MotorWeek | Retro Review: Unaired Pilot Episode

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 410

  • @BurtSampson
    @BurtSampson 9 ปีที่แล้ว +384

    Whosoever idea it was to put these videos up on TH-cam deserves a promotion.

    • @FlorinC1984
      @FlorinC1984 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      A medal. And a statue. On Mount Rushmore.

    • @mattc9875
      @mattc9875 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      They are addictive! Not just for the cars and stories being told...but for the vibes, positivity, style of the 70-80-90s

    • @653j521
      @653j521 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@mattc9875 Forecast that 25% of new car dealers will go out of business this year. Look on the bright side. In a new era of good will with car companies and at a time there are 1 million workers laid off, the govt is helping car companies against foreign cars that aren't gas guzzlers by not having American manufacturers install air bags and good enough bumpers for tiny collisions yet while we play catch up with fuel efficiency. The Depression-like car sales slump is slightly eased due to lower interest loans. Imports had a 30% share of the new car market. Yeah, I suppose you might think that was a positive take on the situation....

    • @653j521
      @653j521 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@FlorinC1984 Might be our first woman featured with the white guys on Mt. Rushmore? :D

    • @edpoe4622
      @edpoe4622 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@653j521 Yeah, stupid White guys, founding the USA, inventing stuff to build industry, high living standards, crap like that!

  • @danmccarthy4700
    @danmccarthy4700 9 ปีที่แล้ว +170

    Someone get John some coffee!

    • @lenovovo
      @lenovovo 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Dan McCarthy LOL

    • @CEOkiller
      @CEOkiller 8 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Or a couple lines of coke...

    • @joshgellis3292
      @joshgellis3292 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      LOL! Strong coffee back then- OR today a Rockstar Energy drink!

    • @blackice7408
      @blackice7408 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CEOkiller 😂🤦🏿‍♂️

    • @larrylaffer3246
      @larrylaffer3246 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Maybe some No-Doz and some espresso.

  • @atomsmash100
    @atomsmash100 5 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Cut John some slack, this was the first episode. He sounds very "PBS", i.e. neutral. He quickly found his footing and MotorWeek became a favorite for all of us!

    • @rodmunch69
      @rodmunch69 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      This was clearly made for people that listen to NPR. Thank God they quickly changed the format. Well quickly in terms of the number of episodes.

  • @TheRealSmithFamily
    @TheRealSmithFamily 9 ปีที่แล้ว +141

    Did John take a couple of valium before going on? He's not his chipper self here.

    • @EZpZeero
      @EZpZeero 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      he was on the LUDES

    • @j.g.bloodworth9837
      @j.g.bloodworth9837 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I want whatever he was taking.

    • @mediocreman2
      @mediocreman2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Proving himself as a serious contender. At the time, this was kind of a big risk to take, and this is a public television show. Generally the people in charge of approving public television shows would have been looking for the safe bet.

    • @justinh.2398
      @justinh.2398 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      6 years later and I'm laughing my moderately inebriated ass off.

    • @faschuck
      @faschuck 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I couldn’t help but notice this as well. He must have been at a loss for voltmeters here…

  • @GUNMETALGUYUSA
    @GUNMETALGUYUSA 7 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    MEMORIES...a lazy saturday afternoon mid 1980s...just mowed the yard..this kid sits down and turns to PBS to watch a road review of a Lamborghini Countach. my dream car..Good Days.

  • @chrisikaris5891
    @chrisikaris5891 5 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    John referred to the upcoming Chrysler K cars that would be released in the fall. They were released in the fall of 1980 as model year 1981 cars. So this unseen pilot must have been made sometime in 1980.

    • @SilentServiceCode
      @SilentServiceCode 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      1978

    • @lfsracer79
      @lfsracer79 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@SilentServiceCode 22:15 He writes the date: 9/4/80

  • @postersm7141
    @postersm7141 6 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    It’s interesting how this pilot episode have it different chief mechanic. Even the first episode all the way till today uses PAT Goss. Pat Goss is actually my mechanic since I live in the Washington DC area. I’ve taken many cars to his shop over the years. He has an excellent mechanic

    • @weegeemike
      @weegeemike 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      RIP Pat Goss, a true auto legend.

