My first car was one of these. My dad bought it for me new for my sophomore college year. 1970.5 was the first year they were out, the first time a new car was introduced mid-year, and the design was like nothing seen before. It was the first "hatchback". Mine was the second one sold in Youngstown, Ohio. I loved that car!
It also came with a 1yr, or 12,000mi, warranty. That was unheard of before, too. And, I'd put that 12K on it within 90 days. HA!
The front seats reclined, and the back seat folded flat forward. I could fit everything I owned in it. At one point I got 9 people in it. 3 in front, 4 in back, and two behind the back seat. Because I was small, I was one of the two squished against the back window.
It had a 256 cu. in. straight six, a four speed automatic, and was rear wheel drive. Since it was so light, it would scoot like a bat out of Hell. For traction in winter, I'd put bags of cat litter behind the back seat.
It's "paddle" door handles were also a first, and it also had a "package tray" under the dash. People would stop to ask what country it came from.
These pics are not my car, and I don't know how old this one was when the pics were taken. Mine was the same "Big Bad Blue", but had wider white side stripes. These are the only pics I could find in that color.



I've owned or driven many, many, many cars since. I was even in the car biz for a while. However, your first love always holds a special place in your heart.
