D-Body Cars
D-body cars are a type of full-size car that was produced by General Motors from 1959 to 1996. These cars were based on the GM C platform, and were larger than the company’s B-body and A-body cars. D-body cars were typically used as sedans, coupes, and station wagons.
History
The first D-body cars were introduced in 1959 as the Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac Catalina, and Oldsmobile 88. These cars were all based on the GM C platform, and were larger than the company’s B-body and A-body cars. D-body cars were typically used as sedans, coupes, and station wagons.
In 1965, the D-body cars were redesigned on a new GM C platform. This platform was longer and wider than the previous platform, and it allowed for more interior space. The 1965 D-body cars were also available with a variety of new features, including air conditioning, power windows, and power seats.
The D-body cars were redesigned again in 1971. This redesign was more evolutionary than revolutionary, but it did include some significant changes. The 1971 D-body cars were longer and wider than the 1965 cars, and they had a more modern design. The 1971 D-body cars were also available with a variety of new features, including a new dashboard, a new center console, and a new steering wheel.
The D-body cars were redesigned one final time in 1977. This redesign was more extensive than the 1971 redesign, and it resulted in a completely new car. The 1977 D-body cars were longer and wider than the 1971 cars, and they had a more modern design. The 1977 D-body cars were also available with a variety of new features, including a new dashboard, a new center console, and a new steering wheel.
The D-body cars were discontinued in 1996. The last D-body cars produced were the Chevrolet Caprice, the Pontiac Bonneville, and the Oldsmobile 98.
Models
The following models were based on the D-body platform:
- Chevrolet Impala
- Chevrolet Caprice
- Pontiac Catalina
- Pontiac Bonneville
- Oldsmobile 88
- Oldsmobile 98
Features
D-body cars were typically equipped with a variety of features, including:
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Power seats
- Cruise control
- Tilt steering wheel
- Power brakes
- Power steering
Performance
D-body cars were typically powered by V8 engines. These engines ranged in size from 305 cubic inches to 454 cubic inches. D-body cars were typically capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds.
D-body cars were not known for their handling. These cars were large and heavy, and they did not corner well. D-body cars were also not very fuel-efficient. These cars typically got about 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
Legacy
D-body cars are remembered as some of the most iconic cars of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. These cars were large, powerful, and luxurious. D-body cars were also very popular with law enforcement and taxi companies.
D-body cars are no longer produced, but they continue to be popular with collectors and enthusiasts. These cars are a reminder of a time when American cars were big, bold, and beautiful.