  • @OddManOut44
    @OddManOut44 9 ปีที่แล้ว +111

    85 HP from a 3.3 6 cylinder. Man have times changed.

    • @cheffington999
      @cheffington999 9 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      OddManOut44 That was pretty sad even by 1980 standards

    • @pbfloyd13
      @pbfloyd13 9 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      That sad ass 3 speed automatic ain't helping things either...

    • @Battlefresh
      @Battlefresh 9 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      OddManOut44 In 1980 it was required to have 33% of the pistons counteracting the forces of the others. I believe it was some sort of psy-ops tactic used during the Cold War to confuse the Soviet Union.

    • @boblogan3405
      @boblogan3405 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      King Whombat xXxX

    • @TestECull
      @TestECull 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Yeah, but on the other hand, the engine's simple, overbuilt, understressed, and will last for decades. Modern engines won't do that. They're too high strung and won't live much past warranty.
      I'd rather have that 3.3 I6 than a modern 3.3 I6.

  • @cbach1997
    @cbach1997 9 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    I love the synthesizer and disco bits between pieces.

  • @TechTimeWithEric
    @TechTimeWithEric 8 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    Can I still send in the $2 for the transcript?

    • @wedgeantilles7731
      @wedgeantilles7731 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I wouldn't be surprised. I'm pretty sure that's still their address...

    • @williswhatchutalkinbout4367
      @williswhatchutalkinbout4367 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wedge Antilles lol true

    • @jonathankleinow2073
      @jonathankleinow2073 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Honestly, given John's lack of energy, you can probably transcribe it live if you can type at least 30 WPM.

  • @deejayimm
    @deejayimm 4 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    I love how almost 40 years later we still have the exact same tire changing equipment in brand new cars.
    That is except for the ones that give you a can of Fix-A-Flat and a crappy little air compressor.
    let's not forget the screwin that we receive.
    In 1983 the Ford Fairlane, fully loaded cost $5,011 and the average income was $16,135
    Thus the fully loaded Ford Fairlane was 31 percent of your annual income.
    I would assume the Fairlane nowadays would be roughly similar to the Ford Fusion
    Well, a top model 2020 Ford Fusion, not fully loaded will cost you 35,000, and the average income is $54,325 ( these people are clearly not working class because I work for Honda and make a lot less than that)
    Thus the fusion is 70 percent of your income.
    So in case you haven't been paying attention boys and girls this country has screwed every one of its citizens in the last 40 years, into a disproportionate increase of cost of living over average income.
    If you are a member of the working class, God forbid...... your income is going to be much lower then the $54,000 average for the country, thus the 400-plus percent increase in cost of living means you are barely getting by.
    All the old people right now who think the young people are just whining, need only to look back through the lens of time and realize how fucking good they actually had it.

    • @franciscodanconia4324
      @franciscodanconia4324 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, my 2003 Bonneville has the exact same lug wrench and scissor jack

    • @billyclub9733
      @billyclub9733 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Think you meant Fairmont lol. And no more bumper jacks

  • @DSGNflorian
    @DSGNflorian 7 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Thanks for uploading this gem. I think "created in '78" must be off by 2 years, however. This was clearly made during the deep recession of 1980 triggered by the Iran hostage crisis and subsequent second oil shock. 1978 was a good year for auto sales and GM's X-Cars were 1980 model year vehicles.

  • @Doobie1975
    @Doobie1975 6 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    One thing about the Ford Fairmont is many of them were still on the road in the early/mid 2000's while the Chevy Citation's were nearing extinct by then.

    • @CeeStyleDj
      @CeeStyleDj 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have to disagree or I at least have the complete opposite experience. My first car was an 85' Chevrolet Citation and I kept it (through my 2nd and 3rd car) till about 2005. During the early 2000s, (I think 2000) I started a GM X body Club online. I saw quite a bit of citations on the road here. I think I seen one (1) Fairmont ever. I live in South Florida.

    • @waterheaterservices
      @waterheaterservices 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@CeeStyleDj The 80, 81 Citation was just amazing with how many parts failures they had. Ford had the advantage of the time tested engines and no freak wheel drive.

    • @jz4853
      @jz4853 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ive never even seen a citation

    • @jamesslick4790
      @jamesslick4790 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Also the Fairmont was the first version of the "Fox" platform. I'm not even gonna TRY to list the 80s-90s FoMoCo cars built on it! Everyone knows the Mustang and Lincoln MK-VII, But there's MUCH more! (I'm a GM guy, But I gotta give the "Fox" and "Panthers" their due respect!)

