FHL - Fenton Holdings Limited

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19

Well its been a month since my last design. Time to get this rolling again. First off, a bit of history.

1967:
A tumultuous year for the United States. Race riots rampaged across the nation as the civil rights movement hit its climax. Gender boundaries were smashed as more women joined the workforce and ran in the Boston Marathon for the first time ever, effecting anything but peaceful protest from traditionalists. NASA suffered a major setback on its goal to put men on the Moon before 1970 after Apollo 1 caught fire on the launch pad killing all three of its crew. And the Vietnam War raged on at its absolute worst with President Lyndon Johnson sending yet more troops into a war that was already lost. The turmoil struck C Fenton Trunt Company as well.

Apart from the strikes and riots, the company underwent a drastic reorganization to stave off anti-trust lawsuits over the diversity of its businesses. It began spinning off certain divisions (same as GM at the time) and restructured the hierarchy into a holding company scheme. C Fenton Trunt Company was renamed to its modern-day name, Fenton Holdings Limited, and the Fenton Motorcars division was forked into the Fenton Division and the Everette Division, giving more brand autonomy. The Machine and Tool Division was turned into subsidiary CFTool & Die; and its Repair and Parts Services division was turned into subsidiary Trunt Repair & Parts.

All this is just a long way of saying, this is why its now called FHL.

1968:

Murmurs and whispers in Detroit suggested Ford and GM were finally taking wind of the imports and were getting set to fight back. FHL’s own business analysts were taking note of the foothold that overseas makes like Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota, and Datsun were gaining. Thus, in order to stay competitive not just with the Big Three but also the imports, FHL set to work developing their own subcompact to be sold under the Everette brand. This was the origin of…

The 1971 Everette Twisp

The Twisp was FHL / Everette’s answer to the imports as well as the Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega, and AMC Gremlin. Same as AMC had done with the Gremlin, the Twisp was not a clean sheet design. This was because of FHL’s lack of the shear resources of Ford or GM coupled with the fact that they had just released the brand new S Body platform in 1968 at the beginning of the Twisp’s development. Instead, the new “T Body” was derived from FHL’s hugely successful E Body. It was essentially an E Body with about 23 cm (9 inches) cut out of the wheelbase. Most of the shortening came out of the front end in order to keep the passenger compartment roomy which created a problem for mounting a power plant; the Fenton straight-6 engine was too long to fit and a V8 engine was nowhere near economical enough as well as somewhat heavy and overpowered for such a small car. Because of the aforementioned monetary restrictions, developing a brand new engine was too risky of an endeavor and so Everette had to get creative.

The solution was to adapt an engine via literally hacking and slashing. One proposal was for an inline-4 derived from the straight-6 but the straight-6 was still in production so this would require new tooling. This was less preferable compared to the second option of creating a rather unconventional (and nearly unheard of in the US at the time) V6 engine from the old gen-1 4.0L (244 cubic inch) small block V8, which had been out of production for several years and its tooling sitting about unused. The second option was used and the Fenton 90’ V6 was born of an old 4.0L V8 with two cylinders chopped out. This engine would later prove invaluable :wink:.

The Twisp retained the E Body’s default FWD configuration but used struts in the front rather than double A-arms in order to save space and weight. It rode on 13-inch wheels and was FHL’s first car to use radial tires which helped significantly with handling and fuel economy. With the new 3.0L (183 cubic inch) V6 producing 112 hp and a 4 speed manual gearbox, the Twisp was able to achieve 24 MPG combined and 28 MPG highway, on par with the Chevy Vega and Ford Pinto and a damn sight better than other American cars of the era.

On the interior, the Twisp was spartan but roomy being able to reasonably seat four adults. It offered simple cloth seats, rubber floor mats, and zero frills plastic trim pieces which although austere was noted for being utilitarian and hard to ruin. The Twisp gained a good reputation as a commuter car and solid low dollar buy.

(1975 model seen here with the downsized 2.6L engine (159 cubic inch) due to US emissions regulations and the 1973 oil crisis)

The Twisp came in several unique colors:

  • Sunflower Yellow
  • Electric Lime
  • Firebird Orange

As well as FHL’s standard gloss red, white, and black. It was also notable as Everette’s first car to use the R / SR / GSR badging scheme. The base model was the Twisp R6 - for “Road, 6-cylinder” - and the upgraded trim was called the Twisp SR6 - for “Sport & Road, 6-cylinder” - which came with upgraded interior and a cammed 3.0L V6 which produced 136 hp. The final trim was the GSR6 - for “Grand Sport & Road, 6-cylinder” - which added the option roof / hood stripes and mag wheels as standard, and 4 wheel disc brakes (the default was front disc / rear drum).


(1975 refresh)

In its first two years, the Twisp was hugely successful and sold 412,000 units which prompted FHL and Everette the further invest in the car’s development. A pony car version called the TSR (Trans-american Sport & Road) was made for the 1973 model year that was RWD with sport tuned handling and features (more on this car some other time). The Twisp sold even better when the '73 oil crisis struck thanks to its fuel economy but even this wasn’t enough to stave off the coming storm.

US Federal emissions regulations mandated the use of catalytic converters in 1975 and the later CAFE regulations demanded fleet average fuel economy of 18 MPG by 1978. FHL and Everette had little choice but to comply which was unfortunate given that these mandates were somewhat at odds with each other. Catalytic converters required unleaded fuel which brought engine detuning and consequent drops in fuel economy. And thus began the steady detuning and downsizing fleet wide with not even the Twisp being spared. A smaller 2.6L V6 was developed for 1975 which replaced the 3.0L. The Twisp managed to maintain a 21 MPG combined with the biggest hit on the highway economy which dropped to 23 MPG. This was not enough though and an even smaller 2.4L (146 cubic inch) V6 replaced the 2.6L in the base model for 1977.


(1975 refresh)

Even despite the hits taken thanks to new regulations, the Twisp remained a popular model right up to its replacement in 1979, particularly in 1974 and 1975 where demand outstripped production. Its V6 engine was noted for being rough running and prone to electrical failures due to the vibration but this thralled in comparison to the issues faced by the Chevy Vega. While not often remembered fondly, it served its purpose as an economy car and in total, 2.38 million Twisps were made and is widly regarded as the reason FHL survived the 1970s.

Specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 2.39 m (94 in)
  • Length: 4.22 m (166.1 in)
  • Body style: 2 door coupe
  • Seats: 4
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
  • Engines: 3.0L V6 (6VA-E/P183), 2.6L V6 (6VA-E159), 2.4L V6 (6VA-E146)
  • Layout: longitudinal front engine, front wheel drive
  • Fuel economy: 9.8 L/100km (24 US mpg) 1971-1974, 11.2 L/100km (21 US mpg) 1975-1976, 10.7 L/100km (22 US mpg) 1977-1978

Engines

6VA-E183
R6: 1971 - 1974

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 87.5 mm (3.445 in) bore X 83 mm (3.268 in) stroke - 2994 cc - 182.7 cubic inches
  • 8.5:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 84.4 kW (113 hp) @ 4300 RPM
  • 227 Nm (167.4 lb-ft) @ 2600 RPM
  • 4800 RPM max

6VA-P183
SR / GSR6: 1971 - 1974

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 87.5 mm (3.445 in) bore X 83 mm (3.268 in) stroke - 2994 cc - 182.7 cubic inches
  • 8.5:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 102.4 kW (137 hp) @ 4600 RPM
  • 238.0 Nm (176 lb-ft) @ 2800 RPM
  • 5100 RPM max

6VA-E159
R6: 1975 - 1976
SR / GSR6: 1975 - 1978 (end production)

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 84 mm (3.307 in) bore X 78.5 mm (3.091 in) stroke - 2609 cc - 159.2 cubic inches
  • 7.1:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 61.2 kW (82 hp) @ 4500 RPM
  • 159 Nm (117 lb-ft) @ 2400 RPM
  • 5000 RPM max

6VA-E146
R6: 1977 - 1978

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 84 mm (3.307 in) bore X 72 mm (2.835 in) stroke - 2395 cc - 146.2 cubic inches
  • 7.1:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 56 kW (75 hp) @ 4400 RPM
  • 148 Nm (109 lb-ft) @ 2800 RPM
  • 5000 RPM max

Also, to help keep all of this stuff straight, I started building a timeline in Google Sheets

I will figure out all the 1960s stuff in due time but I wanted to challenge myself by making this little guy. Its easy to make cars when you have no care about anything but horsepower but making a saleable shitbox… that takes effort.

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20

1968 Everette Bellevue

While the Everette Ellston was well engineered to compete with other budget and small family cars of the day like the Chevy II and Plymouth Valiant, it was limited in profitability and appeal to broader markets. The buying trends of mid 1960s America revolved around “bigger is better” and with the muscle car craze brought on by the Pontiac GTO, Fenton and Everette were unfit to fully compete. In late 1964 after the smashing success of the aforementioned GTO, Fenton began work on a new mid to large size platform for a line of premium / luxury sedans and muscle cars. The first of the new “S bodies” to debut was the 1968 Everette Bellevue, an upmarket family sedan coming to market in late 1967 and aimed at buyers who would otherwise go for a Pontiac Tempest or Dodge Coronet.

The Bellevue base “Executive” trim came with Fenton’s big block 5.5L (335 cid) V8 producing 213 HP, dual exhausts, rear wheel drive, 3-speed automatic gearbox, 5 seats, and a enough trunk space for a Mafia outfit. In order to appeal to more than just typical family buyers, it also came in an upgraded “Premier” trim which featured the new and larger 6.1L (370 cid) V8, 15 inch mag wheels, larger brakes, and heavy duty suspension.

The Bellevue’s sporty looks and premium interior at a fair price point gained it instant success. Drivers and critics applauded its ample but not absurd power, its leather seats and vinyl leather door panels, smooth engine, and effortless power steering. The Bellevue was also offered with optional air conditioning, AM radio or premium AM / FM radio, limited slip differential, and 4-speed manual gearbox. The “Premier” trim came with special “Premier” badged interior with additional accents and front bucket seats rather than the standard bench with fold-down center armrest.

In addition to its interior and driving options, the Bellevue also featured some of the latest in safety technology such as collapsing steering column, padded dashboard, and standard rear view, driver, and passenger side mirrors, and over-axle fuel tank.

