1968–72 GM A-Body Cars: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were a series of mid-size automobiles produced by General Motors (GM) from 1968 to 1972. They were the first generation of A-body cars, and they were offered in a variety of body styles, including sedans, coupes, station wagons, and convertibles. The A-body cars were known for their sleek styling, powerful engines, and comfortable interiors.
Models and Body Styles
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were available in a variety of models and body styles. The following is a list of the models and body styles that were offered:
* Chevrolet Chevelle: Sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon
* Chevrolet Malibu: Sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon
* Pontiac Tempest: Sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon
* Pontiac GTO: Coupe, convertible
* Oldsmobile Cutlass: Sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon
* Buick Skylark: Sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon
Engines and Performance
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were offered with a variety of engines, ranging from small-block V8s to big-block V8s. The most popular engine was the 350 cubic-inch small-block V8, which was available in a variety of horsepower ratings. Other popular engines included the 396 cubic-inch big-block V8 and the 454 cubic-inch big-block V8.
Features and Options
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were offered with a variety of features and options, including:
* Power steering
* Power brakes
* Air conditioning
* Automatic transmission
* Bucket seats
* Console
* Tachometer
* Rally wheels
Collectibility and Value
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars are highly collectible today, and they can be worth a significant amount of money, depending on the model, condition, and options. The most valuable A-body cars are the Pontiac GTOs, followed by the Chevrolet Chevelles and Plymouth Barracudas.
History of the 1968–72 GM A-Body Cars
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were developed to replace the GM B-body cars, which were produced from 1965 to 1967. The A-body cars were smaller and lighter than the B-body cars, and they were designed to be more fuel-efficient. The A-body cars were also designed to be more stylish and aerodynamic than the B-body cars.
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were a huge success for GM. They were some of the most popular cars on the market, and they helped to establish GM as a leader in the automotive industry. The A-body cars were also used in a variety of racing applications, and they were very successful in this area as well.
Design and Styling
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were designed by GM’s chief designer, Bill Mitchell. Mitchell was a brilliant designer, and he is credited with creating some of the most iconic cars of all time. The A-body cars were some of Mitchell’s best work, and they are still considered to be some of the most beautiful cars ever made.
The A-body cars were known for their sleek styling and their long, flowing lines. They were also known for their large grilles and their prominent headlights. The A-body cars were available in a variety of colors, and they could be customized with a variety of options, including spoilers, stripes, and decals.
Engineering and Performance
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were engineered to be both powerful and efficient. They were built on a unibody platform, which was lighter and more rigid than the separate body-on-frame construction used by most other cars of the era. The A-body cars were also equipped with a variety of high-performance engines, including the 350 cubic-inch small-block V8 and the 396 cubic-inch big-block V8.
The A-body cars were very fast, and they could easily accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. They were also very good at handling, and they were able to corner at high speeds without losing control.
Legacy
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were a huge success for GM, and they helped to establish GM as a leader in the automotive industry. The A-body cars were some of the most popular cars on the market, and they were used in a variety of racing applications. The A-body cars are still considered to be some of the most beautiful and iconic cars ever made, and they are highly collectible today.
Conclusion
The 1968–72 GM A-body cars were a revolutionary design for GM and the automotive industry as a whole. They were some of the first cars to be designed with a unibody platform, and they were also some of the first cars to be offered with a variety of high-performance engines. The A-body cars were a huge success for GM, and they helped to establish GM as a leader in the automotive industry. The A-body cars are still considered to be some of the most beautiful and iconic cars ever made, and they are highly collectible today.