    • @jamesslick4790
      @jamesslick4790 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@CeeStyleDj Fun Fact: The FWD "X" platform was used as the basis of the FWD "A" platform, That was a success in to the mid 1990s. ( a lot of folks don't realize that the FWD "X" and FWD "A" are related) The pre '84 "X" cars had problems, But mainly only the Chevy and Pontiac versions seem hard hit, The Olds & Buick versions seemed a bit better (I guess they SHOUD have as they cost more..). But even the Chevy and Pontiac versions were sorted out after '84.

  • @mschnur
    @mschnur 9 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I liked it! These are the cars that I grew up with, and I still have an '80 Fairmont. It's not exciting, but it's been a great, reliable car for 35 years. I like your self-effacing humor in the description too.

  • @andrewnprice
    @andrewnprice 9 ปีที่แล้ว +65

    I think John was doing his best Mr. Rogers impersonation.

    • @DARKELLAKEL
      @DARKELLAKEL 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Andrew Price LOL

    • @Ian16545
      @Ian16545 9 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      +Andrew Price _It's a beautiful week in this motor world, a beautiful week for a motor / Would you be mine? Could you be mine?_

    • @landyachtfan79
      @landyachtfan79 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      +Ian Sherman I have always wanted to have a Fairmont............just like this............

  • @SimonGomezV
    @SimonGomezV 9 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I love how the character generator wrote RENUALT instead of RENAULT. I also loved the whole episode, so many memories! Thanks for sharing!

  • @themaritimegirl
    @themaritimegirl 6 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    This couldn't have been created in 1978 - they're talking about things that happened in Spring 1979, and the cars they reviewed were 1980 models.

    • @kenwb3513
      @kenwb3513 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I agree. The date of the oil change was April 1980, and the copyright date was indeed 1980

    • @FuckSlowShit
      @FuckSlowShit 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      This was in '80 ford was like a 1978 or 79.

    • @fstrgray82
      @fstrgray82 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Looks like summer 1980. According to Google, the FTC suit against GM happened in August of that year.

  • @deloreanman14
    @deloreanman14 9 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra that is closing in on 60,000 miles and I'm the only person who has ever taken the drain plug out. I love doing my own maintenance on my car...there's just something satisfying about a job well done by your own hands.

  • @GT6SuzukaTimeTrials
    @GT6SuzukaTimeTrials 9 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    19:42 this is why I do my own oil changes. I wait til the oil stops trickling out completely. Sometimes I wait a half hour to an hour before replacing the plug.

    • @Kamofy
      @Kamofy 9 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      GT6SuzukaTimeTrials Totally agree. I also go a step further. Once drained I pour in half a quart of fresh oil to flush all the old crap. Also, I leave the filler cap off so there is no negative pressure to prevent old oil from draining. It also speeds up the draining process.

    • @wedgeantilles7731
      @wedgeantilles7731 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Agreed! I love the practice of priming the filter with at least a little bit of oil as well.

    • @SilentServiceCode
      @SilentServiceCode 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      that's pointless

  • @GT6SuzukaTimeTrials
    @GT6SuzukaTimeTrials 9 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    Was JD tripping in this episode? He's so mellow.

    • @DARKELLAKEL
      @DARKELLAKEL 9 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      GT6SuzukaTimeTrials yeah,he seemed too toned down for his normal self. im glad they let him do it his own way in later episodes.

    • @Kamofy
      @Kamofy 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Darkel Lakel He seemed to loosen up some towards the end imo...

    • @mdbigman
      @mdbigman 8 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      +GT6SuzukaTimeTrials Hard to get excited by early 80's sedans!

    • @2dfx
      @2dfx 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      +GT6SuzukaTimeTrials A lot of drugs in those times

    • @Porsche996driver
      @Porsche996driver 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Like Spicolli said "people on 'ludes should not drive" or host car shows. 😆

  • @mikeydan
    @mikeydan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    LOVE this... such a fan to begin with, but his first stab at it... the calm, sleepy delivery... trying his wings... well done! we all know what a success you went on to be, so great to see this inaugural vid. Cheers!

  • @benjaminde-campos5136
    @benjaminde-campos5136 9 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Did John record this show right after his dog died?