Being part of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Bellevue naturally participated in the “horsepower wars.” The 1969 model year brought the 6.1L (370 cid) engine as an option to the base trim and the “Premier” trim gained an even larger 6.5L (397 cid) V8 as an option. The 1972 model year brought a larger still 6.7L (407 cid) V8 as the optional engine for the “Premier”. The 1973 oil crisis brought an end to the runaway engine displacements however and also put a major damper on sales of the Bellevue. Originally slated for replacement after the 1976 model year, the diminished sales and government mandates lead to its rushed and premature replacement by an updated platform after the 1974 model year.

Right up until the trouble caused by OPEC, however, the Bellevue was a great hit as mentioned before. Its first year it sold 141,000 units and produced 187,000 on average in 1969 through 1972. After this, its sales figures slumped enormously down to 102,000 in 1973 and just 61,000 in 1974.

Although the 2-door Everette Special is more desirable, the Bellevue is now a collectible, particularly 1969, 70, 71 Premier makes with the optional 6.5L (397 cid) V8 since these were the only three years in which this variant of the Fenton big block V8 was ever produced. They are popularly converted to pro-touring classics, sleepers, and gasser drag cars or simply restored to factory-original condition. As with its competitors, it is now part of the legend of 1960s American muscle.

Specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 2.87 m (113 in)
  • Length: 5.0 m (196.9 in)
  • Body style: 4 door sedan
  • Seats: Executive; 6, Premier; 5
  • Transmission: 3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual
  • Engines: 5.5L V8 (8VB-E335), 6.1L V8 (8VB-E70), 6.5L V8 (8VB-E397), 6.7L V8 (8VB-E407)
  • Layout: longitudinal front engine, rear wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph time: 8.1 s ('72 Premier with 407 V8 and manual gearbox)
  • Quarter Mile: 16.02 s ('72 Premier with 407 V8 and manual gearbox)
  • Fuel Economy: nope.
    • Okay actually though: ~24 L/100km (9.5ish US mpg)

Engines

8VB-E335
Executive: 1968 - 1974 (end production)

  • All cast iron, forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 99 mm (3.898 in) bore X 89.3 mm (3.516 in) stroke - 5497 cc - 335.4 cubic inches
  • 9.0:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 158.8 kW (213 hp) @ 3900 RPM
  • 418 Nm (309 lb-ft) @ 2500 RPM
  • 4300 RPM max

8VB-E370
Executive option: 1969 - 1974 (end production)
Premier: 1968 - 1974 (end production)

  • All cast iron, forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 99 mm (3.898 in) bore X 98.5 mm (3.878 in) stroke - 6063 cc - 370 cubic inches
  • 9.0:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 182.4 kW (245 hp) @ 4000 RPM
  • 466.5 Nm (344 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM
  • 4500 RPM max

8VB-E397
Premier (option): 1969 - 1971

  • All cast iron, forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 102.5 mm (4.035 in) bore X 98.5 mm (3.878 in) stroke - 6502 cc - 396.8 cubic inches
  • 9.0:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 196.1 kW (263 hp) @ 4000 RPM
  • 502.4 Nm (371 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM
  • 4500 RPM max

8VB-E407
Premier (option): 1972 - 1974 (end production)

  • All cast iron, forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 102.5 mm (4.035 in) bore X 101 mm (3.976 in) stroke - 6667 cc - 406.8 cubic inches
  • 9.0:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 204.2 kW (274 hp) @ 4100 RPM
  • 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) @ 3100 RPM
  • 4500 RPM max
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21

1968 Fenton GT


('68 GT275)

Muscle cars, GTs, personal luxury, and outright excess was the name of the game in the 1960s and the Fenton GT was no exception. With such a market voracity for performance and comfort, it had no trouble finding buyers and the only logical move was to make it more powerful and more comfortable which is exactly what FHL did. A third generation was in development by 1963 and started with the engine since the aging Fenton small block V8 had reached the limits of its design without a major refresh.

The engineers began developing a new V8 largely based on the original small block design but a decreased deck height along with revised water jacket and crankcase allowed for a larger bore spacing and stroke with virtually no effect on the exterior dimensions. The new V8 also made weight reduction a priority and made extensive use of stamped and forged parts rather than cast as well as aluminium cylinder heads. Initially the engine was produced in two displacements - a 4.1L (250 cubic inches) and a 4.5L (275 cubic inches).


('68 GT275)

The platform itself also underwent a number of changes. The hoodline was extended and tail length increased to give the car more presence. Concordant, the bodywork was changed to be fully aluminium though the chassis itself remained to be steel. In addition - though the basic configuration remained the same - the suspension was fitted with an air ride self leveling system and the front was fitted with a sway bar to decrease body roll and oversteer. And for the first time ever, the Fenton GT seated more than 2 and gained a 2+2 seating arrangement.

Styling was also heavily updated. Though basic elements such as quintessential Fenton tripartite grill were retained, a fast sweeping look was adopted reminiscent of a fighter aircraft. FHL also made a point of updating the styling regularly throughout the model’s run to keep it on the edge.


('68 GT275)

The 3rd generation GT initially came in two variants. The GT250 had the 4.1L (250 cid) V8 and featured a luxurious white or red leather interior with AM/FM radio, power steering, 4-speed manual transmission, 15 inch mag wheels, and all around disc brakes. The upgraded GT275 model had the 4.5L (275 cid) V8 and featured and handcrafted wooden trimmed interior with specially embroidered seats and GT275 badging; it also included air conditioning as well as a limited slip differential. A 3-speed automatic transmission was an option for both makes.

Colors included:

  • Candy Gloss Red
  • Silver Moon
  • Midnight Metallic
  • Cream White
  • Ornamental Evergreen

The GT’s expense made it up market buy without exception but then it always was. In the late 1960s though, it fared well being positioned as a sporty, nimble alternative to the land yachts that dominated the luxury market such as the Lincoln Continental or Chrysler Imperial. Same as the similarly positioned Mercury Cougar or Oldsmobile 442, it was not a volume car and only moved around 10,500 units a year on average through its entire production run.

1970



('70 GT292)

In order to keep the GT in people’s minds, it’s styling and feature set was gradually updated throughout its run. In 1970, at the height of the muscle car craze, Fenton released new a variant with the V8 enlarged to 4.8L (292 cubic inches). The styling also acquired a more square look. The 4.5L V8 was also upgraded with a dual 4-barrel carburetor setup called the “DualQuad” in the pursuit of more power.

Being the new top of the line, the GT292 came an 8-track player and also had an optional 5-speed manual transmission.

1972



('72 GT275)

In keeping with the times, the styling slowing evolved to be more square. The GT was also not spared the excessive chrome bumpers of the 1970s in part due to new safety regulations mandating 5 mph crash bumpers. Updates to the engines delivered yet more power but more notably was the switch over to radial tires. The GT became Fenton’s second car, after the Twisp, to use radial tires. The new tires handled differently but also much better. This allowed the wheels to be upgraded to 16 inch while the overal tire size remained the same and the larger wheels allowed the brakes to be enlarged which improved braking performance.

The 1973 oil crisis alongside mandated catalytic converted for the 1975 model year brought Fenton’s incremental styling updates to a screeching halt however as they concentrated on compliance and fleet fuel economy. Sales dropped due to newfound concerns over fuel economy but the GT’s position in the market spared it the worst of the crisis and production continued without plan for replacement.

1975



('75 GT250)

1975 marked the last major styling update before the late 1970s happened.

Emissions regulations were a major hit to the GT’s performance. In an attempt to compensate, Fenton dropped the 4-speed manual in favor of the 5-speed but this did little. Regardless, as the oil shock from 1973 died down, sales rose. This was shortlived however. Although the GT’s low volume made it far less of a target for fleet detuning in order to meet CAFE regulations, the 1979 energy crisis again tanked interest in V8s and gas guzzlers.

The oil shock caused Fenton to drop the 4.8L V8 from the line for the 1980 model year but this was futile. Fenton’s preoccupation with more pressing matters meant the GT3 had overstayed its welcome in the market place and the GT3 ceased production after the 1980 model year without replacement. Fenton would later go on to revive the GT nameplate in 1990 but more pressing matters were at hand.

In retrospect the car was ultimately success and many lamented the (temporary) end of the GT line. But it was also the end of an era and the 137,000 GT3s produced remain a testament to the 1960s mystique of American muscle.

Specifications

  • Wheelbase: 2.46 m (97 in)
  • Length: 4.34 m (170.9 in)
  • Body style: 2 door coupe
  • Seats: 4 (2+2)
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
  • Engines: 4.1L V8 (8VAB-P250), 4.5L V8 (8VAB-P275), 4.8L V8 (8VAB-P292)
  • Layout: longitudinal front engine, rear wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph time: 7.0 s ('72 GT292 and 5-speed manual)
  • Top Speed: 215 km/hr (134 mph)
  • Fuel Economy: nope
    • Fine… 20.5 L/100km (11.5 US mpg) for '72 GT250

Engines

8VAB-P250
1968 - 1980

  • Cast iron block; aluminium heads; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 93 mm (3.661 in) bore X 75.5 mm (2.972 in) stroke - 4101 cc - 250.3 cubic inches
  • Compression:
    • 9.2:1 compression (1968 - 1974)
    • 7.7:1 compression (1975 - 1980)
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • Power:
    • 145.5 kW (195 hp) @ 4500 RPM (1968 - 1974)
    • 118.8 kW (159 hp) @ 4900 RPM (1975 - 1980)
  • Torque:
    • 337 Nm (249 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1968 -1974)
    • 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1975 - 1980)
  • 5000 RPM max (1968 - 1974); 5400 RPM (1975 - 1980)

8VAB-P275
1968 - 1980

  • Cast iron block; aluminium heads; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 93 mm (3.661 in) bore X 82.8 mm (3.260 in) stroke - 4497 cc - 274.4 cubic inches
  • Compression:
    • 9.6:1 compression (1968 - 1974)
    • 8.0:1 compression (1975 - 1980)
  • Fuel System:
    • 4 barrel carburetor (1968 - 1969)
    • 2 X 4 barrel carburetor (1970 - 1980)
  • Power:
    • 156 kW (209 hp) @ 4500 RPM (1968 - 1969)
    • 167.9 kW (225 hp) @ 4500 RPM (1970 - 1974)
    • 137 kW (184 hp) @ 4900 RPM (1975 - 1980)
  • Torque:
    • 371 Nm (274 lb-ft) @ 2800 RPM (1968 -1969)
    • 379 Nm (280 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1970 -1974)
    • 309 Nm (228lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1975 - 1980)
  • 5000 RPM max (1968 - 1974); 5200 RPM (1975 - 1980)

8VAB-P292
1970 - 1979

  • Cast iron block; aluminium heads; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 93 mm (3.661 in) bore X 88 mm (2.972 in) stroke - 4782 cc - 291.8 cubic inches
  • Compression:
    • 9.6:1 compression (1970 - 1974)
    • 8.0:1 compression (1975 - 1979)
  • 2 X 4 barrel carburetor
  • Power:
    • 178.8 kW (240 hp) @ 4600 RPM (1970 - 1974)
    • 144.4 kW (194 hp) @ 4900 RPM (1975 - 1979)
  • Torque:
    • 404 Nm (249 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1970 -1974)
    • 329 Nm (243 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1975 - 1979)
  • 5200 RPM max
7 Likes
22

Nice, the back half reminds me of a fancier Shelby GT500

1 Like
23

I hadn’t noticed myself but now that you say that, I can’t unsee it :smile:.

