The Wheels of Time: 1972

This episode of Wheels of Time reviews significant developments in the automotive industry and motorsports during the year 1972. Key events highlighted include the launch of BMW's 5 Series and Volkswagen's Passat, discontinuation of the Volkswagen Beetle in Germany, Chrysler's partnership with Mitsubishi, and the safety controversy surrounding the Ford Pinto. Other milestones include US emissions regulations tightening, Mazda's RX-3 introduction, Honda's new K car, and GM's Cadillac Seville concept. In motorsports, Emerson Fittipaldi and Niki Lauda's noteworthy performances in Formula One, Porsche's dominance in Can-Am, and other notable achievements in NASCAR and IMSA are discussed. 

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This episode is sponsored in part by THE SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE HISTORIANS (SAH); The SAH encourages research into any aspect of automotive history, and actively supports the compilation and preservation of papers, organizational records, print ephemera, and images to safe-guard, broaden, and deepen the understanding of motorized, wheeled land transportation through the modern age and into the future. For further information on the SAH visit www.autohistory.org

Voice over by Revel Arroway and music by Ultra Cat, "Disco High"

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Wheels of time.
A retrospective on automotive innovationis a series highlighting the significant
developments in both the automotiveindustry and motorsports, showcasing
the rapid advancements in technology,the establishment of notable and iconic
brands, and the constant changes incompetitive racing as a popular sport.
Each lap that the wheels of timecompletes represents another

(00:23):
transformative period that laid thegroundwork for future innovations in
both vehicle manufacturing and racing.
I. And up next, the top 50 mostsignificant developments in the automotive
industry and motorsport for the year.
1972 BMW launched the five seriesA key model in the executive sedan
segment marking the beginning of oneof BMW's most enduring model lines.

(00:47):
Over at Volkswagen, they introducedthe Passat, a mid-size family sedan
That became one of the brand's mostimportant and longest running models.
1972 also saw the end of productionfor the Volkswagen Beetle.
In Germany.
Production of the original beetlewas phased out, though it continued
to be produced in other countrieslike Mexico, marking a pivotal
movement in the car's legacy.

(01:09):
In 1972, Chrysler partnered withMitsubishi Motors leading to the
introduction of the Japanese designvehicles in the US market, such as the
Dodge Cult and Springboarding, whatwas known as DSM Diamond, star Motors.
1972 was also the safetyscandal that surrounded the Ford
Pinto and public controversy.
Over the Pinto's gas tank.

(01:30):
Safety issues emerged, spawning lawsuitsand concerns over auto safety standards.
In turn, Mazda released the RX threepowered by a rotary engine furthering
the brand's commitment to the Winkleengine and lightweight sports cars.
Honda introduced a newK CAR R called the Life.
Designed for the Japanesemarket, emphasizing practicality
and fuel efficiency.

(01:51):
Meanwhile, Renault launched the R five,also known as the Renault five and would
be later sold in the United States as LAcar, which became a popular subcompact
hatchback in Europe, known for itsversatility and innovative design.
US emissions regulations continuedto tighten in 1972 because
of the Clean Air Act of 1970.

(02:12):
Which led to stricter emission standards,forcing automakers to implement new
technologies to reduce pollution.
GM introduced the Cadillac Sevilleconcept and began development on
the Cadillac Seville, which wouldbecome its first compact luxury model
reflecting, shifting market preferencesfor smaller fuel efficient vehicles.
And at the same time, Japanesecar imports were on the rise.

(02:34):
The popularity of Japanese cars in theUS continued to grow in 1972 with Toyota
Nissan under the name Dotson at the time,and Honda leading the charge in producing
affordable and reliable vehicles.
1972 saw the launch of the Fiat 1 32, areplacement for the 1 25 aiming to compete
in the large sedan market in Europe.

(02:55):
The Chevrolet G Series or the Chevy Lvan was launched, which would become a
staple for utility conversion vans andambulances in the US starting in 1972.
Fuel efficiency became a major focus.
Rising fuel costs and concerns over theenvironment led manufacturers to begin
prioritizing fuel efficient vehicleswith smaller engines and lighter designs.

(03:17):
GM abandoned their Winkle Rotary enginedevelopment program deciding to stop
its plans, citing concerns over fuelefficiency and emissions compliance.
At the same time, Volvo was developingan ozone cleaning catalytic converter.
They began focusing on this technology,hoping to reduce vehicle emissions and
contributing to the cleaner environment.

(03:39):
Audi introduced their Model 80 knownas the Fox in the United States.
It was a compact executive carthat would become a precursor to
the Audi A four Mercedes-Benz.
Continued development of the Wone 16 series, which would become
the official S class and set newbenchmarks for luxury and safety.
Toyota introduced their iconic.