  • @pnkflyd66
    @pnkflyd66 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I think this is from 1980.. They mention a 1979 model as if it was already out and the 1981 model like it was on the way.
    Also the oil was changed 9/4/80 in the owners manual.

  • @redneon06
    @redneon06 7 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    John looked like he's was wearing guyliner, or either he didn't sleep for days. Oh well I love old Motorweek🌬

    • @hertzair1186
      @hertzair1186 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Gary James ....he’s wearing manscara

  • @me3333
    @me3333 9 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    "If you have to jack the important thing to remember is safety" Good advice I always try to jack safely

    • @joshgellis3292
      @joshgellis3292 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Something 12 year olds can giggle about too! LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

    • @jonathankleinow2073
      @jonathankleinow2073 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      "The Fairmont is kinder for those who must enter the rear" (snicker)

    • @rzu7120
      @rzu7120 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And privately, I hope.

    • @cherokeegotti4903
      @cherokeegotti4903 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @captainredneck0683
    @captainredneck0683 9 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I stayed awake. It wasn't that bad. I love how this makes the Citation look like a good car. Many many recalls later... Lol!

    • @CeeStyleDj
      @CeeStyleDj 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It was a good car. The recalls were only early on. Then just like anything else, it gets a bad reputation right when everything gets fixed. I had an 85' as my first car and I was the 2nd owner. It lasted for years.

    • @atomsmash100
      @atomsmash100 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Agreed, it really was a good car but the reputation it developed early on for recalls did it in. In terms of style, storage, interior room, front drive it was a bit ground breaking for the era.

  • @scottieboy7853
    @scottieboy7853 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I just love this old retro programming back in a simpler time when things wasn't so stupid and crazy like they are now!

  • @brycmtthw
    @brycmtthw 9 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    The crazy thing, my 2009 Jeep has the same lug wrench as that Fairmont. I find that kinda neat being 30 years between them... I guess when you have a good concept the supplier stuck with it.

  • @VectraQS
    @VectraQS 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I nearly spat out my Coke when I saw Singhaus as chief mechanic, I’m so used to him in the High Road segments.

    • @653j521
      @653j521 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Vectra QS Posters on utube seem to have a lot of trouble keeping fluids etc in their body. Might be something a doctor should look into. Too much inactivity watching a screen? :)

    • @colinatlantic
      @colinatlantic 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Me too!

  • @Doobie1975
    @Doobie1975 7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I think 115bhp is pretty decent for a small V6 engine during that time frame, I wish Ford had offered a 3.3 Liter six 2bbl making approximately 105-110bhp.

  • @ZSLegacyMediaProductions
    @ZSLegacyMediaProductions 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am glad they kept with it because I loved motor week when I was a kid.

  • @wedgeantilles7731
    @wedgeantilles7731 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Well I guess I'm a Motorweek super fan. I've watched this 3 times!

  • @j2simpso
    @j2simpso 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Having watched a number of MotorWeek episodes this is my favourite. I used to watch an episode of Charlie Rose to get myself to sleep and this does the job much better IMO. PBS - People Buying Sleep😂

  • @TheHelado36
    @TheHelado36 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The Citation has something hanging from the engine, you can see it 8:11, foreshadowing things to come and came !

    • @Ccyawn123
      @Ccyawn123 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Shedding parts already

    • @TheHelado36
      @TheHelado36 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Ccyawn123 😂😂😂😂

  • @stevend3753
    @stevend3753 9 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    John! You seem so stiff! New show nervousness maybe.....

  • @Duncan1800
    @Duncan1800 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The description might be a bit off on the year - the Mustang shown was a '79 model year release, and the GM X-Cars came out in early 1979 as '80 models. So, maybe this is from sometime in 1980? Still, impressed that you've put this out there, considering it is vastly different in tone and spirit to compared to what came later. And, the Fairmont reminds me of one of my mom's old rides, which is awesome. Thanks again, MotorWeek!

    • @Duncan1800
      @Duncan1800 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Upon further review - the news about upcoming small cars means that this dates to no less than the middle of 1980.

    • @2500mike
      @2500mike 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Duncan1800 the oil change date is written in the owners manual. 👍

  • @zachg9065
    @zachg9065 9 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Craig: It's really very simple.