Come to think it of it, it must have something to do with my main influences and references for era correct styling while I was building this car being Ford Lincoln Mercury cars. Specifically the Cougar, Continental, and Galaxie / LTD. Some Buick and some Chrysler got in there as well but mostly just Ford brands.

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24

The 1969 Fenton LE

Nine months after FHL released the Everette Bellevue, a newcomer for the Fenton brand followed suit – the 1969 Fenton “Luxury Executive” car, abbreviated to “LE”. Fenton used the 1968 Everette Bellevue as a way to sort out the bugs in their new platform and once they were confident, the LE came to market determined to give the Oldsmobile Cutlass, Cadillac Eldorado, and Lincoln Mark III a run for their money.

Initially two trims were produced. The base trim offered the same 6.1L (370 cid) V8 that was optional on the Bellevue but unlike the Bellevue came with a much more refined interior and a trailing link rear suspension instead of the Bellevue’s solid axle thus giving the LE a fully independent suspension. The LE was also an exclusively 2-door model; it was never produced as a 4-door sedan.

The upgraded “Grand Luxury” or GL trim came with a with high performance version of the 6.5L (397 cid) V8 producing 307 hp and came standard with AM/FM radio, air conditioning, and even power windows. The standard transmission on both of the original trims was FHL’s Slipstream 3-speed automatic.

Being that he was now at the ripe old age of 70, the man himself, Charles Fenton Trunt, had announced his official retirement in early 1968 at the end of 1969. None other than Everette Haverford was named as his successor in the position of CEO. After his retirement was announced, Fenton was unaware that a third trim for the LE began development. Initially proposed by lead engineer Bill Waterson and backed by soon-to-be CEO Everette Haverford, a sport-tuned variant was conceived as an annual limited production model, the first of which would be a gift to Fenton in gratitude for his years of service to the company. The “Grand Sport” or “GS” trim debuted 7 June 1969, Fenton’s 70th birthday. (Trivia: There have been many false claims to it but the LE 397GS originally owned by Fenton himself is now in the possession of Jay Leno, officially confirmed by its chassis code S1FG-C6905-0001, which breaks down to S Body, Rev1, Fenton brand, GS designator, Lansing C Plant, 1969 May, S/N 1)

The GS was essentially the same as the GL, sharing an engine and most of its interior, but many of the standard features of the GL were made optional in order to save weight. In addition, the GS’s suspension was lowered and stiffened up for better handling as well as gaining a transmission not seen standard on any other FHL car until the late 1970s, a 5-speed manual, geared such and marketed as a “4 speed with overdrive”. Further goodies included Hurst floor shifter, ram-air hood scoop, and a special two-tone paint scheme with roof and trunk stripes. It also had improved aerodynamics and offered an optional limited-slip differential.

The car was no doubt expensive whichever trim was selected. But even despite this, it had no trouble hitting the sales figures originally intended for the troubled Fenton SE that proceeded it. The first year of availability, the LE sold 19,000 units not including the limited run of 1,999 publicly available GS trims, every one of which was snatched up by the public. The following year, 1970, the LE pushed 25,200 units, again not including the 2000 GS trims. After this, production of the standard trims continued steadily at about 27,000 units per year. The first year of surplus for the GS model was 1973 and its probably obvious why. Like the Bellevue, sales figures dropped off at an unhealthy rate after the 1973 Oil Crisis, but not nearly as badly as its sibling most likely due to its status as a luxury make. Production of the LE continued for 18 months longer than Bellevue, ultimately terminating midway through 1976, in part due to its profitability and again as a way of working out the bugs with its replacement which similarly shared a platform with an Everette make.

Also like its sibling, the LE was a willing participant in the horsepower wars. The 1970 model year brought 6.5L (397 cid) V8 as standard for the base trim and the 6.7L (407 cid) V8 became standard for the GL trim and optional for the GS. The 6.7L V8 ultimately became standard for all LE trims in 1971 with options on fuel systems instead. The LE’s wanton pursuit of bigger numbers however was like all other makes at the time, curtailed and reigned back in by energy crises and government regulation. The 1975 model year showed seriously impacted figures for the 407’s performance.

Apart from its luxury and performance, the LE was unusually committed to safety. This was brought in in part by Ralph Nader’s mention of the Everette Ellston as a car quintessentially unsafe for its occupants in his book Unsafe at Any Speed, very much due to its early, simplistic unibody construction which eschewed the frame in the center of the vehicle entirely causing it crumple horribly in crashes. While the book did not discredit the Ellston to near the same extent as the Corvair – and thus the Ellston remained a market boomer – FHL fought bad publicity over it nonetheless and made a commitment to safety going forward in order to nip it in the bud. The LE featured 3-point seat belts, bucket seats with head restraints, collapsing steering column, over-axle fuel tank with side filler, padded dashboard, driver / passenger / and rear view mirror, front and rear side markers, and strengthened center section.

The LE is now a coveted classic, like the Bellevue. It is part of the legend of American muscle and unlike many of its competitors, is remembered as one of the most safe and sane cars of its day. This is not to say that everything about the car was great however, such as its fuel economy which was atrocious at best. Its supreme luxury meant it was also an expensive car to upkeep. And finding one today with all its bells and whistles still working is nothing short of an act of god.

Regardless, its performance, style, and rarity are key attributes in its appeal and a fully restored GS trim in particular can fetch an $80,000 sale price without breaking a sweat and even more at auction.

Specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 2.87 m (113 in)
  • Length: 5.03 m (198 in)
  • Body style: 2 door coupe
  • Seats: 4
  • Transmission: 3-speed automatic, 5-speed manual (GS trim only)
  • Engines: 6.1L V8 (8VB-E370), 6.5L V8 (8VB-E/P397). 6.7L V8 (8VB-E/P407)
  • Layout: longitudinal front engine, rear wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph time: 7.39 s ('69 GS w/ limited slip and manual gearbox)
  • Quarter mile: 15.55 s ('69 GS w/ limited slip and manual gearbox)
  • Fuel Economy: Oh god. Pls no!
    • 27 L/100km (8.7 US mpg) - '69 GL trim (though the others aren’t much better)

Engines

8VB-E370
Base trim: 1969

  • All case iron; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 99 mm (3.898 in) bore X 98.5 mm (3.878 in) stroke - 6063 cc - 370 cubic inches
  • 9.0:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 182.4 kW (245 hp) @ 4000 RPM
  • 466.5 Nm (344 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM
  • 4500 RPM max

8VB-E397
Base trim: 1970

  • All case iron; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 102.5 mm (4.035 in) bore X 98.5 mm (3.878 in) stroke - 6063 cc - 370 cubic inches
  • 9.0:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 196.1 kW (263 hp) @ 4000 RPM
  • 502.4 Nm (344 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM
  • 4500 RPM max

8VB-P397
GS: 1969-1970
GL: 1969

  • All case iron; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 102.5 mm (4.035 in) bore X 98.5 mm (3.878 in) stroke - 6063 cc - 370 cubic inches
  • 9.6:1 compression
  • 2 X 4 barrel carburetor
  • 228.9 kW (307 hp) @ 4300 RPM
  • 550.2 Nm (406 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM
  • 4700 RPM max

8VB-E407
Base trim: 1971 - 1976 (end production)

  • All case iron; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 102.5 mm (4.035 in) bore X 101 mm (3.976 in) stroke - 6667 cc - 406.8 cubic inches
  • Compression:
    • 9.0:1 (1971 - 1974)
    • 7.4:1 (1975- 1976)
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • Power:
    • 204.2 kW (274 hp) @ 4000 RPM (1971 - 1974)
    • 163.4 kW (219 hp) @ 4300 RPM (1975 - 1976)
  • Torque:
    • 502.4 Nm (344 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1971 - 1974)
    • 414.5 Nm (306 lb-ft) @ 2300 RPM (1975 - 1976)
  • 4500 RPM max

8VB-P407
GS / GL: 1970 - 1976 (end production; optional on the GS in 1970)

  • All case iron; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 102.5 mm (4.035 in) bore X 101 mm (3.976 in) stroke - 6667 cc - 406.8 cubic inches
  • Compression:
    • 9.6:1 (1970 - 1974)
    • 7.9:1 (1975 - 1976)
  • 2 X 4 barrel carburetor
  • Power:
    • 233.8 kW (314 hp) @ 4300 RPM (1971 - 1974)
    • 186.4 kW (250 hp) @ 4500 RPM (1975 - 1976)
  • Torque:
    • 564.9 Nm (417 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1971 - 1974)
    • 452.8 Nm (334 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM (1975 - 1976)
  • 4700 RPM max
13 Likes
25

The 1968 Everette Ellston

By the late 1960s, the Ellston had become a dated design both stylistically and technologically and warranted replacement. Not only this, but the early marks had made Ralph Nader’s shit-list in Unsafe At Any Speed for a tendency to turn into paper balls in collisions. While the buying public had not seemed to care tremendously, it nonetheless contributed to slumping interest in nameplate. Furthermore, the arrival of such makes as the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda vitalized if not induced the public’s interest in sportier models, something the Ellston really was not. Consequently, the 2nd generation Ellston initially set out to be a pony car killer even despite it retaining its predecesor’s front wheel drive and basic sedan body style.

To do this, the straight-6 engine was pushed to its absolute limit of 2.7L (165 cubic inches) and given an aggressive cam, high compression pistons, and a 4-barrel carburetor. This allowed it to produce a respectable 146 hp which made the 1968 Ellston peppy if not necessarily fast. The 1968 models were initially offered also with surplus stock 4.3L (263 cid) Fenton small-block V8s while a V8 option based on the new small block design was in the works. Due to gasket and oil consumption issues thanks to the aluminium head on the 2nd gen V8, a cast iron head was being developed for use in FHL’s lower end makes.

