For many automotive enthusiasts, the allure of a sports car is undeniable. The sleek design, the promise of exhilarating performance, and the sheer joy of driving – these are elements that captivate car lovers of all ages. However, the dream of owning a sports car can often be overshadowed by concerns about price. But what if we could turn back the clock to a time when sports car thrills were more accessible? Let’s take a nostalgic journey to 1973, a year when “Low Price Sports Car” was not an oxymoron, and explore the affordable gems that graced the roads.
In 1973, Consumer Guide embarked on a quest to identify the best “Low-Price Sports Cars” of the year, putting five intriguing models through their paces. Interestingly, all five brands featured in this test would eventually withdraw from the U.S. market at some point, though some have since made comebacks or continued to thrive globally under different banners. These brands, each with its unique story in the American automotive landscape, included Opel, MG, Fiat, Renault, and Mercury.
Let’s delve a little deeper into the history of these brands and their presence in the U.S. market:
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Opel: A German brand under General Motors, Opel vehicles were initially sold through Buick dealerships in the U.S. until 1975. Buick continued to offer Opel-badged cars, albeit sourced from Isuzu, until 1980. Despite its European roots and association with GM, Opel eventually disappeared from the American market.
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MG: This iconic British marque, synonymous with classic roadsters, retreated from the U.S. market in 1980. MG’s departure marked the end of an era for many American fans of British sports cars, though the brand has seen revivals in other markets more recently.
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Fiat: Italy’s most prominent automotive brand, Fiat, initially exited the U.S. market in 1983. However, Fiat made a significant return to America in 2011, spurred by a strategic partnership with Chrysler, which ultimately led to the formation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), now Stellantis. This comeback demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Fiat name and its vehicles.
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Renault: Another major French automaker, Renault, concluded its U.S. operations in 1989. Renault’s exit concluded a chapter in Franco-American automotive history, although the brand remains a global force in the car industry.
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Mercury: In a slightly different category from the European brands, Mercury, Ford’s mid-level marque, was discontinued in 2012. While not solely focused on sports cars, Mercury offered models that appealed to the sporty-minded buyer and represented a domestic option in the “low price” segment.
It’s noteworthy that the majority of these “low price sports car” contenders were imports. Historically, American automakers have not extensively focused on producing smaller, budget-friendly sports cars. While there have been exceptions like the Pontiac Fiero, Pontiac Solstice, and Saturn Sky, the landscape has largely been dominated by international brands when it comes to affordable sporty vehicles. Some might consider models like the Ford EXP and Mercury LN7, but these are often debated as true sports cars.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the specific models that were part of Consumer Guide’s 1973 “Low-Price Sports Cars” evaluation. These cars represented a diverse range of styles and driving experiences, all while aiming to deliver sports car thrills at an accessible price point.
The Lineup of 1973 Budget Sports Cars
The 1973 Consumer Guide road test featured a compelling mix of vehicles, each vying for the title of the best “low price sports car”. While the original article didn’t include pricing details, focusing instead on performance and driving impressions, it provided valuable insights into the characteristics of each model.
Mercury Capri: The European Flair
The Mercury Capri, though sold under the Mercury badge in the US, was actually a European Ford product. This sporty coupe was known for its stylish design, often described as having a European flair. It offered an appealing combination of looks and affordability, making it a popular choice for those seeking a “low price sports car” with a touch of continental sophistication.
Fiat 124 Sport Coupe: Italian Style and Agility
The Fiat 124 Sport Coupe was a prime example of Italian automotive design. It was praised for its attractive styling and nimble handling, typical of Fiat’s reputation for producing fun-to-drive cars. The 124 Sport Coupe aimed to deliver the essence of Italian sports car spirit in a “low price sports car” package.
MGB GT: British Roadster Heritage
The MGB GT represented the classic British roadster tradition. With its open-top configuration and quintessential British sports car aesthetics, the MGB GT had a strong appeal for enthusiasts. It provided a more traditional sports car experience within the “low price sports car” category, emphasizing driving pleasure and open-air freedom.
Opel Manta: German Engineering and Rally Spirit
The Opel Manta was a German-engineered sports coupe that brought a touch of rally-inspired styling to the “low price sports car” segment. Known for its robust build quality and respectable performance, the Manta offered a slightly different flavor compared to its British and Italian counterparts, appealing to buyers seeking German engineering in an affordable sports car.
Renault 15: French Innovation and Uniqueness
The Renault 15, a model perhaps less familiar to American audiences, represented French automotive innovation. With its distinctive styling and front-wheel-drive configuration (uncommon for sports cars of that era), the Renault 15 was a unique offering in the “low price sports car” market. It showcased Renault’s approach to combining sporty appeal with practicality and a touch of French flair.
A Nostalgic Look Back at Affordable Sports Car Fun
The “low price sports cars” of 1973 offer a fascinating glimpse into a time when the dream of sports car ownership was within closer reach for many. These vehicles, hailing from Europe and representing diverse brands, each brought their own unique character and appeal to the American market. While many of these brands eventually disappeared from the US, their legacy lives on, reminding us of an era when affordable thrills were readily available in the world of sports cars.
If you have personal experiences with any of these classic “low price sports car” models from the 1970s, we encourage you to share your stories in the comments below. We’d love to hear your memories and insights on these budget-friendly sports car gems!
