For many automotive enthusiasts, the allure of a sports car is undeniable. The sleek lines, the promise of spirited driving, and the connection to the road are all part of the appeal. However, the dream of owning a sports car doesn’t always align with budget realities. Back in 1973, Consumer Guide recognized this and put together a fascinating road test of what they termed “Low-Price Sports Cars.” This review offers a nostalgic look back at a time when affordable fun behind the wheel was more accessible, even if many of these brands eventually vanished from the American automotive landscape.
The test featured a diverse group of contenders, each representing a unique approach to the Low Price Sports Car concept. Interestingly, all five brands evaluated – Opel, MG, Fiat, Renault, and Mercury (with the Capri) – would ultimately disappear from the U.S. market at some point, highlighting the volatile nature of the automotive industry. While some, like Fiat, have made a resurgence, the others remain echoes of a bygone era in American car sales.
Let’s delve into the brands featured in this vintage review and briefly revisit their stories in the US market:
- Opel: Sold through Buick dealerships, Opel offered German-engineered cars in the US until 1975, with Buick continuing to sell Opel-badged, Isuzu-built models until 1980.
- MG: This iconic British marque, synonymous with affordable sports cars, withdrew from the U.S. market in 1980.
- Fiat: The popular Italian brand initially left the US in 1983 but made a celebrated comeback in 2011, showcasing the enduring appeal of Italian design and driving dynamics.
- Renault: Another major European brand, Renault, departed the US in 1989.
- Mercury: While not a standalone import brand, Mercury, with models like the Capri (built by Ford of Europe), played in this segment. The Mercury brand itself was discontinued in 2012.
It’s notable that these “low price sports cars” were predominantly imports. American automakers have historically produced fewer small, budget-friendly sports cars, with exceptions like the Pontiac Fiero, Solstice, and Saturn Sky. Models like the Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 could arguably be included, but the focus here remains on the cars explicitly featured in Consumer Guide’s test.
Consumer Guide’s 1973 road test provides a valuable snapshot into the world of low price sports cars of that era. While the original article unfortunately omitted pricing details, it offered specifications and 0-60 mph times, allowing readers to compare performance. For those who remember these cars or are simply interested in automotive history, this review serves as a reminder of a time when attainable sports car ownership was a vibrant part of the car market. These cars, though from brands largely absent from today’s US market, represent an important chapter in the story of affordable and fun driving.