  • @nikemac84
    @nikemac84 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    WTF??? @10:46 1980 Chevrolet Citation Curb Weight: 2780 lb. 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5-Door Hatchback Base Curb Weight: 2896 lb. (2020 Chevy Website) The Sonic is a TINY Sub-compact car and it WEIGHS MORE!!!

    • @larrytate5867
      @larrytate5867 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Because the newer a vehicle gets the more safety bs they put on it therefore it makes it heavier.

  • @theturtle2121
    @theturtle2121 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Loved it. Lol I’ve owned both fairmont and citation lol Kinda glad they chose Pat Goss as lead mechanic 👍 I’ve been watching motor week since I was like 6 Thanks !!!! For all of the shows over the years!!!!

    • @Doobie1975
      @Doobie1975 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      which car did you like better between the Fairmont or the Citation? I like the Fairmont better because you can easily put in a 5.0 Liter V8 in these cars.

  • @Monsy11
    @Monsy11 9 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    John was so rigid this episode haha

  • @daveyco
    @daveyco 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    21:36 "Look underneath for leaks" Sees leak from drain plug; ignores it.

  • @nlpnt
    @nlpnt 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Pre-1985 EPA highway estimates were insanely optimistic due to the granny driving needed by the dyno technology of the day.
    2008+ ones are regularly exceeded irl by hybrids, manual transmissions, and any other non-default-equipped cars.

  • @Lorenzo-fw3gx
    @Lorenzo-fw3gx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @MotorWeek
    I love these retro reviews. Thanks for posting them!
    P. S. Bring back that retro intro!

  • @modelmaster79
    @modelmaster79 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Oil spouts! Bumper jacks! Cool! JD looks a little stiff! This was awesome!

  • @DARKELLAKEL
    @DARKELLAKEL 9 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Wow,GREAT archive. Yeah,it seems like JD got to be himself more in later episodes. He seems to have more energy than that.

  • @jeffandersen6233
    @jeffandersen6233 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wonderful memories of Saturday monings. Along with Mystery on PBS and Thursday evenings watching Poirot really hooked me to PBS.
    Im still reveling on the oul change sequence with oil cans and those antique spouts, WOW.

  • @gvs376
    @gvs376 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Set the playback speed to [1.25] for the optimal John Davis experience.

    • @SHUB281
      @SHUB281 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ain't nobody got time for that. I did 1.5

  • @johnnymason2460
    @johnnymason2460 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Amazing how Craig Singhaus went from a mechanic to going "out on the high road" in interesting vehicles. He was great to watch during his segments.

  • @888junkcarsbuyingteam8
    @888junkcarsbuyingteam8 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow, have cars changed! That bumper alone had more metal in it than entire cars today! And the wheels on the bus go round and round.

  • @Doobie1975
    @Doobie1975 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    At 8:12 does it look like a part is beginning to fall off on the Chevy Citation? I thought the Ford Fairmont looked way ahead of its time for 1978 but sadly became outdated by 1981, styling wise I prefer the Ford Fairmont.

  • @Commentleaver-c6x
    @Commentleaver-c6x 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The Citation and fairmont were 2 of the best looking cars ever made.

  • @daveyco
    @daveyco 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    6:18 "but the Fairmont is kinder to those who must enter the rear" . Already then.

  • @BeastisProductions
    @BeastisProductions 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    this was a very entertaining and informative vid. thanks for uploading.

  • @weegeemike
    @weegeemike 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This episode has to be from 1980 or 79 at the very earliest. The Citation debuted in late late 79 for 1980 MY and wasn't even a twinkle on the consumer automotive radar in 1978.

  • @mundotaku_org
    @mundotaku_org 9 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    wow, 85 HP in such heavy car !!! I can't imagine that thing going up a hill

    • @AE86ofMtAkina
      @AE86ofMtAkina 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      3 speed auto made it worse

    • @dchawk81
      @dchawk81 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They didn't have hills back then.

    • @CeeStyleDj
      @CeeStyleDj 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's what "L" and "2" was for lol.

    • @ProjectAchieva
      @ProjectAchieva 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Considered the most advanced sedan at the time lmao

  • @jamesdesmidt447
    @jamesdesmidt447 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wonder how many vehicle buyers went to the then imports after owning these two POS. I had a 78 Fairmont and it was junk. Steering wheel cracked,twice. The seat where bolted to the floor cracked through the floor pan and I only weighed 190. The radio was replaced three times and a loud scraping sound was where the heat shield rubbed other parts and was fixed by removing and grinding. Was never so happy to be rid of it. A friend had a Citation and not enough space to put down all of the problems he had.