Initially the trim offerings were the same as the previous generation, minus the coupe model since the Special had been moved into its own line. The 1968 Ellston came as either a 4-door sedan called the “Standard” or a 5-door wagon called the “Custom”. Colors included were:

  • Cream White
  • Candy Gloss Red
  • Sunshine Yellow
  • Olive Green
  • Desert Brown

Initially, the 1968 Ellston was more upgraded on the interior than its predecessor, offering standard AM/FM radio, cloth and leather trimmed finish, padded carpet, and bucket seats for the front passengers. This was part of its strategy to move it more up market and take on the pony cars. This strategy arguably backfired, though as the 2nd generation Ellston sold in lesser quantities than either its ancestor or other similar makes - only about 59,000 units the first and second year. The car barely broke even on its production costs and seemed to be trying for a role it was rather unsuited to fulfill. FHL had even considered canceling the line to focus exclusively on its larger makes such as the Bellevue, LE, and ZL.

(1973 styling refresh)

By 1971, FHL had realized the model’s deficiencies and repositioned it in their lineup with a number of changes. For the 1972 model year, the straight-6 engine was dropped and replaced with the V6 engine from its sibling the Twisp. This only marginally impacted the model’s performance while simultaneously boosted its fuel economy drastically and dropped production costs by a significant margin. In addition, an odd case of reversal on feature set occurred where the standard features, like the FM radio, became optional and many of the finer finishes of the car were reserved only to the upper trim Custom station wagon model. Sales figures for 1972 improved noticeably to 76,000 units.

The arrival of even more small makes on the market, like the Chevy Vega, AMC Gremlin, and Ford Pinto, prompted further revisions to the Ellston. In particular, foreign imports were growing as an expanding number of US buyers sought more fuel efficient and smaller models. The Ellston, being a smaller model, was well-suited to compete in such markets; after all, its ancestors used to own this market. For 1973, the styling was brought up to date but the car also received radial tires, a more refined 3.2L V6 engine, and a complete safety overhaul which allowed it to be marketed as one of the safest AND most fuel efficient makes around. Whether or not this is really what prompted its success is moot since the 1973 oil crisis left Americans scrambling for fuel efficiency. In 1973, the 2nd gen Ellston hit record sales of 114,000 units and sales figures for 1974 reached 194,000 with demand in fact outstripping production. Once the initial shock died down, sales naturally dropped but remained well above 100,000 for the remainder of its run until its final year 1977 when it finally dropped to 93,000.

The 1973 model year also brought Everette’s new designation scheme to the Ellston. The “Standard” trim was instead badged as the R trim followed by the cylinder count of its engine. Upgrade packages include the “Sport” package – designated the SR trim – which brought 4-point disk brakes as opposed to the base model’s front disks and drum rears, as well as improved interior; and the “Grand Sport” package – designated the GSR trim – which brought suspension improvements for better handling, as well as dual exhausts, and 15 inch alloy wheels. The “Custom” trim was renamed the E trim (short for “Estate”) and offered the same sort of upgrades as the R trim, thus giving the model the trim designations R / SR / GSR or E / SE / GSE.

Despite its focus on economy, the 2nd generation Ellston was nonetheless the target of harsh regulations on emissions, fuel economy, and safety. While its commitment to safety made this aspect much less of a concern, the requirements for unleaded fuel and catalytic converters heavily taxed the Ellston’s performance and late models struggled to even maintain the early models’ economy figures. The Ellston received gross detuning of its engines in the 1975 through 1977.

(1976 styling refresh seen here on a GSE8 wagon)

Most ultimately agree that the decision not to cancel the Ellston early in its run was prudent and crucial to FHL’s survival. Their larger models ultimately tanked in demand during the mid to late 1970s with the energy crises. The Ellston, while not even close to the most luxurious or even memorable model, was essential for FHL’s bottom line despite initial teething problems.

The rough start of the Ellston proved a valuable lesson it itself as well. Simple though crucial, it was obvious that you cannot be something you were never designed to be.

Specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 2.69 m (106 in)
  • Length: 4.62 m (182 in)
  • Body style: 4 door sedan, 5 door wagon
  • Seats: 5
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
  • Engines: 2.7L straight-6 (6LA-P165), 3.0L V6 (6VA-E183), 3.2L V6 (6VA-E196), 4.3L V8 (8VA-E263), 4.1L V8 (8VAB-E250)
  • Layout: longitudinal front engine, front wheel drive
  • Fuel economy: 16.8 L/100km (14 US mpg) - 1968 Ellston with 2.7L straight-6; 11.94 L/100km (19.7 US mpg) - 1973 Ellston with 3.2L V6

Engines

6LA-P165
(1968 - 1971)

  • All cast iron; forged internals
  • Direct acting OHC; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 80 mm (3.150 in) bore X 89.5 mm (3.524 in) stroke - 2699 cc - 164.7 cubic inches
  • 9.2:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 108.6 kW (146 hp) @ 5500 RPM
  • 215.7 Nm (159 lb-ft) @ 2700 RPM
  • 5900 RPM max

6VA-E183
(1972)

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 87.5 mm (3.445 in) bore X 83 mm (3.268 in) stroke - 2994 cc- 182.7 cubic inches
  • 8.5:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 84.4 kW (113 hp) @ 4300 RPM
  • 227 Nm (167.4 lb-ft) @ 2600 RPM
  • 4800 RPM max

6VA-E196
(1973 - 1977)

  • All cast iron; cast internals with forged pistons
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 90 mm (3.543 in) bore X 84.4 mm (3.323 in) stroke - 3922 cc - 196.6 cubic inches
  • Compression
    • 8.9:1 (1973 - 1974)
    • 8.4:1 (1975 - 1977)
  • Power
    • 98.2 kW (132 hp) @ 4600 RPM (1973 - 1974)
    • 82.8 kW (111 hp) @ 4600 RPM (1975 - 1977)
  • Torque
    • 250.3 Nm (185 lb-ft) @ 2600 RPM (1973 - 1974)
    • 205.7 (152 lb-ft) @ 2400 RPM (1975 - 1977)
  • 5000 RPM max

8VA-E263
(1968)

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 90 mm (3.543 in) bore X 84.4 mm (3.323 in) stroke - 4295 cc - 262.1 cubic inches
  • 7.2:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 117.2 kW (157 hp) @ 4100 RPM
  • 301.6 Nm (222 lb-ft) @ 2300 RPM
  • 4500 RPM max

8VAB-E250
(1969-1977)

  • All cast iron; forged rods and pistons
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 93 mm (3.661 in) bore X 75.5 mm (2.972 in) stroke - 4101 cc - 250.3 cubic inches
  • Compression:
    • 8.5:1 (1969 - 1974)
    • 7.2:1 (1975 - 1977)
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • Power
    • 127 kW (170 hp) @ 4500 RPM (1969 - 1974)
    • 95.5 kW (128 hp) @ 4600 RPM (1975 - 1977)
  • Torque
    • 312.0 Nm (230 lb-ft) @ 2300 RPM (1969 - 1974)
    • 251.8 Nm (186 lb-ft) @ 2400 RPM (1975 - 1977)
  • 4800 RPM max (1969 - 1974); 5000 RPM max (1975 - 1977)

Did all this while rather intoxicated so please let me know if stuff doesn’t make sense. Beer is good but it also makes it hard to think.

10 Likes
26

The 1975 Everette Bellevue

After the 1973 Oil Crisis tanked demand in the first generation S body cars, like the Bellevue, FHL made the decision to fast track the platform’s replacement. While the platform was in development at the time, the rush job that followed (as the 2nd generation was originally intended for the 1977 model year) resulted in some of the most legendarily bad cars in FHL’s history. The first marks of the 2nd gen Bellevue went on sale in March of 1975, 14 months ahead of schedule.

The time crunch resulted in a largely copied design from the original S body platform; that is – front engine, rear wheel drive, solid rear axle with double A arms in front, and not just similar but identical wheelbase. In fact whole sections of the chassis sheet metal were basically copied on the new platform. Where the new platform differed was in the details, such as cutting length out of the hood to allow for a larger passenger compartment, lighter weight construction using plastics wherever possible, and thicker pillars and stiffened frame rails to improve safety. The decision to fast track came after a rather large bit of preliminary safety research meaning that although little else changed, safer design was a priority even amidst the hacking and slashing to get the new platform off the ground. The second gen S body platform incorporated early crash box design, improved rollover protection, and had several standard safety features not seen on many makes until the 80s such as lap-sash belts for everyone except the rear middle passenger (who still had a lap belt), bucket seats in front, fog lamps, and optional 4-wheel disk brakes.

(1975 model)

Still, this did not change the limited tool set that FHL had to work with for making the new S body a more fuel efficient car. At the time, FHL was producing two flavors of V8, both woefully inefficient OHV designs and a V6 that, while efficient (despite being OHV), was simply not powerful to enough to lug around a near 2 tonne car. FHL ultimately decided to replace the 5.5L (335 cubic inch) base big block V8 with a 4.8L (292 cubic inch) small block V8 retrofitted with an a iron head. The 335 V8 was retained as the optional top trim engine. The results were predictable and the fuel economy gains for the 1975 and 1976 Bellevues were virtually nonexistent. On a good day with all the planets aligned, they might see 11 MPG, not helped by performance-robbing emissions control and detuning in order to use unleaded fuel.

This was yet further not helped by the rush job leading to a variety of issues on the 1975 and 1976 Bellevues such as shoddy wiring, rusting problems, poor interior fit and finish, and poor ergonomics due to little design review. Although sales were improved over 1974, this had more to do with the shock from the Oil Crisis dying down and less to do with any intrinsic benefits of the new models. '75 and '76 Bellevues were well known to be slothlike slow and built like Chinese gift bag toys.

(1978 model)

After the Fenton LE terminated production in 1976, the big block V8 option went away entirely and again the engine was downsized. While interest in larger cars had perked up, the recently passed CAFE regulations threatened to reign down heavy fines for automakers not delivering better fuel economy before 1980. The 4.8L (292 cubic inch) V8 was dropped in favor of the 4.1L and 4.5L (250 / 275 cubic inch) V8s instead, with the smaller one naturally being the base engine. This did improve fuel economy marginally, but was not the leaps and bounds needed to make the Bellevue a real bread winner. As a result, FHL began developing a new V6 engine based on their 90 degree V6 then in production, except this new one had overhead cams and fuel injection. But before this could come to market – which took years – FHL concentrated on resolving the legendarily bad build quality of the early S bodies.

