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1974 was the year that cars got really ugly, as the 5 mph front and rear bumper mandate went into effect.

I remember the early 70s because of the gas situation. My family bought a 1973 Mazda RX3 wagon with fake wood paneling on the outside and a 5 speed manual transmission. I guess it was supposed to be an economy car, but it got only 16 mpg on the highway, and it backfired all the time.

That car was replaced with a ‘77 Chevrolet Impala wagon, which was a nice car and it got 18 mpg on the highway, even with a choked out 350 V8 underhood.

[Impala64ssa]

Speaking of the so called gas shortage back then I remember the local utility co.Orange and Rockland urging everyone to cut down on electric and gas usage to conserve energy and protect the environment. I helped my dad cover the windows with clear plastic sheets, my Mom kept the thermostat at 65 and told us in no uncertain terms not to even think about laying a finger on it. There next utility bill was significantly lower.

A few weeks later O&R's spokeswoman, Linda Winikow, whom the local feminists were grooming to become the first female Gov of NY, but who got entangled in a scandal involving the utility co., said with a straight face that because revenues dropped so much from people conserving energy like they were told to do, O&R will be seeking a rate increase. Even as a young skull full of mush I realized early on what a scam the eco movement is.