[3tas4me]

I haven't read the book (going to have to now), but why couldn't GM finish out those cars and still sell them as left over 1972 models? They met all the regulations for 1972, it wouldn't be any different than now when a dealer has a left over year old model on the lot. They have it until it sells. In fact, I bought my new '97 Bonneville that way. It was at least a model year old when I bought it and very close to being two model years old. I got a great deal because of that!

[johnta1]

I haven't read the book (going to have to now), but why couldn't GM finish out those cars and still sell them as left over 1972 models? They met all the regulations for 1972, it wouldn't be any different than now when a dealer has a left over year old model on the lot. They have it until it sells. In fact, I bought my new '97 Bonneville that way. It was at least a model year old when I bought it and very close to being two model years old. I got a great deal because of that!

It's in there.

Basically the Fed Gov't had a set date that all cars had to have those set specs.
After that date, all vehicles not delivered had to satisfy them.

The 1100 or so were not 'delivered'.
They 'delivered' some to schools, etc.
(without VINs)

To be able to run a Pontiac and a Chevrolet one after the other shows how organized the production line was.

They purposely stuck a Firebird in between the Chevies.
The Firebird's were harder to 'build', so they staggered them for the line assemblers.

Fascinating book.