For 1978, FHL went back to the drawing board on the interior with two priorities - 1) make it work / fit / feel / operate better and 2) keep it light. The redesigned interior got much better reviews and reception than the previous model years and was noted for being indeed of better quality than many other similar makes. it also offered different colors (which the first revision had not) namely white, red, and brown. The exterior of the car also received a refresh, not just for build quality issues but also to keep up with the times stylistically. Colors on the car throughout its run included:

  • Bronze
  • Sunshine Yellow
  • Olive Green
  • Cobalt blue

And even despite these revisions, the car did come out lighter and thus with improved economy.

The big year for the Bellevue was 1979 however, when it gained the aforementioned V6 engine. The new V6 was of a nearly identical 3.2L displacement as the V6 that preceded it, but with the overhead cam design and fuel injection, as well as the new three-way catalytic converters, it produced much more power, about 135 hp in its first revision. This, coupled with a similarly new 4-speed automatic transmission finally got the Bellevue’s MPG figures into the 20s for cruising and a somewhat low but nonetheless significantly improved 15 MPG combined. When the energy crisis hit that year, families who needed a larger car but also couldn’t cope with thirsty V8s increasingly bought Everette Bellevues and the cars sales perked up noticeably.

Production of the second generation Bellevue continued until it was replaced in 1983. Even despite the improvements made by the 1978 and later models, which by most contemporary accounts were actually very good cars, it is as the old saying goes - you only make a first impression once. The Bellevue nameplate was miserably tainted by the early model years being so abysmal. Thus, although the car lived on in spirit, the nameplate did not.

Specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 2.87 m (113 in)
  • Length: 4.8 m (189 in)
  • Body style: 4 door sedan
  • Seats: 5
  • Transmission: 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
  • Engines: 5.5L V8 (8VB-E335), 4.8L V8 (8VAB-E292), 4.5L V8 (8VAB-E275), 4.1L V8 (8VAB-E250), 3.2L V6 (6VAB-W32J)
  • Layout: longitudinal front engine, rear wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph:
    • 11.7 seconds - 1975 model with 4.8L V8
    • 10.6 seconds - 1979 model with 3.2L V6
  • Fuel Economy:
    • 15.8 L/100km (15 US mpg) - 1979 model with 3.2L V6
    • 21 L/100km (11 US mpg) - 1975 model with 4.8L V8

Engines

8VB-E335
1975 - 1976 (optional)

  • All cast iron; forged internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 99 mm (3.898 in) bore X 89.3 mm (3.516 in) stroke - 5497 cc - 335.4 cubic inches
  • 7.4:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 132.7 kW (177 hp) @ 4300 RPM
  • 338.1 Nm (249 lb-ft) @ 4300 RPM
  • 4700 RPM max

8VAB-E292
1975 - 1976 (base engine)

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 93 mm (3.661 in) bore X 88 mm (3.465 in) stroke - 4782 cc - 291.8 cubic inches
  • 7.2:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 118.2 kW (158 hp) @ 4500 RPM
  • 290.7 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 2400 RPM
  • 4800 RPM max

8VAB-E275 (Pre 1979) – 8VAB-W45J (1979-)
1977 - 1982 (optional)

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 93 mm (3.661 in) bore X 82.8 mm (3.256 in) stroke - 4497 cc - 274.4 cubic inches
  • Compression
    • 7.2:1 (1977 - 1978)
    • 7.3:1 (1978 - 1982)
  • Fuel system:
    • 4 barrel carburetor (1977 - 1978)
    • Throttle body fuel injection (1979-)
  • Power
    • 108.7 kW (146 hp) @ 4600 RPM (1977 - 1978)
    • 128.2 kW (172 hp) @ 4800 RPM (1979-)
  • Torque
    • 275.4 Nm (203 lb-ft) @ 2300 RPM (1977 - 1978)
    • 306.9 Nm (226 lb-ft) @ 2400 RPM (1979-)
  • 5000 RPM max (1977 - 1978); 5200 RPM (1979-)

8VAB-E250
1977 - 1978 (base engine)

  • All cast iron; cast internals
  • Cam in block OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 93 mm (3.661 in) bore X 75.5 mm (2.972 in) stroke - 4103 cc - 250.4 cubic inches
  • 7.2:1 compression
  • 4 barrel carburetor
  • 95.5 kW (128 hp) @ 4600 RPM
  • 251.8 Nm (186 lb-ft) @ 2400 RPM
  • 5000 RPM max

6VAB-W32J
1979 - 1982 (base engine)

  • All cast iron; cast internals w/ hypereutectic pistons
  • Single overhead cam; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 88 mm bore X 88 mm stroke - 3211 cc
  • 7.5:1 compression
  • Throttle body fuel injection
  • 98.5 kW (132 hp) @ 5300 RPM
  • 225.4 Nm (166 lb-ft) @ 2300 RPM
  • 5700 RPM max
8 Likes
27

So Malaise that it almost hurts…

1 Like
28

Believe me. I am aware :smile:

The thing that I found the most hilarious about this thing was that the detuned V8s were so bad that the 3.2L V6 actually produced more power than the 4.1L V8. And it was so light that was as fast as any of the V8s even with the same 3-speed automatic. Give it a 4-speed and its lightyears better; still painfully fucking malaise but much much better.

1 Like
29

Yes, but why make it too good?
The manual transmissions in the Chevy Vega were sourced from Opel in Germany which had stopped making three speed transmissions long before that. But since Chevrolet badly wanted to offer a three speed, Opel had to make a three speed version of their gearbox only for the Vega…

30

Whereas the Vega came out in 1970 (which even by that time 3-speed manuals were dated - not sure why GM did that), the Bellevue gets a 4-speed in 1979, which is when US manufacturers started making the switchover to 4-speed autos anyways, particularly in larger cars.

Also in 1979, the founder of the Everette brand is CEO of Fenton Holdings, so it seemed natural he would be taking the company in a more economy-focused direction. There is both historical and canonical precedent for it.

31

The 1979 Fenton ET

In the wake of the 1973 Oil Crisis, it had become very apparent that bigger and domestic was not always better and the buying trends of the public reflected this. Sales of small cars were up significantly and import cars of all different makes began increasing at an alarming rate. No longer were the economy-minded VW Beetles, Toyota Corollas, and Honda Civics the only imports to contend with. Cars like the Datsun Z series, Toyota Cressida, BMW 3 and 5 series, and Mercedes W123 started conspicuously consuming every market from sport coupes to mid size family cars to luxury cars. The virtual monopoly American manufacturers had enjoyed throughout the 1950s and 60s was rapidly becoming a distant memory.

By 1974, FHL was looking into replacement of the 2nd gen Everette Ellston and in the process of analyzing the markets had determined that a failed concept they had played with a decade earlier was becoming a rapidly expanding market. The concept was of course the failed 1962 Fenton SE which had debuted at a time when luxury sport sedans were laughable concept in the face of muscle cars and low fuel costs making such landbarges possible. But with fuel costs skyrocketing and with environmental legislation now in place, the concept was no longer still-born and the BMW 2002, 3 series, and Saab 99 were living, breathing proof. FHL sat on the concept for a few months after greenlighting the Ellston’s replacement but when talks of the Everette Twisp’s replacement emerged the next year and revealed the luxury sport sedan market probably was not a fad, the Fenton “Executive Touring” car (different in name because of the SE’s poor reputation) was to be a reality.


(1979 ET300 GL)

In the normal fashion that FHL started using, the new model – which shared a platform with the Ellston – debuted about a year after its partner in order to grant reprieve from the design and manufacturing mistakes of the early marks. The car that Fenton eventually brought to market was a premium outfitted, rear wheel drive, compact sedan with a fully independent suspension and a V6 under the hood. The base engine was a variant of FHL’s new SOHC 90 degree V6 that had been decreased in displacement from its initial 3.2L application in the Bellevue down to 2.6L. The smaller displacement helped improve fuel economy while a more aggressive cam and high-flow intake kept the performance essentially the same. The result was a car that achieved 26 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined but that still delivered on speed, making it from 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds. For more premium minded buyers, a smoother, less punchy 3.0L V6 was also offered.

In addition to the sedan model – which came in either 4-door or 2-door – a 5-door wagon model was also produced. This was meant to appeal to more premium family buyers who needed a more fuel efficient car or that wanted a family car that wasn’t also as boring as reading a telephone book.


(1979 ET260 LE)

While trim packages were offered, is perhaps thought of better as a platform on which multiple kinds of vehicles were made. Throughout its run, all engine options were available to the buyer no matter the trim selection, as were indeed most of the optional features. Transmission options were a base 4-speed manual, a 5-speed manual, or a 4-speed automatic. But for the typical buyer’s benefit, the trim packages were still offered if for no other reason than to help reduce manufacturing overhead. The trims offered were:

  • Base / No badging: Carried the base engine for the year and no options.
  • GS: Grand Sport. 4 wheel disc brakes, 5-speed manual, sport seats, sport tuned suspension***, limited slip differential***, 15-inch wheels
  • GL: Grand Luxury. 4 wheel disc brakes, 3.0L V6, 4-speed automatic, fully optioned interior
  • LE (only available on wagons): Luxury Estate, 4-speed automatic, upgraded interior, 3rd row seats**
  • RS (first offered in 1982): Rally Sport. sport tuned 3.0L V6, 4-wheel disc brakes, 5-speed manual, sport seats, limited slip differential***, aero package*, sport tuned suspension, 15 inch wheels, special RS badging
  • Turbo4 (first offered in 1983): turbocharged 2.3L L4****, 4-wheel disc brakes, upgraded interior, special Turbo4 badging

Options Caveats:

*The aero package was exclusive to the RS trim
**Rear booster seats obviously only available on estate models
***LSD and tuned suspension only available on Sport badged models
****As its name would imply, only the turbo 2.3L L4 was offered on the Turbo4 trim.


(1979 ET260)

Options on all models however included:

  • Sport front seats
  • Luxury seats
  • Air conditioning
  • Cassette player (1982 onward - replaced stock 8 track player)
  • Quadrophonic speaker system
  • Power windows
  • Power locks
  • Digital gauges (1983 onward)
  • 15 inch wheels (1982 onward)
  • Complete choice of engines and transmissions (exception to Turbo4)

Colors that the ET came in included:

  • Gloss Black
  • Silver Streak
  • Candy Gloss Red
  • Bronze
  • Desert Brown
  • Regal Maroon


(1982 ET300 RS)

Although the ET was introduced into the market during a recession and another fuel crisis, this actually helped its cause. Despite sales of cars being down across the board, the ET’s unique position as an American sport sedan which had better fuel economy than the gas-guzzling late-model muscle cars gave buyers seeking domestic performance an alternative. The ET’s initial sales were nothing impressive – only about 52,000 units in 1979 – but in comparison to other makes, didn’t seem to be incurring the worst of the penny-pinching. The car’s plethora of options also helped rake in much-needed revenue while its lesser luxury and lower price point than Fenton makes of past attracted a whole new class of buyer to the Fenton brand. What was once an exclusive car now seemed attainable – still expensive and prestigious, but attainable.

