What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird?
#1
What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird?
They were the same car. Why did GM make essentially the same car with 2 brand names. Only big difference is one had static headlights and one had flip up. Was it just marketing like some folks wanted a Pontiac and others wanted Chevy? Same thing with Ford and Mercury.
#2
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
Some GM customers are brand loyal. Each division at one time had a 350 engine of their own design. GM was that big.
#3
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
I remember when I was a kid you could go to a dealer and pick out individual options on your car and have it sent from the factory. Even had hundreds of color swatches for the interior to pick from. Man have things changed (would you like grey or black interior sir).
#4
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
$$$$$$
The chassis/suspension/drivetrain were already paid for. Swap lights, bumpers, badges, and you can sell another car to someone that otherwise wouldn't have bought one. I wouldn't buy a 77 Camaro, but I'd love a 77 TA, even though they are the same car.
Same reason the Sierra is the Silverado today.
The chassis/suspension/drivetrain were already paid for. Swap lights, bumpers, badges, and you can sell another car to someone that otherwise wouldn't have bought one. I wouldn't buy a 77 Camaro, but I'd love a 77 TA, even though they are the same car.
Same reason the Sierra is the Silverado today.
#5
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MN
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 85 SC, 86 Berlinetta
Engine: V6, V8
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
The drive trains was originally very different, Pontiac also had a very different body style than Chevy in that they used composites (Ie. Endura Bumper vs. Chrome) earlier on in an effort to produce more flowing lines. At the time the two lines of F-Body's were created, there were actually many different brands (Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, GMC etc.) that were most likely smaller companies that GM had purchased earlier on.
Back when Americans were more loyal to American manufactured vehicles the market could support one company building many different lines of vehicles, but as the years passed they started to consolidate to the point where the drive trains were the same, and brands eventually were eliminated.
Back when Americans were more loyal to American manufactured vehicles the market could support one company building many different lines of vehicles, but as the years passed they started to consolidate to the point where the drive trains were the same, and brands eventually were eliminated.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: France
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1984 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Engine: V8 5.0L HO (L69)
Transmission: B&W T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73 limited slip
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
You can ask that about pretty much every american car from the big three up until recently. Ford Mustang/Mercury Cougar, Challenger/Barracuda, Camaro/Firebird,...
The looks are different so it can appeal to more customers, using minimal tooling so reduced costs.
The looks are different so it can appeal to more customers, using minimal tooling so reduced costs.
#7
Supreme Member
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
I wouldn't really call them "clones", more like brothers or sisters. If you take a closer look all of the major manufactures do this. The ranger pickup was also a mazda b model, the S10 was a Sonoma and an Isuzu hombre. Toyota is Lexus, Honda is Acura, and Nissan is Infinity. If you look at their early models it is very apparent.
Trending Topics
#10
#11
Administrator
iTrader: (1)
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
The F-Body was originally a Chevrolet project and Pontiac kinda got stuck having a Camaro with a different name, (they wanted a 2-seat Corvette competitor) but they made the best of it and used Pontiac stuff on their car. All of the GM divisions had their own engines, parts, and tech back then. By the time the 3rd Gen came along they were very similar mechanically and in the 4th Gen they were almost exactly the same. It did give people different styles to choose from though.
#12
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac are (were) all positioned differnently for different markets. Granted the difference between a Firebird and Camaro by the time you get to 1982 is minimal as far as drive train, There are differences between them... In all honesty a Cadillac is nicer than a Buick, a Buick nicer than an Olds, Olds nicer than a Pontiac and a Pontiac nicer than a Chevy.
Regardless of what people say, even when the car comes down the same line, in the same plant, The Cadillac will get the better parts, they are inspected more closely... it goes down the line, and Chevrolet gets whatever is left over.
My Grandmother worked for Fisher Body (Turnstead) she was a QC manager or something like that. The Cadillac parts were white gloved through the process...
Personally I just purchased a Tahoe, and I should have gotten the Yukon, I drove both, but the Yukon was actually a little nicer build, even though they come down the same line. Same goes for the Pontiac, it is a slightly better build, nicer interior etc. Even if the replacement part is the same...
