Motor Trends 1968 Car Of The Year Crossword Clue

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Unlocking the 1968 Motor Trend Car of the Year: A Crossword Clue and a Deep Dive

The clue "Motor Trend 1968 Car of the Year" in a crossword puzzle might seem straightforward, but it opens a door to a fascinating piece of automotive history. This article will not only reveal the answer to that crossword clue but will also delve into the context surrounding Motor Trend's prestigious award in 1968, examining the contenders, the eventual winner, and the automotive landscape of that era.

The Answer: The answer to the crossword clue "Motor Trend 1968 Car of the Year" is AMC AMX.

However, simply providing the answer is insufficient. To truly understand the significance of this clue, we need to explore the factors that led to the AMC AMX's triumph and the wider automotive scene of 1968.

The Automotive Landscape of 1968:

1968 was a year of significant change in the automotive world. The muscle car era was in full swing, with manufacturers engaged in a horsepower war. This led to increasingly powerful, albeit often less refined, vehicles. Safety concerns, while not yet at the forefront, were beginning to emerge as a critical consideration. The Vietnam War and social unrest in the United States influenced consumer spending and automotive design.

The Contenders:

While the exact list of contenders for Motor Trend's Car of the Year award in 1968 isn't always meticulously documented in readily available sources, we know that the competition was fierce. The era saw the release of iconic vehicles such as:

• Ford Mustang: The Mustang, already a legend, continued its reign as a popular choice, representing the quintessential pony car.
• Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird: These GM siblings entered the market to challenge the Mustang and quickly became equally popular. Their powerful engines and sporty styling were key to their success.
• Dodge Charger: The Charger, with its aggressive styling, quickly became a muscle car icon.
• Plymouth Road Runner: This "screaming chicken" muscle car was a potent challenger in the performance arena.

These and many other vehicles represented the muscle car dominance of the late 1960s. The sheer power and performance these cars offered were major selling points. However, this came at the expense of fuel efficiency and refinement.

The AMC AMX: An Unexpected Winner:

American Motors Corporation (AMC) was a smaller player compared to the automotive giants like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Their entry, the AMC AMX, was a surprising victor in a field dominated by larger, more established brands.

The AMX's success can be attributed to several factors:

• Unique Niche: While muscle cars dominated, the AMX occupied a unique niche. It was a smaller, lighter, and more agile sports car than its muscle car competitors. This focus on handling and maneuverability set it apart.
• Performance: Despite its smaller size, the AMX boasted impressive performance, particularly its optional 390 cubic inch V8 engine.
• Pricing: Compared to its bigger muscle car rivals, the AMX offered relatively competitive pricing. This made it accessible to a wider audience.
• Styling: Its sleek and sophisticated styling, less aggressive than its muscle car counterparts, appealed to a different segment of car buyers.

Motor Trend's Evaluation Criteria:

Motor Trend's Car of the Year award wasn't solely based on horsepower or straight-line speed. The judges considered a range of factors, including:

• Engineering: Innovation and advancements in engineering played a vital role.
• Design: Both exterior and interior design were considered crucial aspects.
• Performance: Not just raw power, but also handling, braking, and overall driving experience were evaluated.
• Value: The price point relative to features and quality factored significantly.
• Fuel Efficiency: While not as crucial as it would become later, fuel economy was also considered.

The Significance of the AMC AMX's Win:

The AMC AMX's victory was a significant upset. It highlighted that performance and desirability weren't solely defined by sheer horsepower and size. It showed that a smaller, more agile, and thoughtfully engineered vehicle could compete successfully with established muscle cars. This win provided a much-needed boost for AMC, showcasing their ability to innovate and challenge the automotive industry's giants.

Beyond the Crossword Clue:

The "Motor Trend 1968 Car of the Year" clue unlocks far more than just a simple answer. It opens a window into a pivotal year in automotive history, showcasing the diversity of vehicles, the competitive landscape, and the evolution of automotive design and engineering. It reminds us that automotive innovation doesn't always come from the biggest players, and that unique approaches can lead to surprising successes. The AMC AMX remains a testament to this fact, and its story continues to resonate with automotive enthusiasts today.

Further Research:

For those interested in learning more, researching the 1968 Motor Trend Car of the Year award and the AMC AMX specifically will reveal a wealth of information. Online archives, automotive publications from that era, and automotive history websites offer valuable insights into the context surrounding this significant achievement. You can delve into the technical specifications, compare the AMX to its competitors, and even discover the opinions and reviews from contemporary automotive journalists. The story of the AMC AMX and its unexpected victory serves as a fascinating case study in automotive history, demonstrating the enduring power of innovation and the unexpected triumphs of smaller players. It's a story worth exploring beyond the simple answer to a crossword clue.