(04:00):
Celica lift back a sportier version ofthe Celica that drew comparisons to the
Ford Mustang and added to the growingpopularity of Japanese sports cars.
Ford, on the other hand, introducedthe Granada, a mid-size executive
car that became a popularmodel in the European market.
GM introduced the Turbo Hydromatic400 automatic transmission, which

(04:21):
became known for its durabilityand widespread use in a variety of
applications to include motorsport.
Citroen brought the SM to the UnitedStates with its advanced engineering
and Maserati engine making thisCitroen's attempt to break into the
luxury GT segment in the United States.
Subaru introduced the Leon four-wheeldrive station wagon, one of the first

(04:43):
all-wheel drive passenger cars settingthe stage for Subaru's future success
in this segment, the Nissan known atthat time as Dotson two 40 Z continues
to gain popularity and remained apopular sports car in the United States.
States due to its combinationof performance, reliability,
and affordability.
And in 1972, Chrysler introducedthe Challenger Rally, a performance

(05:05):
version of its pony car amidstthe declining popularity of muscle
cars due to rising fuel costs.
Meanwhile over in the world of FormulaOne, Emerson Aldi wins the Formula
One Championship in 1972 at the ageof 25, becoming the youngest ever.
Formula one champion driving for LotusBMW entered Formula two with a factory

(05:28):
team establishing its motorsports.
Prowess in single seater racing Austrian,Nikki Lauda made his Formula one debut.
A key moment in the career of oneof Motorsport's future legends.
Swedish driver Joe Bonnet diedin a crash during the 24 hours of
Lamonts, underscoring the dangersof endurance racing in the 1970s.
Meanwhile, mark Donahue won theIndianapolis 500 driving for Roger

(05:52):
Penske's team solidifying Penske racing'sgrowing dominance in motor sports.
The Turbocharged Porsche 9 17 10proved to be dominant in the Can-Am
series highlighting Porsche'sinnovative approach to race car design.
Meanwhile, Ferrari was struggling atFormula One and faced a challenging
season with no race wins leading tointernal changes within the team.

(06:13):
Bobby Allison had a. Standout seasonin NASCAR in 1972, securing multiple
victories and cementing his placeas one of Motorsport's top drivers.
The International Motor SportsAssociation, better known as imsa,
held its first GT Championship in1972, establishing a premier sports car
racing series in North America in 1972.
BMW founded BMW Motorsportslater to be known as the.

(06:36):
M Cars, which would becomesynonymous with high performance
vehicles and motor sports success.
In 1972, the Grand National Series wasofficially renamed the Winston Cup series.
After securing sponsorship from RJReynolds ushering in a new era of
NASCAR history, Dutch driver Gz VanLen, along with helmet, Marco won the

(06:56):
24 hours of Lamonts in a Porsche nine17 Continuing Porsche's dominance.
At the event New Zealand driver, DennyHume, secured victory at the South African
Grand Prix, one of the key races of the1972 Formula One season, the Constructor's
Championship in Formula One went to Lotusin 1972, further solidifying its position
as one of the top race teams in F1.

(07:19):
The famous Targa Florio Endurance racecontinued to challenge drivers with
its narrow mountainous roads with AlphaRomeo taking the win in 1972, Belgian
driver Jackie Hicks won his home GrandPrix at Spa Franco Shop one of the most
prestigious events in the F1 calendar.
Ronnie Peterson saw his firstFormula one victory in 1972.
The Swedish driver secured his first everFormula one win at the Italian Grand Prix.

(07:44):
Driving for March.
Engineering Swiss driver, Joe Certwon the British Grand Prix at Brands
Hatch driving for BRM, making thisone of the highlights of his career.
And in 1972, McLaren continued tosee Rise in Formula One, and had
a strong showing with the team'sefforts laying the groundwork.
For future dominance in the sport.
Meanwhile, the SCCA TransAm Seriescontinued to be a battleground for

(08:06):
American Muscle Cars with Ford Chevrolet,and a MC fighting for supremacy.
Though not held until later, the idea ofthe Paris Decar rally was conceived in
1972 leading to the future creation of oneof the world's most famous off-road races.
The safety car was also introducedin Formula One for the first time
in 1972 at the Canadian grum.

(08:27):
Pre, although it was not yet aregular feature in this discipline of
Motorsport, Australian Racing legend,Peter Brock won the Bathhurst 500,
driving a Holden Tara, which wouldlater become a symbol of his success.
Motorcycle.
Grand Prix Racing continued togrow in popularity worldwide with
Giacomo Augustini dominating the500 cc class on an MB Augusta.

(08:48):
And finally.
In 1972, Monza hosts the Italian GrandPrix and remained one of the highlights of
the Formula One season known for its highspeed thrills and passionate fan base.
The events captured here, though notall encompassing of this particular
year, reflect the dynamic nature of theautomotive industry and motorsports as

(09:10):
a whole, and how seemingly unrelatedevents in history are simultaneously
connected like links in a chain.
It's truly remarkable to think aboutwhat we've been able to accomplish
with the combined efforts of artists,scientists, chemists, aerodynamicists.
Machinists engineers and thecountless numbers of other people
that have contributed to thecontinued turning of the autos sphere.

(09:34):
Be sure to stay tuned to Break Fixpodcast for episodes where we chat with
those very people from the diverse partsof the autos sphere, discussing cool
careers, captivating personal journeys,and the unique living histories of
individuals from all over the industry.
Just remember the wheels of time.
Keep on turning.
We don't know where we'll be tomorrow,but those wheels just keep on turning.

(09:59):
This episode is brought to you in partby the Society of Automotive Historians.
They encourage research into anyaspect of automotive history.
The SAH actively supports thecompilation and preservation of papers,
organizational records, print ephemera,and images to safeguard, as well as to

(10:20):
broaden and deepen the understanding ofmotorized wheeled land transportation.
Through the modern ageand into the future.
For more information about theSAH, visit www.auto history.org.

(10:40):
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(11:02):
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