1976 Mara Hussar V8 ‘Coupe’
In 1975, Maxsim Bricklov found himself in a strange position - it was not just him requesting yet another yearly contingent of Mara cars to import to NA. Instead, he was asked to take a lot off their hands and out of Archana.
What happened? Boldened by the Irena’s success domestic and abroad, and spurred on by state apparatchiks officials who have had their taste of more than automotive austerity, Mara had been tasked with developing a car a size and performance class above the Irena.
The resulting Kavaler (‘knight’) had gone on sale in Archana in 1975 in 4-door sedan (2.5l I4 and 4L V8) and 2-door sedan (officially called coupe, V8 only) form, but public market demand especially for the larger V8 models was quite low, once all the pre and state orders were fulfilled. Production therefore exceeded demand and Mara was looking for ways to make the cars vanish from their lots.
Not the most enviable position Mara and their early Kavalers found themselves in in the mid-1970s
Feeling that this was an offer he could not refuse if he wanted to keep his export/import gig going, Maxsim reluctantly agreed after all, and got ready to prepare the Kavaler for a MY 1976 offering in NA. A new name for NA was quickly found - Hussar - so that they could keep the horseman badge on the car.
No change needed on the rear for a change
Apart from that this meant, of course, installing a catalytic converter, larger bumpers and sidemarkers, and the Hussars even received an 8-track player as standard. At least the rear light clusters already included proper dual reverse lights this time…
With all the changes going on in the NA car market, Maxsim was curious himself how the Hussar’s initial and long-term reception of the market to its newest surprise addition would be…
Car thread: Mara Motors Company Thread (now up to date till 2000) - #3 by AndiD