Sales perked up to 94,000 units in 1980, largely thanks to the energy crisis driving the need for better fuel economy, but dropped again to 81,000 in 1981 and 1982 due to the worst of the early 1980s recession taking hold. However, 1983 and forward showed a resurgence which brought sales up into the 100,000s in 1984 and 1985. The model’s revenue potential prompted Fenton refresh it in 1982 with a whole new look and a brand new multi-point fuel inject system offering much better performance and economy over its original throttle-body EFI. 1982 also brought a brand new trim level, the RS, a purpose-built motorsport package that included FHL’s first use of functional aerodynamics on a car. The front clip had a specially shaped lip and the rear gained a spoiler both of which helped keep the car exceedingly stable at high speeds and reduced its tendency to understeer at its limits.


(1983 ET230)

In pursuit of even better fuel economy, 1983 brought an entirely new FHL engine to the ET. The age of the V8 was dead, at least for Fenton, who had terminated production on their archaic hold-out 4.5L V8 in 1982 along with its last user, the Everette Bellevue. Thus, the V6 was assuming the role of the company’s performance option now with economy being delivered instead by their new SOHC 2.3L straight-4 which replaced the 2.6L V6 in the ET. The new engine was lighter, almost as powerful, and virtually as smooth thanks the addition of a balance shaft.

Furthermore, FHL had been experimenting with new technologies to improve fuel economy throughout the latter half of the 1970s, one of which was turbocharging. The ET became a showcase of this technology with a turbocharged straight-4 engine option which performed remarkably well. An ET with a turbo 2.3L engine could achieve 25 mpg combined and still be as fast as the 3.0L V6 models. There was even associated trim made, the Turbo4, to market it as a sort of highly sophisticated option. And it worked; turbocharged straight-4 models matched the sales of the 3.0L V6 models virtually as soon as it came on the scene.


(1983 ET230 Turbo4)

In the modern day, the Fenton ET is considered a striking and extremely odd case of a manufacturer getting everything right. It came at the exact right time and offered exactly the right things. While most other American cars were wallowing in gluttonous waste, the ET offered buyers fuel economy and performance AND luxury. It was all the more perfectly timed given the flop of the second generation Everette Bellevue and Fenton LE which had cost FHL billions of dollars in reinvestment costs to fix these troubled models. Bankruptcy in the early 1980s would have been very possible for them if it weren’t for the merits of their smaller cars like the Ellston, Twisp, and the last-minute A+ bread winner that was the ET. It is as Lee Iacocca said. How does an American automaker save itself from death? Make small, cheap cars that Americans want to buy.


(1983 ET300 RS)

And that was exactly what the LE was. It was a relatively affordable car that offered performance, economy, and luxury in an era when most American cars were only one of these things at a time, if any of them at all. Iacocca’s own K car posed a stiff competitor to the ET in the premium and luxury markets, particularly the upper class Chrysler New Yorker, but the ET still had one thing that appealed to buyers the K car wouldn’t and that was its rear wheel drive which causes many to regard as the American answer to the BMW E21 and E30. Its similarity is what has also made it a modern cult car with entire enthusiast communities around this one car.

The ET’s innovations and success are also lamented, not in disappointment for what it or FHL was at the time but for what FHL would eventually become. FHL produced this fine machine but then went on to produce some of the blandest, mistargeted, archaic, engineering nightmares in the 1990s due to clinging to their late 1970s and 1980s philosophies of cheap cars – and cars only.

Specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 2.54 m (100 in)
  • Length: 4.30 m (169.3 in)
  • Body style: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon
  • Seats: 5
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
  • Engines: 2.3L L4 (4LA-H23M), 2.3L turbo L4 (4LA-W23MT), 2.6L V6 (6VAB-H26J/M), 3.0L V6 (6VAB-W/H30J/M)
  • Layout: longitudinal front engine, rear wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph time:
    • 9.7 - 7.3 s
    • 7.3 s (1983 RS w/ 3.0L V6 and 5-speed manual)
  • Top Speed: 194.3 km/hr (121 mph) - 1983 RS w/ 5-speed manual and 3.0L V6
  • Fuel Economy:
    • 13.2 L/100km (1979 wagon with 3.0L V6)
    • 9.4 L/100km (1983 sedan with tubo L4 and 4-speed manual)

Engines

4LA-H23M
Base engine (1983 - )

  • All cast-iron; forged internals
  • Single overhead cam; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 87 mm bore X 96.7 mm stroke - 2299 cc
  • Compression: 9.0:1
  • Multi-point fuel injection
  • 93.9 kW @ 5600 RPM
  • 181.6 Nm @ 3600 RPM
  • 6200 RPM redline

4LA-W23MT
Turbo4 / optional engine (1983 - )
Identical to H23M variant except as follows

  • Turbocharged
  • 106.7 kW @ 5200 RPM
  • 258.6 Nm @ 2500 RPM

6VAB-H26J
Base engine (1979 - 1981)

  • All cast iron; forged internals
  • Single overhead cam; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 82 mm bore X 82 mm stroke - 2598 cc
  • 7.9:1 compression
  • Single point EFI
  • 90.6 kW @ 5700 RPM
  • 185.2 Nm @ 3400 RPM
  • 6200 RPM redline

6VAB-H26M
Base engine (1982)
identical to H26J variant except as follows

  • Multi-point EFI
  • 9.0:1 compression
  • 109.9 kW @ 5700 RPM
  • 206.4 Nm @ 3700 RPM

6VAB-W30J
Optional engine (1979-1981)

  • All cast iron; forged internals
  • Single overhead cam; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 86 mm bore X 82 mm stroke - 2992 cc
  • 7.8:1 compression
  • Single point EFI
  • 101.3 kW @ 5500 RPM
  • 209.1 Nm @ 2900 RPM
  • 6000 RPM redline

6VAB-W30M
Optional engine (1982 - )
Identical to W30J variant except as follows

  • Mutli-point EFI
  • 9.0:1 compression
  • 111.8 kW @ 5700 RPM
  • 230.2 Nm @ 3200 RPM

6VAB-H30M
Optional engine (1982 - )
Indentical to W30M variant except as follows

  • 120.9 kW @ 5700 RPM
  • 235.9 Nm @ 3700 RPM
  • 6300 RPM redline
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32

The 1979 Everette Winthrop

With the Twisp as the company’s best selling model in the mid 1970s, the only logical choice was to continue it on into the 1980s. The Twisp nameplate suffered from an image problem however as it was known for its “affordability” or stated differently, cheapness. In addition, the V6 engine was known to be rough running, particularly in such a small car which would not dampen the vibrations as well as a larger one. It was a quintessential American import fighter which served its purpose at the time but was not desirable nor even memorable outside of that time.

Part of the Twisp’s problem was the fact that the platform was adapted from different car rather than purpose built, meaning that its design and ergonomics were lacking in refinement. With the success the company had enjoyed in the early 1970s, FHL began developing their new Beta platform (the Alpha platform was then under development for the 1978 Ellston) specifically to be a subcompact automobile. The name ultimately chosen was the “Winthrop”.

At the time it was originally developed, it wasn’t a sure thing that the high fuel prices seen in 1973 and 1974 would last. Thus there was money in the small car market, but fuel economy wasn’t the absolute top priority and the engine for the car remained to be the the Fenton 90 degree V6 even in 1979 when it came out. Specifically, it used a 2.4L variant of the new SOHC V6, an engine mostly created to stay on top of EPA emissions and CAFE regulations. This afforded the Winthrop reasonable fuel economy – lackluster when compared to other small hatchbacks of the era – but it had good performance and made the car fun to drive. Like the Fenton ET that it debuted alongside, it offered consumers more than just one of the late 1970s mutually exclusive triad of performance, comfort, and economy.

The Winthrop improved over the Twisp in several ways. For one, the interior was made less austere and while still cheap and economical, it was at least nice to touch, with cloth seats, a full headliner, and padded vinyl trim – a damn sight better than the simple floor mats, hard plastic, and exposed pillars of the Twisp. It also had optional power steering, larger stock tires for handling, and the hatchback body style improved packing space and headroom for the rear passengers.

The biggest improvements was in the chassis design however. The beam axle rear was replaced with a Volkswagen inspired torsion beam, which gave crisper handling without the expense of a fully independent suspension. In addition, a transverse front engine layout (as opposed to the Twisp’s longitudinal layout) reduced the weight and complexity of the drivetrain, improving handling, reliability, and fuel economy and stood almost no test of tradition since the Twisp had also been a front-wheel drive car. The purpose built chassis was just all-around better and made for a much nicer car.

This was not to say that the Winthrop was anymore interesting however and it remained FHL’s lowest of low makes, particularly after the 1979 energy crisis once again left buyers scrambling for fuel economy. FHL’s original design decisions made the Winthrop less competitive to especially foreign makes in this regard, with its engine choices being between an eco-tuned 2.4L V6 and a sport tuned 2.4L V6, but it nonetheless fit the demands and all the effort put into the car’s future after its release was put towards pretty much one thing - make it sip gas.

In 1982, FHL finally rolled out its first 4-cylinder engine, originally an experiment on ways to gain fuel economy in 1977 or so that was forced into reality by the '79 energy crisis. The Winthrop received a 2.0L variant with single point EFI that boasted less performance than the V6 but also brought along with it better fuel economy. The sport tuned V6 was dropped the same year, as its sales were lethargic at best, and the eco tuned V6 became the top option. In 1986, the V6 went away entirely and instead, the 2.0L straight-4 with a multi-port fuel injection system became the top option; fuel economy again improved. Finally, in 1987, the straight-4 received a 3 valve per cylinder aluminium head, a development brought on by the second generation Fenton ET and fourth generation Everette Ellston which used variants of the same engine. The new 2.0L engine featured only multiport fuel injection but offered two different tunes, one for economy and one for performance. This was merely a last gasp effort to boost sales before the Wintrhop’s replacement came in 1989 so it needed to be on the cheap, hence why there was essentially only one engine.