Regardless of what people say, even when the car comes down the same line, in the same plant, The Cadillac will get the better parts, they are inspected more closely... it goes down the line, and Chevrolet gets whatever is left over.
My Grandmother worked for Fisher Body (Turnstead) she was a QC manager or something like that. The Cadillac parts were white gloved through the process...
Personally I just purchased a Tahoe, and I should have gotten the Yukon, I drove both, but the Yukon was actually a little nicer build, even though they come down the same line. Same goes for the Pontiac, it is a slightly better build, nicer interior etc. Even if the replacement part is the same...
#13
Administrator
iTrader: (1)
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
I don't think I'd go as far as saying that Chevy got "left over" anything. I'd say that Chevy had a slightly different focus than Pontiac since Pontiacs were similar to Chevys with a few extra items or some other kind of changes like fancier headlights or whatever. Since Pontiac has been gone though, it's allowed Chevrolet to get up there with fanciness, the new Impala is a good example and the Camaro now gets all kinds of tech that it might not have if there had been a sister car.
#14
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
I don't think I'd go as far as saying that Chevy got "left over" anything. I'd say that Chevy had a slightly different focus than Pontiac since Pontiacs were similar to Chevys with a few extra items or some other kind of changes like fancier headlights or whatever. Since Pontiac has been gone though, it's allowed Chevrolet to get up there with fanciness, the new Impala is a good example and the Camaro now gets all kinds of tech that it might not have if there had been a sister car.
I have also torn apart the dash of a Camaro, and several Firebirds, to be honest the Firebird was easier to work on. As an example, there is a stupid screw on a Camaro that is right above the steering column that you need a shortie screw driver to remove. The Firebird does not have this problem.
The base seats & door panels in a Firebird were an option on the Camaro.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a Camaro, I hate to be splitting hairs, but I think a Firebird is just slightly nicer...
Scott Moyer is bound to jump in on this any moment, we have had several of these conversations over the years...
John
#15
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Huntsville AL
Posts: 3,938
Received 98 Likes
on
62 Posts
Car: 88GTA
Engine: 5.7TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
I agree with you John okfoz. I've been buying the Pontiac Trans Am's new since 1978. I have owned 8 new. I have kept but only two. I should kept a few more cause I loved the Pontiac. Fast forward to March of this year........I could not believe I was in a Chevrolet Dealership actually buying a 2014 Camaro 2SS/RS. It felt really bad not purchasing a NEW Pontiac TA.
I miss Pontiac.
I miss Pontiac.
#16
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
Chevy C6 Corvette = Cadillac XLR
Toyota Matrix = Pontiac Vibe
Pontiac Solstice = Saturn Sky
Chevy Caprice = Buick Roadmaster
Buick LaCrosse = Chevy Impala
Scion FR-S = Subaru BRZ
Toyota Camry = Lexus ES 350
Chevy Volt = Cadilac ELR
The list goes on. Numerous car brands present and past re-badge vehicles.
Toyota Matrix = Pontiac Vibe
Pontiac Solstice = Saturn Sky
Chevy Caprice = Buick Roadmaster
Buick LaCrosse = Chevy Impala
Scion FR-S = Subaru BRZ
Toyota Camry = Lexus ES 350
Chevy Volt = Cadilac ELR
The list goes on. Numerous car brands present and past re-badge vehicles.
#17
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Phoenix , Arizona
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1983 Z-28.. Owned since 1985
Engine: LG4 (H) Vin Code
Transmission: 700R4
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
I have to agree, having owned a '79 & '84 T/A... the Firebirds seem to be a better quality ride, fit and has standard equipment that is an option on the Camaro.
Rod
83ZZZ28
#18
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Phoenix , Arizona
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1983 Z-28.. Owned since 1985
Engine: LG4 (H) Vin Code
Transmission: 700R4
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
My '79 PONTIAC T/A - 6.6L (400)- Auto Trans - came with an OLDSMOBILE engine ! !
