Plymouth
Published on January 14th, 2012 |
by BajaBusta
1973 Plymouth Cricket Test Drive
In the opening and closing scenes we find the pee-wee Plymouth, frolicking through fields. Was that supposed to conjure up thoughts of its namesake, be it a small grasshopper like insect that inhabited said field, or a field game played with bat and ball, traced back to England, not unlike the Plymouth itself! Based on the Hillman Avenger, the cramped Cricket was imported for Plymouth, similar to how the Colt was imported from Japan for the Dodge Brand. Comments like “whats that, training wheels for a Cadillac?”, and “does it go faster if you rub it’s hind wheels together”, represent Americans feelings toward small cars during the early 70s. Not favorable. With 55 base horsepower, and 70 in optional GT trim shown in this video, which also included stripes and a spoiler, the subcompact was unable to chirp it’s hind rubber, something actual crickets are known for! “Body roll was at a minimum, as was passenger comfort”, and “in the curves, the tires doing more work than the suspension system” are sentiment that did not bode well for little cars of the era. But time would tell a different story regarding the import compact!
Tags: 1973, Captive Import, Hillman Avenger, Plymouth Cricket, Review, road test, Roadtest, test drive, Testdrive
I will always to thankful to Bud Lindeman for his “Car and Track”. RIP Bud!