The 1986 model year also brought a minor face lift. The headlights were changed from square sealed beams to reflector housings with a removable bulb and the side makers were incorporated into the same housing. The tail lights changed from a vertical division to a horizontal division and the mandatory high-center brake light was attached to the inside of the upper rear window. 1986 also brought an optional sunroof, an option not seen in the 1979-1985 model years.

The original 1979 models came with an AM/FM radio only and an 8-track player was an option. In 1984, the AM/FM radio remained standard equipment but a cassette player replaced the 8-track player as an option. In 1987, the cassette player was made standard equipment. Other options included:

  • Twin piston front brakes for added braking performance
  • Fog lights
  • 5-speed manual transmission (4-speed manual was standard)
  • 4-speed automatic transmission
  • 14-inch wheels + lower profile tires
  • Power steering

The Winthrop carried on FHL’s tradition of safety and sense in automobiles with the original marks being ahead of the curve of 1970s safety standards with bucket seats, lap-sash seat belts, and crashbox design. After 1982, an airbag was an option (seeing as it was also offered on the Fenton ET) but was made standard in 1987 due to highway safety regulations requiring either automatic seat belts or an airbag. Regardless of this, the car’s small size attracted a perception of poor safety and accident performance despite it being at least good for a car of its size. Not the absolute best available of any car in the 1980s, but good.

At the time of its introduction, the Winthrop was slightly outclassed by other makes in terms of fuel economy and initial sales figures were lower than expected. By 1982, it had caught up however and experienced enormous success in 1984, 1985, and 1986 as the US economy of the 1980s slowly crawled its way back to health. By the late 1980s though, the design had become very dated and was getting killed in the market in particular by the new 1987 Honda Civic. The design finally ended production in late 1988 with 2.73 million units sold, more than the Twisp that preceded it.

Where the Twisp had faltered – namely brand image – the Winthrop came in strong. The car was no doubt cheap. Dirt cheap in fact. But it was well built, very reliable, and surefooted and nimble, earning it the love of its owners and a 2nd generation in 1989. Another example of FHL doing things the right way.

Specifications

  • Wheelbase: 2.39 m (94 in)
  • Length: 3.76 m (148 in)
  • Body style: 2-door hatchback
  • Seats: 4
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
  • Engines: 2.0L L4, 2.4L V6
  • Layout: transverse front engine, front wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: (all economy figures with manual transmission)
    • 10.2 L/100km (23 US mpg) - 1979 model with eco tuned V6
    • 9.7 L/100km (24.5 US mpg) - 1982 model with 2.0L L4
    • 9.0 L/100km (26 US mpg) - 1986 model with 2.0L MpEFI L4
    • 8.4 L/100km (28 US mpg) - 1987 model with 2.0L eco tune L4

Engines

6VAB-L24J
Base engine (1979 - 1981)
Optional engine (1982 - 1985)

  • All cast iron; cast internals w/ hypereutectic pistons
  • Single overhead cam; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 82 mm bore X 75.7 mm stroke - 2399 cc
  • 7.4:1 compression
  • Single point EFI
  • 74.9 kW @ 5300 RPM
  • 164.4 Nm @ 2600 RPM
  • 5900 RPM redline

6VAB-W24J
Optional engine (1979 - 1981)
identical to L24J variant except as follows

  • 80.6 kW @ 5500 RPM
  • 171.9 Nm @ 2900 RPM

4LA-L20J
Base engine (1982 - 1986)

  • All cast iron; cast internals w/ hypereutectic pistons
  • Single overhead cam; 2 valves per cylinder
  • 87 mm bore X 84 mm stroke - 1997 cc
  • 7.3:1 compression
  • Single point EFI
  • 61.6 kW @ 5300 RPM
  • 136.2 Nm @ 2500 RPM
  • 5900 RPM redline

4LA-L20M
Optional engine (1986)
identical to L20J variant except as follows

  • 8.0:1 compression
  • Multi-point EFI
  • 64.1 kW @ 5600 RPM
  • 146 Nm @ 2600 RPM

4LAB-L20M
Base engine (1987 - 1988)

  • Cast iron block; Aluminium head; cast internals w/ hypereutectic pistons
  • Single overhead cam; 3 valves per cylinder
  • 87 mm bore X 84 mm stroke
  • 8.1:1 compression
  • Multi-point EFI
  • 67.6 kW @ 5800 RPM
  • 150.2 Nm @ 2600 RPM
  • 6200 RPM redline

4LA-W20M
Optional engine (1987 - 1988)
identical to L20M variant except as follows

  • 75.4 kW @ 5800 RPM
  • 152.9 Nm @ 3200 RPM
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33

The 1990 Fenton GT

1990 Fenton GT: Its a shame some things are only good on the outside.

But what do I mean by that? Well, lets jump straight away from this car and into a history lesson on why it was created. Throughout the 1980s, FHL had enjoyed enormous success with makes like the Fenton ET and Everette Winthrop raking in cash and customer satisfaction. FHL was on the cutting edge of automotive and giving the Europeans and the Japanese something to scare them at night when they were plotting how next to stick it to Ford and General Motors. And FHL was determined to keep it this way.

While FHL was doing fine in terms of its more modest luxury cars and was toe-for-toe on economy with the Ellston and Withrop, they had shied away from the supreme luxury and halo cars they had made in the late 1960s and early 1970s – cars like the GT and the ZL. This gap in the market was getting filled in now by BMW and Mercedes. In order to bolster brand image and better compete with the European luxury cars, Fenton started developing a new series of killer halo cars in the late 1980s. These were to be cars that could take on the BMW 6 and 8 series and Mercedes C class. Being such a powerful force in the market they could afford to take the risk and might have worked. But then the bean counters got involved.

Originally, a new engine was going to be developed solely for the new halo cars. This would have meant FHL was producing four engines of totally different architecture though which would have been a costly endeavor. Although it was probably the right choice, given what each engine was suited to do, the bean counters decided they wanted consolidation. So for the 1990s, the engineers got forced into producing the turd that was the Fenton 60 degree Modular Engine.

Similarly with platforms, the engineers had intended to role out two new platforms for the different types of halo cars they would be making. Penny pinching executives though wouldn’t let that fly and the two different platforms were melded into one via some shoddy engineering. Thus, the Fenton Charlie platform was born.

What did this then all mean for the poor 1990 GT? It was horrible!

This car failed. It failed as hard as the Cadillac Cimarron. It failed as hard as the AMC Marlin. And the worst part was that it wasn’t just one part of the car that was broken. Many things were broken.

Lets start with the chassis. Remember how I mentioned that the Charlie Platform was two different platforms melded into one via crap engineering? Its no joke. See Fenton engineers wanted to make a mid-engined sports car alongside a front engine GT car but had to make do with one platform so what did they do? The rear frame of the car is detachable! Its a detachable subframe so that a whole different suspension and rear section can be placed on the car, one for and front-engine / RWD car and one for a rear-mid-engine / RWD car.

The problem here is first of all weight balance but this was mostly a problem on the RMR layout. The second problem was that the attachment points were under engineered. Water leakage into the joints frequently cause premature rusting of the chassis and in serious cases, there have been document instances of the rear suspension just breaking off of GTs of this era. The water leakage in these areas was also near wiring harnesses for the car, causing frequent electrical problems including but not limited to parasitic draw killing batteries, sagging air suspension, and dead light bulbs. The body panels and their attachment points were also not so greatly designed thanks to the detachable subframe causing grossly accelerated rusting of the rear quarter panels.

But as bad as the chassis was, there is no excuse for the engine. The Fenton 60 degree modular engine was nothing but classic bean counting shitting on good engineering. Cool! A modular engine can be a 2.8L V6, a 3.8L V8, or a 5.6L V12 which is what the GT had! Interoperable parts, common block architecture, shared tooling. Great, right? WRONG!

Because of the common block architecture, a cooling system that was developed for the original 2.8L V6 and 3.8L V8 that were initially to be the sole members of this design was adapted to the V12 the engineers wanted in the new GT. The result was a cooling system that did not circulate well enough for a long, large engine. Fenton Modular V12s would pool hot coolant at the back of the block and uneven heating would cause accelerated gasket wear but worse than that: block cracking. Yes. Fenton Modular V12s were known for cracking blocks.

These problems were so bad that Fenton issued a recall in late 1994 to correct the bad seals and to add additional ad-hoc cooling measures to V12 models. In 1995, the V12 was dropped in favor the V8 but the damage was already so bad that the GT only lasted that one final year. In 1996, the model was cancelled.

Which is all the more a shame considering the things FHL did right. Aluminum hood and trunk lids helped save weight. An air-ride suspension along with a very high quality interior made it exceedingly comfortable. Variable boost hydraulic steering made piloting it both easy and fun. The styling was sleek, fast, and futuristic. And handling and aerodynamics were not necessarily the best, but good considering what the car was trying to be. I mean if a 5.8s 0-60 isn’t fast enough and over 1.0G lateral acceleration isn’t good enough for a luxury sport coupe, then what the hell is?

The car was never destined to the be the BMW 8 series killer it set out to be. Plagued by issues, the 1990-1995 GT only sold just shy of 18,000 across all years. These issues caused many to end up in junk yards and scrap heaps. Finding a working GT of this era today is rare. But if you do, you’re in for a treat if for no other reason than how the car looks. Should you own one though?

Well now in the modern day, since we know how, why, and when these machines will fail, maybe. Because sure, by all accounts, this car might be a pile of crap. But we can’t know what success is without failure and history is not complete without a record of failures. You would be doing everyone a favor to make this car your labor of love and keep one running today. A 90-95 Fenton GT is like that first time you fail a test in a class you’ve had straight A’s and you remember walking out of that test feeling like you had aced another; as much as you would like to forget it, that test is the best way to remind yourself that you need to be better. And because of that, more than anything else, it deserves to be pinned on your wall.

1990 Fenton GT: A reminder that not all things in life can be golden.

Specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 2,500 mm
  • Length: 4,310 mm
  • Body style: 2-door coupe
  • Seats: 4
  • Transmission: 4-speed automation, 5-speed manual
  • Engines: 5.6L V12
  • Layout: Front engine, rear wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph time: 5.8s with 5-speed manual
  • Top speed: 258 km/hr (limited to 240 km/hr)
  • Fuel Economy: 16.9 L/100km with 5-speed manual

Engines

12VB-W56M
Base engine

  • All alumninium; cast bottom end with forged pistons
  • Single overhead cam; 4 valves per cylinder
  • 87 mm bore X 78.5 mm stroke - 5600 cc
  • 9.5:1 compression
  • Multi point EFI
  • 238.2 kW @ 6100 RPM
  • 471 Nm @ 3100 RPM

12VB-H56M
Identical to W56M variant except as follows

  • 9.7:1 compression
  • 267.8 kW @ 6200 RPM
  • 499.5 Nm @ 3700 RPM
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34

Lol, why does everything feel exactly like when american manufacturers tried to make exotics in the late 80s? It probably has its place in an automotive history book between the Cadillac Allante and the Chrysler TC by Maserati…

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35

Yet another case of a potential all-American icon being screwed over by bean counters who were so desperate to save cash that they turned a silk purse into a sow’s ear. It would have been better if they hadn’t bothered in the first place… And now that Fenton is regretting rushing it into production, I wouldn’t be surprised if they never attempted to replace it, even two decades after it was axed. Whatever few surviving examples will most likely have had their original engines swapped out for more reliable GM LS V8s - but it wouldn’t have been a total solution, as I have just seen.

