mid-level Nova 400, and the upper-level Nova SS.  This car is a mid-level Nova 400 coupe with a 327 CID V8.

    For 1965, the compact Chevy II was available in three trim levels. the entry-level 100, the mid-level Nova 400, and the upper-level Nova SS. This car is a mid-level Nova 400 coupe with a 327 CID V8.

  • Class 27G:  Production Vehicles, 1966 - 1967.

    Class 27G: Production Vehicles, 1966 - 1967.

  • 1966 Pontiac Bonneville convertible.

    1966 Pontiac Bonneville convertible.

  • 1966 Pontiac Bonneville convertible.

    1966 Pontiac Bonneville convertible.

  • I've always been a big fan of 1960s Pontiacs, especially in convertible form.  This car is one of 16,299 produced that year.

    I've always been a big fan of 1960s Pontiacs, especially in convertible form. This car is one of 16,299 produced that year.

  • 1966 Chevy II Nova SS.

    1966 Chevy II Nova SS.

  • 1966 Chevy II Nova SS.

    1966 Chevy II Nova SS.

  • For 1966, the Chevy II was still available in three trim levels.  The entry-level "100" and upper-level "Nova SS" remained the same as in previous years.  But the "400" designation in the mid-level Nova 400 model had been dropped.  This car is an upper-level Nova SS.

    For 1966, the Chevy II was still available in three trim levels. The entry-level "100" and upper-level "Nova SS" remained the same as in previous years. But the "400" designation in the mid-level Nova 400 model had been dropped. This car is an upper-level Nova SS.

  • The Nova SS was available with either an inline 6-cylinder or V8 engine.  This car has the top option 327 CID V8 that makes 350 hp.

    The Nova SS was available with either an inline 6-cylinder or V8 engine. This car has the top option 327 CID V8 that makes 350 hp.

  • 1966 Dodge Dart GT convertible.

    1966 Dodge Dart GT convertible.

  • 1966 Dodge Dart GT convertible.

    1966 Dodge Dart GT convertible.

  • Like its Chevy II competition from GM, the compact Dart was available in three trim levels.  The entry-level model was called the Dart 170.  The mid-level model was called the Dart 270.   And the upper-level model seen in the photos above and below was called the Dart GT.

    Like its Chevy II competition from GM, the compact Dart was available in three trim levels. The entry-level model was called the Dart 170. The mid-level model was called the Dart 270. And the upper-level model seen in the photos above and below was called the Dart GT.

  • Specific production figures don't seem to be available for the number of Dart GT convertibles made.  I'm seeing where total Dart GT production of all models, (both inline 6-cylinder and V8, and hardtop and convertible), totaled 30,041 cars for 1966.  The V8 would be Dodge's 273 CID V8 in either 180 hp or 235 hp form.

    Specific production figures don't seem to be available for the number of Dart GT convertibles made. I'm seeing where total Dart GT production of all models, (both inline 6-cylinder and V8, and hardtop and convertible), totaled 30,041 cars for 1966. The V8 would be Dodge's 273 CID V8 in either 180 hp or 235 hp form.

  • 1966 Pontiac Lemans Sprint.

    1966 Pontiac Lemans Sprint.

  • 1966 Pontiac Lemans Sprint.

    1966 Pontiac Lemans Sprint.

  • Like its big brother GTO, the Sprint was an option available on any Tempest or Lemans except a station wagon.

    Like its big brother GTO, the Sprint was an option available on any Tempest or Lemans except a station wagon.

  • But what made this car different was the 230 CID overhead cam I6 engine under the hood.

    But what made this car different was the 230 CID overhead cam I6 engine under the hood.

  • The belt-driven overhead cam arrangement was quite exotic for the time, and a first for the US market.  With a 4-bbl carburetor and 207 hp, it was also quite capable.

    The belt-driven overhead cam arrangement was quite exotic for the time, and a first for the US market. With a 4-bbl carburetor and 207 hp, it was also quite capable.

  • But in an industry dominated by the V8, the OHC 6 wasn't a big seller.  The engine was dropped after the 1969 model year.

    But in an industry dominated by the V8, the OHC 6 wasn't a big seller. The engine was dropped after the 1969 model year.

  • Class 27H:  Production Vehicles, 1968 - 1969.

    Class 27H: Production Vehicles, 1968 - 1969.

  • 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S convertible.

    1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S convertible.

  • 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S convertible.

    1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S convertible.

  • This car is a mid-level Cutlass S convertible, (marketed in between the entry-level F-85 and upper level Cutlass Supreme models).  A total of 13,498 Cutlass S V8 convertibles were produced in 1969.

    This car is a mid-level Cutlass S convertible, (marketed in between the entry-level F-85 and upper level Cutlass Supreme models). A total of 13,498 Cutlass S V8 convertibles were produced in 1969.

  • Power comes from Oldsmobile's 350 CID "Rocket" V8.  I'm not sure which version this car has.  But 250 hp, 310 hp, and 325 hp versions were available.

    Power comes from Oldsmobile's 350 CID "Rocket" V8. I'm not sure which version this car has. But 250 hp, 310 hp, and 325 hp versions were available.

  • Class 27J:  Production Vehicles, 1972 - 1973.

    Class 27J: Production Vehicles, 1972 - 1973.

  • 1972 Ford LTD.

    1972 Ford LTD.

  • The meaning of the name LTD has been the subject of speculation ever since its debut in 1965.  Some sources indicate that LTD was an acronym for "Luxury Trim Decor," which would make sense given the model's position as an upper-level trim option.  Another source claimed LTD was simply an abbreviation for "Limited," again representing upper-level trim.  I seem to remember at some point in my youth hearing a TV commercial for an LTD that mentioned the phrase, "Love the design."