I remember sometime in the 70's, a guy sued G.M. because (like mine) he bought a PONTIAC T/A that had a OLDSMOBILE engine. I don't remember how that law suite turned out. Maybe they gave him one with a 4 speed, that way he would get his Pontiac engine with a bigger 403.
Rod
83ZZZ28
I remember sometime in the 70's, a guy sued G.M. because (like mine) he bought a PONTIAC T/A that had a OLDSMOBILE engine. I don't remember how that law suite turned out. Maybe they gave him one with a 4 speed, that way he would get his Pontiac engine with a bigger 403.
Rod
83ZZZ28
#19
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Huntsville AL
Posts: 3,938
Received 98 Likes
on
62 Posts
Car: 88GTA
Engine: 5.7TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
My '79 PONTIAC T/A - 6.6L (400)- Auto Trans - came with an OLDSMOBILE engine ! !
I remember sometime in the 70's, a guy sued G.M. because (like mine) he bought a PONTIAC T/A that had a OLDSMOBILE engine. I don't remember how that law suite turned out. Maybe they gave him one with a 4 speed, that way he would get his Pontiac engine with a bigger 403.
Rod
83ZZZ28
I remember sometime in the 70's, a guy sued G.M. because (like mine) he bought a PONTIAC T/A that had a OLDSMOBILE engine. I don't remember how that law suite turned out. Maybe they gave him one with a 4 speed, that way he would get his Pontiac engine with a bigger 403.
Rod
83ZZZ28
#20
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
My Sister had a 77 Buick Riviera with the Olds 403... that car surprisingly would move pretty good for a large car. I had the Buick 350 in a 77 Electra (same exact car if you did not know) and that thing was a dog...
Granted my 67 Riviera with the Buick 430 really moves much better in comparison.
In the 70's there was quite the customer to-do about the cross-breed engines, especially when they started doing it. I know there was a lot of cases where people complained about having a Chevy engine in a Buick, or a Olds engine in a Buick, people bought a Buick and wanted a Buick ( I live in Flint, MI, my dad was an engineer for Buick) in the end they are not "corporate" engines. Way back in the day some engines would say "Buick" or Chevrolet right on the air cleaner, or valve cover sticker or somewhere, notice now you get a "Vortec" sticker on the engine... Or 3800, even when everyone knew that the 3800 was a Buick engine...
John
Granted my 67 Riviera with the Buick 430 really moves much better in comparison.
In the 70's there was quite the customer to-do about the cross-breed engines, especially when they started doing it. I know there was a lot of cases where people complained about having a Chevy engine in a Buick, or a Olds engine in a Buick, people bought a Buick and wanted a Buick ( I live in Flint, MI, my dad was an engineer for Buick) in the end they are not "corporate" engines. Way back in the day some engines would say "Buick" or Chevrolet right on the air cleaner, or valve cover sticker or somewhere, notice now you get a "Vortec" sticker on the engine... Or 3800, even when everyone knew that the 3800 was a Buick engine...
John
#21
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
Same goes for the Firebird and Camaro, sure they look a lot alike, probably more than it needed to be, but really the only exterior parts that are the same is the mirrors, glass, roof, doors and hatch. The Hood, fenders, quarter panels, bumpers are all different. Same goes here, the chassis & drivetrain is obviously the same, but is that technically a "rebadge?" In my book by definition rebadging something would imply that you take the exact car and put a different sticker on it. Which really is not the case.
Last edited by okfoz; 06-04-2014 at 12:50 PM.
#22
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
The General didn't start to address that structural inefficiency until the late 1990s when it dumped Oldsmobile. After that it was only a matter of time for Pontiac.
#23
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Phoenix , Arizona
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1983 Z-28.. Owned since 1985
Engine: LG4 (H) Vin Code
Transmission: 700R4
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
Hey John, I grew up in Frankenmuth. My father was a Sales Engineer for the Demmer Corp. & Willson Engineering. He stopped at all of the GM plants every week. If your Dad is still with you, ask him if he remembers a , Dean Loveless.