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36

Why? Because I meant it to be :smile:

I have my reasons both historical and personal. My personal reason might strike you as somewhat odd. I don’t explicitly remember a whole lot from my 7th and 8th grade literature classes but one of the things I do remember was studying Sherlock Holmes and learning that canonically, he’s a bit coke head – coke as in cocaine. My teacher was keen to point that out and explained that part of what makes Sherlock Holmes such an iconic character is that for all of his brilliance, he still has vices and idiosyncrasies and we, as flawed individuals ourselves, sympathize or at very least expect that. The point – perfection is unsettling. Every good character has a flaw. So I’ve been making sure to apply that logic to a Fenton Holdings, Ltd.

Yup. Pretty much. And this is where the historical bit comes in to play. The 1980s mark the slaughter of the classic American car thanks to 1970s regulation and economic factors meaning American cars got a lot more, well, European. And Japanese. But the American way of business lived on. Blah blah some analogy involving two cows, blah blah blah. Point is that industrialist business practices combined with a whole new way of building cars meant a lot of over promising and underdelivering cars. And outright underengineered cars. The situation was not helped by the ideal of the classic American car still being forced by both auto executives and the customer base. Although it started in the 1970s, the 80s are really what solidified the revered status of 1960s American cars.

Anyways, long way of saying that the 1980s are where our nostalgia comes from because the American auto industry got drug into the future kicking and screaming. Consquently, a lot of would-be icons suffered from yesteryear thinking, and I didn’t see any reason why that should NOT have been the case for FHL. Because that would just strike me as taking advantage of too much hindsight.

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37

Of course I know it was meant to be this way, I just mean you nailed it so perfectly. Maybe my point got a bit lost in the translation, lol…

For all it’s worth, I run a corporation from somewhere in southeast Asia that is chunking out crappy econoboxes that people buy because they have to rather than because they want to, so I’m not hunting for the perfect car either. :wink:

1 Like
38

1991 Everette Vancouver

Scion was never destined to be the Millennial carriage it set out to be because of one simple fact; millennials don’t have money. What is the principle carriage of Millenials then? The 1990 Everette Vancouver.

When the Vancouver was new in late 1990, it was hailed as the “ultimate family car”, something your family would drive into the ground before they ever lost their love for it. With its big cushy seats, soft suspension, optional V8 engine, and enough other options to make any dealer rub their hands with glee for the opportunity to make a confusing labyrinth of buying choice in the name of shear profit, the Vancouver certainly seemed like it fit the bill. But as the years passed and the car was subjected to the rigors of its target market, this initial self-congratulatory manifesto wore thin.


(1991 rear end)

Like Fenton GT it debuted alongside, the Vancouver suffered from FHL’s new found fascination with cheap cars. Whereas in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Fenton Holdings had stood for bringing good quality down to its most inexpensive state, by the 1990s the philosophy had evolved into just straight up cost cutting even at the expense of quality. And nowhere was this more apparent in the Vancouvers than the bodywork and interiors.

You can spot panel gaps in these things from a mile away and that is not even that extreme, as far as exaggerations go. And the decorative pieces fall off and the panels the rust to the point of looking like Swiss cheese if you live an area that salts its roads. Even without salt, the bodies on these things needed no help developing flaky brown in place of paint. As for what’s on the inside, there is a certain sleaziness to them that you can never shake. Maybe its the crinkly crackly plastic door handles or the bursting seams on velour seats or the auto-detaching trim pieces and paneling that every old Vancouver has, but whatever the case its apparent that at some point for almost every element, someone wasn’t paid enough to care.

Its for these reasons that that a sack of potatoes has a better sale price than a used Everette Vancouver and anybody in their right mind would offload these parts collections the first chance they got. Thus, many of them have found their way from the hands of the boomers and Gen Xers who bought them and into the hands of their offspring, the Millennials. It has nothing to do with youth appeal and everything to do with a plebeian price point.

And yet, that is not entirely fair to the Vancouver and that is true on a couple different levels. Because all of the terrible quality that the car became known for revolved around aesthetic. The Vancounver’s terrible quality was almost entirely aesthetic. Yes the body panels would rust. The interiors would all but fall apart entirely. But the chassis – the Delta platform on which the Everette Vancouver was built – was rock steady and would only just be hinting at deterioration by the the time the rest of the car had returned to dust. And the V8 models (yes that is an important note here, the V8s are the ones you want, NOT the V6s – we’ll talk about that in a second) would often develop head gasket problems around 180,000 miles, sure, but if that is taken care of its not unheard of for a Vancouver to broach 300,000. Leaky head gaskets unaccounted for, the V8s were still good for another 50,000 miles before you really have issues assuming you’re okay with topping off your coolant.


(1996 rear end – GST8 trim pictured)

So what do you really get for your less-than-sack-of-potatoes car? Is the joke actually on you? Well, in all honesty, no. You get a big, comfy car, that even has reasonable fuel economy for its size (21 mpg believe it or not) and whose body and interior will rot (yes), but even on a meager budget, that drivetrain will never quit and it will keep trucking until whenever you decide it won’t. Also, because of the low quality interiors and crappy bodies, low miles Vancouvers are easy find for cheap, so you play your cards right and you’re only about 50,000 miles into 230,000 mile car. How about that? By analogy, what you’re getting is a 1990s Buick. – a cheap mechanically reliable luxury barge.

As long as you don’t get the V6 models that is to say. Fortunately, most buyers opted into getting the V8 anyways and V6s composed only about 20% of sales of all Vancouvers, basically because the V6 was perceived as weak and slow. V6 models do get better fuel economy and can still get to 60 mph in 10 seconds flat, but who cares when there is a V8 option that can do it in 8.5? All the better anyways because the V6 engines are also part of the 60 degree Modular family and being more unbalanced than the V8 or V12 of the family, they are prone to excessive crankshaft and rod bearing fatigue. Late life Modular V6s get very noisy due to slop in the bearings and eventually you might throw a rod or shear a harmonic balancer. Either way, its an engine swap. So get the V8 models. They are actually good.

Unvalued and undervalued resale notwithstanding, the Vancouver can still be seen as a success in its own right. Sales even in the latter years of its run were strong, probably because of the car’s appeal to a more classic America. Like the Ford Panther bodies and the GM B bodies, the Vancouver needed only two selling points: I’m big and I have a V8. Everything else was essentially secondary including its front wheel drive; Indeed the FWD may have even been part of the appeal given how easy it made it to drive.

All things considered it was easily FHL’s most successful car of the 1990s, running virtually unchanged for 10 years, apart from cosmetic facelifts and improved transmissions. So successful indeed – with about 1.4 million sold in its lifetime – that while many of FHL’s nameplates died out in the 1990s from similar or worse quality, the D bodies including the Vancouver lived to see a second generation in 2001. The model’s popularity was doubtless helped by the various trims and special editions offered. Upgraded trims like the LR and GLR came with heated seats, CD player, improved brakes, and variable boost steering while sportier packages like the SR and GSR had lowered heavy-duty suspension, electronically controlled transmissions, and aerodynamic improvements.


(1996 Vancouver GST8)

One especially notable trim was introduced with the 1996 facelift – the GST or Grand Sport Turbo. It came with a 3.8L twin turbo V8 making 285 hp, exclusive 5-speed automatic transmission, limited slip differential, 17-in wheels with sport tires, and adaptive shock absorbers, all of which made for a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 s and a quarter mile under 15. At the same time, apart from a single Turbo badge on the rear and a rear wing instead of spoiler, it looked no different from a GLR. Factory sleeper especially considering tuners have put the engine as high as 350 hp on a stock bottom end and even more on forged pistons sourced from junkyard GTs. Because yes, the 3.8L V8 is part of Fenton’s 60 degree Modular family. GST Vancouvers are rare though considering its factory sleeper status means most people don’t even know what they have. Only around 35,000 were made in total.

Still even despite all of this, it must be recognized that poor quality demands reprimand. The Vancouver is a Millennial carriage because it left itself be that. Its the pedestrian nature of its character that is its saving grace to some but by all reasonable standards, it remains to be a critical vice. So if there is one thing that can be learnt from the Vancouver’s story its that, well-roundedness counts and your saving grace shouldn’t be found by accident.


(1996 Vancouver GST8)

1991 Everette Vancouver: Its a Millennial carriage. Because unlike Scion, it wasn’t trying.

Specifications

  • Wheelbase: 2.92 m
  • Length: 5.3 m
  • Body style: 4-door sedan
  • Seats: 5
  • Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
  • Engines: 2.8L V6, 3.8L V8
  • Layout: longitudinal front engine, front wheel drive
  • Fuel economy:
    • 11.0 L/100km (21.4 US mpg – 1991 V6 model)
    • 11.4 L/100km (20.8 US mpg – 1999 V8 model)
    • 12.5 L/100km (18.7 US mpg – 1999 GST model)

Engines

6VB-W28M

  • All aluminium; cast internals w/ low friction pistons
  • Single overhead cam; 4 valves per cylinder
  • 87 mm bore X 78.5 mm stroke
  • 8.5:1 compression
  • Multi point EFI
  • 111.1 kW @ 5800 RPM
  • 229.9 Nm @ 2800 RPM

8VC-W37M

  • All aluminium; cast internals w/ low friction pistons
  • Single overhead cam; 4 valves per cylinder
  • 87 mm bore X 78.5 mm stroke - 3733 cc (marketd as the 3.8L)
  • 8.2:1 compression
  • Multi point EFI
  • 152 kW @ 6100 RPM
  • 308 Nm @ 2700 RPM
  • 6700 RPM redline

8VC-H37MT
identical to W37M variant except as follows

  • Twin turbocharged
  • 220.5 kW @ 5800 RPM
  • 483.7 Nm @ 2880 RPM
  • 6800 RPM redline
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