[quote E79DTAB2826E9E27] As for the 1971-76 wagons, GM gave them all "clamshell" tailgates. The glass slid into the roof and the tailgate door slid under the rear end. It was not popular.[/quote] If only for their genuinely unique tailgate design, one of these absurdly humongous GM Clamshells would be my US Wagon pick. Given the choice, let's go one of the 1971 variants that lacked the unsightly big bumper bars which grew ever larger in subsequent years. And in 9-passenger spec of course, with one of GM's big-block 455s. Preferably not the Chevrolet variant because of its boring HJ Holden-type flat dashboard and IP. All other Brands of Clamshell had the much more eye appealing wraparound dash. The '71s also featured GM's attractive but functionally compromised (one year-only) ventilation extraction system, with those nifty looking louvres set within the tailgate. How about a cleanly styled (relative term) Buick Estate, with its upmarket equipment and trim. Or best of all, let's go Maximum Weird with the '71 Pontiac Grand Safari for its bizarre 'space alien' frontal styling. And any version without that typecast hidious, albeit mercifully selectable-delete, fake wood side panelling! (pics clockwise from top left)'72 & '71 Buick, 1971 Pontiac. Plus an Oldsmobile video depicting the electric Clamshell doing its 'thing'.
By logging in via Google, you consent to Google sharing your information with Shannons. Shannons agrees to use this information in accordance with the Shannons Club Privacy Statement.