... .... This is a picture of people in Michigan, swatting MOSQUITOS ... ...
Are you going to the Autofest this year ?
Rod
83ZZZ28
... .... This is a picture of people in Michigan, swatting MOSQUITOS ... ...
Are you going to the Autofest this year ?
Rod
83ZZZ28
#24
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
I think one of the reasons why GM had cross breeding starting somewhere in the 1960's is there was a big to-do about breaking up GM. GM owned some 50%+ of the market in the 1950's and 1960's they WERE the automotive manufacturer. The Feds, were all in trying to break up this huge corporation into smaller parts because they were afraid of it becoming a monopoly.
What saved GM was the fact that different brands used so many of the same pieces and parts, the Firebird & Camaro were on the same line so they could use the same machines, the Monte Carlo, Cutlass, Regal, Grand Prix were all on the same line and use the same machines, The Cavalier, Sunbird/Sunfire, Skylark, Omega, Cimeron, all could use the came down the same line, so they could use the same machines, therefore to break up GM would absolutely cause all of the companies to cease to exist.
What saved GM was the fact that different brands used so many of the same pieces and parts, the Firebird & Camaro were on the same line so they could use the same machines, the Monte Carlo, Cutlass, Regal, Grand Prix were all on the same line and use the same machines, The Cavalier, Sunbird/Sunfire, Skylark, Omega, Cimeron, all could use the came down the same line, so they could use the same machines, therefore to break up GM would absolutely cause all of the companies to cease to exist.
#25
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Near Scranton, PA
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1982 T/A
Engine: 1973 400 Chevy
Transmission: 4 Speed Borg Warner
Axle/Gears: 3:23
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
Remember in 1967 when Pontiac had to install traction bars on the single leaf rear springs because of spring wrap issues? Even their OHC 6 Sprint version had one, while manual trans cars had 2.
Camaro's only received one. Pontiac knew a few things Chevy didn't.
Pontiac versus Chevy was a rivalry, and each had a loyal following allowing huge amounts of cars to be sold.
Camaro's only received one. Pontiac knew a few things Chevy didn't.
Pontiac versus Chevy was a rivalry, and each had a loyal following allowing huge amounts of cars to be sold.
#26
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
on
119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
Not sure what the story is on the rear springs... I suspect it had to do with cost on the Chevy.
#27
TGO Supporter
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
They aren't clones! Very similar, yes, but there are sooooooo many differences. Rear quarters are even totally different! Look at the wheel arches haha
I've read the entire history of the design and build of the third gen. Awesome read if you find the book... which I can't remember the name of at the moment. It's a red hardcover that was a volume in a series of classic cars. Completely covered the entire development of the car. I'll post when I get home later.
I've read the entire history of the design and build of the third gen. Awesome read if you find the book... which I can't remember the name of at the moment. It's a red hardcover that was a volume in a series of classic cars. Completely covered the entire development of the car. I'll post when I get home later.
#28
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Michigan [Bodacious Member with the Bodacious TA'TAs (Trans Ams)]
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Formula - Authentic and REAL
Engine: 5.0 Liter
Transmission: 700R4
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
If you're gonna pick apart identical vehicles, don't forget that GMC and Chevy are even more closer to identical than Firebirds and Camaros
#29
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Michigan [Bodacious Member with the Bodacious TA'TAs (Trans Ams)]
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Formula - Authentic and REAL
Engine: 5.0 Liter
Transmission: 700R4
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
2nd gen Camaros didn't really look sharp until they got rid of the red pizza slice taillights and went to the euro taillights in '78 and the Z28 got the lower stripes.
#31
Administrator
iTrader: (1)
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
Back in the 1st gen, Pontiac's car had a performance advantage over the Camaro. Plus, Pontiac came out with the rear spoiler for the 2nd gen, that worked so well that Chevy decided they needed a version of it on their car also. Plus I think it was Pontiac's idea to add T tops on the F Body by putting it on the 50th Anniversary 1976 TA, and Camaro followed suit when it became regular option the next year.
