i was just wondering if a 83 f body meant it came out in 83 or was it from 82. i know now some car companies realease the 2005 in 2004 and such.

 

"Model year" meant roughly the same thing then that it does now. The 83 model cars appeared in showrooms around Labor Day 82; 84 model cars went on sale about Labor Day of 83. That's not "some car companies"; AFAIK it's an industry-wide practice, and was then just like it is now. Has been since the 50s that I know of personally, and it didn't seem to be an innovation then.

 

Yeah that pretty much is accurate. Sometimes a vehicle is even put out as early as April and considered the next years model. That practice annoys me to no end.

 

You know, it makes it cool to say, I have an '05 in '04....

BUT....

When it comes time to resale, its almost like saying in 2005, your 2000 could be 6 years old, not just 5.

 

My 1995 Buick Riviera was made I believe in January of 1994 Figure that one out...

One thing to consider is the model year does not necessarily match the physical year. What is important is the model year of the car. For example when you buy a part for your 1983 Camaro that was produced in late 1982 you should buy the 1983 part because unless there is a problem with a part, or you own a Ford, GM usually makes changes on the model years production.

Hope that helps

John

 

Here's something else- I have an 82 z28 but when you look up parts for it mainly suspension the aftermarket companies list our cars as upto 81 then 83-up.

Is there actually a difference?

 

No there is no difference.

 

Off subject, but I was watching History Channel, or Bravo, or one of those cable channels appearently the "new" television season begins the same time that the new model year was released in the 50's because the big three sponsored so many of the shows. They wanted a showcase for the new product.