The original Baltazar Quark
1976 Quark 1500GT in Sunburn Orange, European spec
In 1974, the world saw the introduction of what would become one of the best selling nameplates of the car industry. And it all began with the mk1 model. The first Baltazar to feature FWD and a torsion beam rear suspension, this car had the mission to replace the aging EP1 that established the brand back in 1947, while also catering to the demanding european buyers, slotting underneath the larger, more refined Quasar in the range.
1974 Quark 1500L in Avocado Green, US spec
It wasn’t originally designed for the North-American market, however the 1973 oil crisis created an opportunity for small, economical cars to sell in that market, which forced management to develop a plan for a trim capable with complying US regulations and tastes.
1974 Quark 1500E in Mokka Brown, US spec
The car was originally produced with 3 engine options, with 850 cc, 1100 cc and 1500 cc displacement. The last two were part of a brand-new engine family, designed specifically for this car, with key targets set on efficiency, refinement and ease of maintenance. The engines could be paired with one of 2 gearbox options, either a 4-speed manual gearbox or a 3-speed automatic, which could only be matched with the largest, 1500 cc, engine.
1975 Quark 850BS in Basic Beige, European model only
One year later, the world saw the introduction of the Quark GT. The 1500 cc four cylinder engine was heavily reworked, with the usage of side-draft double body carburettors and performance intakes, which pushed power up from 67 hp to 87 hp. The GT Quark came as standard with a 4-speed manual gearbox, with a 5-speed box as optional. Suspension was lowered and stiffened, brakes were readjusted and the interior had upgrades, with better body hugging seats supplied by Recaro and orange detailing around the instruments and on the seats.