#32
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Massachusetts, Near Boston
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 89 Formula L98, CC1
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird?
I always thought the interior styling of the Firebird was just nice looking. The Camaro seemed so basic, bare bones, almost cheap to me. As for the exterior, I found the Firebird, particularly the Formula and Trans Am to be more interesting but I still liked the Camaro exterior look.
Clones, no. Cousins/siblings? Yes. BRING BACK PONTIAC! (and oldsmobile)
Clones, no. Cousins/siblings? Yes. BRING BACK PONTIAC! (and oldsmobile)
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Erlanger, KY
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1989 Iroc-z
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: Auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt - 2.77
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird?
I've always considered that the Pontiacs were nicer than the Chevys. Even though the 3rd gen Firebird and the Camaros are the same platform, there is a lot of differences between them. Rear quarters, front fenders, bumpers, dash, etc. Basically appearance items. Mostly the drivetrain, steering, engines and some other things are the same. Manufactures been doing these things for years. Taurus and sable, Chevy 1500 and gmc 1500, Tahoe, Yukon and escalade plus you can even say that the hummer H3 is the same also since its the same platform. Manufactures are still doing it today. I work for ford an the new explorers and the new Taurus's are the same platform, just different sheet metal and interior. Even the new escapes and focus's are basically the same. Lincoln LS's are basically Jaguar type S's and the remade Thunderbird were Jaguars also. I would say that Chrysler, Honda, Toyota all do the same stuff.
#34
Supreme Member
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird?
Because with two essentially the same cars with different exteriors and interiors they could sell more cars than if they just had a Camaro or a Firebird.
#35
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird?
We like these cars because we see them for more than what they are. GM at the end of the day is a for-profit-business. If there is an opportunity to make more money with minimal effort - such as having several vehicles that share frames, engines, transmissions, etc. - so long as it's financially feasible most companies have and will continue to do the same thing.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Overland Park Kansas
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 Firbird Formula
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird?
The common use of a drivetrain platform for different cars or even car companies go's back to the early years of GM. Back then each car "company" in the GM line had one or two cars. The companies were designed in pairs to use as many common parts as they could. Cadillac and La Salle, Buick and Olds and Oakland, Pontiac and Chevrolet. Each company up the line represented a upgrade in quality and price. Chevy being the "Base Model" and Cadillac being the top of the line. GM began discarding Car Companies at the start of WWII when La Salle "The Baby Cadillac" was killed off along with Oaklands.
Last edited by bjpotter; 07-20-2014 at 01:42 AM.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Overland Park Kansas
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 91 Firbird Formula
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
I agree. I have owned both a Camaro and now a Firebird third Gen of similar years. The Pontiac is nicer. My Firebird came with a Cup holder in the door. A Cup holder in both doors! My Camaro, although I loved that car, did not. A fact that ruined the seat bottom between my legs.
#38
Moderator
iTrader: (2)
Re: What was the purpose of the clone car? Why have Camaro and Firebird
The Sunfire was never on the same line (at the same time) as the Skylark, Omega (I'm sure you meant Firenza here) or Cimarron. The 1st gen J-body that included the Cavalier, J2000, Sunbird, Skyhawk, Firenza and Cimarron was produced from 1982 to 1987. The 2nd gen was from 1988 to 1994, and included the Cavailer (up to 1994) the Sunbird (up to 1994) the Skyhawk (up to 1989), the Cimarron and Firenza (up to 1988). The Sunfire started production in 1995, on the 3rd gen J-body platform and the Cavalier name plate was carried over for the rest of production up to 2005.
Interesting note the Cavalier was re-badged a Toyota with Sunfire wheels, wider front fenders, JDM specific tail lights Right Hand Drive, and a few other touches and sold in Japan at Toyota dealers from the late '90s into the early 2000's.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1992 Trans Am
Exterior Parts for Sale
5
04-04-2016 12:50 PM
Linson
Auto Detailing and Appearance
40
08-21-2015 02:12 PM