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Auto ID Quiz #1 FINISHED!


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Ok... it's a new week, so we're going to try a new game.

Don't worry...ROM isn't going away, but I thought I would alternate with Auto ID Quiz. One week ROM, the next Auto ID Quiz, etc.

Anyway, here's how Auto ID Quiz works. It's very simple: I post a photo, and you tell me what it is. You have to tell me the year, make and model to get credit for a "right" answer.

The rules are really simple: Most importantly, DO NOT post your answer here, and DO NOT post any clues or hints here... that would obviously ruin the game for everyone else. Instead, email me your answer to harrypri@att.net.

On Friday I will reveal the answer, along with a list of everyone who got it right.

I won't alter the photos in any way except to block out any logos, emblems or scripts that would give away the answer. And I might post a hint or two as the week goes on, depending on how many of you are getting the answer (or are not getting it!)

Remember, email me your answer to harrypri@att.net. Put "Auto ID" in the header and include your screen name somewhere in the email so I'll know who you are! On Friday I'll tell everyone who got it right.

Ok, got all that? Then let's go. Tell me... What is it? The answer Friday!

AutoID1-1.jpg

The answer: 1968 Chrysler GTX (Brazil)

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Hmmm.... looks like you guys aren't too good at this game! There were only TWO correct answers!

The car in the photo is a Brazilian Chrysler (Simca) Esplanada GTX from 1968.

Chrysler produced a number of vehicles in Brazil over the years, all badged with the Dodge name, ending production with the sale of its facilities to Volkswagen when pressed for cash in 1980. Its production center was in the Sao Paulo area, along with most other automakers. It would briefly return in the 1990s with the Dodge Dakota, a venture ended by the Mercedes acquisition of Chrysler, and continues to make engines there there - engines used mainly by BMW in the Mini. Chrysler's involvement in Brazil was a result of Simca's production. When Chrysler bought Simca in 1958, its first act in Brazil was to double the warranty of the small French-designed cars being produced there (with optional V8s for performance). These cars had a reputation for very poor quality, partly due to untrained, inexperienced workers, partly due to the poor quality of local materials, including local sheet metal. By 1969, Chrysler had gotten some central involvement, and started making a new line of Dodge trucks at a new factory. The D700s and D400s were followed by a Dodge pickup. These were similar to the commercial vehicles sold in the US, with diesel versions coming later - and, alcohol-powered models in 1978. These trucks sold well, and may have been the most important reason for Volkswagen to acquire the Brazilian operations - they even kept the name until the end of 1984, when actual Volkswagen trucks replaced them.

Also in 1969, a slightly restyled American 1966 Dodge Dart four-door sedan was introduced as a "new" car, soon replacing the troublesome and unpopular Esplanada. A two door Dart coupe came out the next year.

The Dart competed with the Ford Galaxy for the high car market, with many becoming chaffeur driven, while the coupe appealed to younger buyers. There were Charger and Charger R/T versions, mainly Dart hardtops with the roofline extended to the trunk and speed-related items such as dual exhausts, four-on-the-floor shifter, mag wheels, and bucket seats. It was at the high end of Brazilian production performance, consistent with the Dart's relatively high price overall.

A high end version of the Dart was sold as the Dodge Polara, with a Chrysler-like front clip matched to the usual body; the Dodge Polara, built by Chrysler Fevre Argentina, was named Automobile of the Year by the Argentine Automobile Writers Association.

By 1972, more luxurious models were featured, and Dart styling moved away from its American counterparts, though the basic engineering remained the same. Production continued with few changes until the 1979 lineup, when the Dart name gave way to LeBaron for luxury and Magnum for sport (replacing Charger). Magnum was a status car according to Status magazine, partly because of covers attached to the rear side windows that hid the rear seat from view. Few Magnums were made and today they are rare.

The Dart peaked in 1972 and 1973, before the oil crisis, which changed tastes to more economical vehicles. In 1980, only 403 Darts were made, and they were halted the next year. It had been popular with a spacious interior without excessive width (the Galaxy's problem), and maintenance and durability helped. The lack of a six cylinder no doubt hurt its survival after the fuel crisis.

Augmenting the Dart in popularity was the Dodge 1800 (Omni and Horizon), a two-door sedan produced in England and Argentina as well. Called "Dodginho" in Portugese, it was not a standout despite a relaitvely nice interior, partly because it was not well adapted to local driving conditions. To increase sales, its name was changed to Polara, which had a relatively good image, and GLS and GL models were added in 1980. It was the first Brazilian production vehicle to have a standard automatic, and sales were steady for its last six years at about 13,000 per year, ending with Chrysler's other Brazilian operations in 1980.

The two people who got it right:

ChillyB (Curtis) and Glenn Asher.

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This didn't see but 1/2 of the views of most Roms...not too sure it worked....I needed toooo many clues...then I was still clueless!!tongue.gif

This was an extremely popular feature on the Scale Auto forum until they banned it (it wasn't specifically about model cars). Give it time, it's fun.

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This was fun, keep the old cars coming. Chrysler must have had a big influence on Simca styling as they (Simcas) were all pretty ugly in 1968. If I remember correctly it was the Plymouth GTX in the USA. This car looks very close- front end anyway- to the '68 Nissan Gloria or Rambler Ambassador SST.

Maybe you could go easy on us to start with a few rounds of cars from north of the equator!

In '68 I was driving a nifty little Fiat four door sedan with a four speed on the column.

Let's see more. Thanks

Edited by Thom
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