    The meaning of the name LTD has been the subject of speculation ever since its debut in 1965. Some sources indicate that LTD was an acronym for "Luxury Trim Decor," which would make sense given the model's position as an upper-level trim option. Another source claimed LTD was simply an abbreviation for "Limited," again representing upper-level trim. I seem to remember at some point in my youth hearing a TV commercial for an LTD that mentioned the phrase, "Love the design."

  • But as far as actual evidence is concerned, there appears to be some support for it standing for "Lincoln Type Design."  Ford sales literature from Australia mentions the term, but US sales literature does not.

    But as far as actual evidence is concerned, there appears to be some support for it standing for "Lincoln Type Design." Ford sales literature from Australia mentions the term, but US sales literature does not.

  • Power comes from Ford's 400 CID V8 that makes 172 hp.

    Power comes from Ford's 400 CID V8 that makes 172 hp.

  • Class 27K:  Production Vehicles, 1974 - 1975.

    Class 27K: Production Vehicles, 1974 - 1975.

  • 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

    1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

  • 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

    1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

  • I'm not sure about the label on the air cleaner lid.  The label says that this car has a 350 CID V8 with 270 hp.  But no such thing was available in 1974, (1971 yes, but not in 1974).  A 350 CID V8 powered Monte Carlo would have either 145 hp or 160 hp.

    I'm not sure about the label on the air cleaner lid. The label says that this car has a 350 CID V8 with 270 hp. But no such thing was available in 1974, (1971 yes, but not in 1974). A 350 CID V8 powered Monte Carlo would have either 145 hp or 160 hp.

  • Class 27L:  Production Vehicles, 1976 - 1977.

    Class 27L: Production Vehicles, 1976 - 1977.

  • 1977 Pontiac Trans Am.

    1977 Pontiac Trans Am.

  • Sales of the Pontiac Trans Am had been steadily increasing throughout the 1970s.  But thanks to a home run by the styling department and the classic Burt Reynolds film "Smokey and the Bandit," more than 68,000 Trans Ams were sold in 1977.  And that number would increase further for 1978 and 1979.

    Sales of the Pontiac Trans Am had been steadily increasing throughout the 1970s. But thanks to a home run by the styling department and the classic Burt Reynolds film "Smokey and the Bandit," more than 68,000 Trans Ams were sold in 1977. And that number would increase further for 1978 and 1979.

  • "6.6 Litre" or "T/A 6.6"<br />
<br />
The question of which one is correct for Trans Ams made from 1977 - 1979 has been a subject of debate for years.  The short answer is that if the car has the RPO W72 Pontiac 400 CID V8, it should have a "T/A 6.6" decal on the scoop.  Cars equipped with the RPO L78 Pontiac 400 CID V8 or the RPO L80 Oldsmobile 403 CID V8 would either have the "6.6 Litre" decal in 1977 and 1979, or no decal for 1978.  <br />
<br />
This car is a 1977 model that sports a "6.6 Litre" decal, so it's not a W72 car.  Identifying which V8 is present, (Pontiac or Oldsmobile) requires nothing more than a quick glance at the front of the engine.  The oil fill tube for an Oldsmobile V8 is located in front next to the alternator.  Since the engine seen in the photo above doesn't have the fill tube next to the alternator, (it's actually on the left valve cover out of view), this car has the RPO L78 Pontiac V8 that makes 180 hp.

    "6.6 Litre" or "T/A 6.6"

    The question of which one is correct for Trans Ams made from 1977 - 1979 has been a subject of debate for years. The short answer is that if the car has the RPO W72 Pontiac 400 CID V8, it should have a "T/A 6.6" decal on the scoop. Cars equipped with the RPO L78 Pontiac 400 CID V8 or the RPO L80 Oldsmobile 403 CID V8 would either have the "6.6 Litre" decal in 1977 and 1979, or no decal for 1978.

    This car is a 1977 model that sports a "6.6 Litre" decal, so it's not a W72 car. Identifying which V8 is present, (Pontiac or Oldsmobile) requires nothing more than a quick glance at the front of the engine. The oil fill tube for an Oldsmobile V8 is located in front next to the alternator. Since the engine seen in the photo above doesn't have the fill tube next to the alternator, (it's actually on the left valve cover out of view), this car has the RPO L78 Pontiac V8 that makes 180 hp.

  • 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.

    1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.

  • 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.

    1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.

  • One of my all-time favorites !  I would own this car in a heartbeat !

    One of my all-time favorites ! I would own this car in a heartbeat !

  • I can't explain why.  But these giant Eldorados "speak to me" loud and clear, and have done so since I was in high school.

    I can't explain why. But these giant Eldorados "speak to me" loud and clear, and have done so since I was in high school.

  • This was supposed to be "the last convertible" thanks to anticipated government legislation that was being considered at the time.  Cadillac took advantage of this and marketed the car as such.  Convertible sales for 1976 reached 14,000 cars, more than any previous year of the 7th generation Eldorado.

    This was supposed to be "the last convertible" thanks to anticipated government legislation that was being considered at the time. Cadillac took advantage of this and marketed the car as such. Convertible sales for 1976 reached 14,000 cars, more than any previous year of the 7th generation Eldorado.

  • Power comes from Cadillac's famous 500 CID V8.  The gold air cleaner lid identifies this car as having fuel injection which was optional, (a 4-bbl carburetor was standard).

    Power comes from Cadillac's famous 500 CID V8. The gold air cleaner lid identifies this car as having fuel injection which was optional, (a 4-bbl carburetor was standard).

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