  • @jefferysmith3930
    @jefferysmith3930 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a treat this was to watch. This pilot was reviewed and they told John to kick it it a notch or 2. To his credit, he did just that. A startling transformation from droning biology teacher to welcoming hotel proprietor. I’ve done a little bit of voiceover work. That kind of shift ain’t easy to make. He is a true professional. “The v6 Citation displays no torque steer” (as it is most likely a hand built highly tweaked ringer built for press review). Everything I’ve read about the production cars suggests epic amount of torque steer. I love the video of the upcoming Escort in European form. I’m sure when the cover was pulled off the USA spec car more than a few people thought “wait.... what happened! This isn’t the same car at all. What? Americanized?! No! Go back!”

  • @venuesurfamerica9840
    @venuesurfamerica9840 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "Extra width of the Fairmont" (31.03). Ha. It was actually 3" narrower!

  • @nlpnt
    @nlpnt 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Never knew you could get a sunroof on a four-door Fairmont, let alone in conjunction with a vinyl top. For that matter I never knew the trunk was that shallow - could it even take a full paper grocery bag standing up?
    On a related note, since the Citation's regular tire fits the well, doesn't that make the donut a "cost saver" (for GM, not the owner) rather than a "space saver"?

    • @CeeStyleDj
      @CeeStyleDj 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good observation.

  • @SomethingFunny454
    @SomethingFunny454 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for teaching me how to change my oil.

  • @bobjohnson1587
    @bobjohnson1587 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    @28:17 "Renualt"?

  • @AHAUGHT
    @AHAUGHT 9 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    This is like Motor Trend "Head 2 Head" 3 1/2 decades early.

  • @Pau_Pau9
    @Pau_Pau9 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This never aired due to copyright dispute with '70s Music Group in regards to intro theme music.

  • @2dfx
    @2dfx 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Looking back on this episode, JD got younger with age

  • @sunbeam8866
    @sunbeam8866 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Despite being built to be inexpensive, the Fairmont was light, nimble, and IMHO, fun to drive compared to the overweight 'compacts' of the mid '70s.

  • @cubedtothex
    @cubedtothex 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The first version of the pull-away at the end! Wow!!

  • @LoveMyZJ
    @LoveMyZJ 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Facial hair aside, Craig hasn't changed a bit!

  • @datacipher
    @datacipher ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So that’s what Bubbles did before Trailer Park Boys.

  • @mc3films
    @mc3films 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    I loved this MotorWeek pilot. Superb!

  • @bobdobalina2931
    @bobdobalina2931 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This pilot is so ancient the script is written on those papyrus scrolls on the shelves just over JD's shoulder.

  • @MrCarGuy
    @MrCarGuy 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's nice to hear him hosting in a more normalized and conversational voice.

  • @Niterider73
    @Niterider73 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Looks and sounds like John had better things to do than this episode lol

  • @jz4853
    @jz4853 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for posting these early episodes!!!

  • @codym8897
    @codym8897 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The first MotorWeek episode was a road test of the Chevrolet Citation and the Ford Fairmont, which was done for our unaired pilot episode in 1980. Joyce Braga was a road test driver, Craig Singhaus was the chief mechanic, and John Davis was the host.👍

  • @TheMELTDOWN911
    @TheMELTDOWN911 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just finished it MAN! that was long.......but great!! : )

  • @oldtwinsna8347
    @oldtwinsna8347 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you watch the interview with John Davis, you'll hear his history about how MW came to be. This unaired episode was just to see if it would be picked up. It was not. The network hated it for whatever reason (partly political perhaps, as it was a major depressive disorder for auto industry in '78). John returned to his day job on Wall Street Week. Only thereafter, did the network decide that an auto production was the flavor of the year so they looked around for a host and remembered John , so tagged him to take control.

    • @davidm5707
      @davidm5707 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I noticed this was 1978; I had just watched the first broadcast show, and John was much peppier, and Craig would be later. The format was much closer to the classic one we've known for some 36 years.

  • @parnellitube
    @parnellitube 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oil can spouts! And I can't believe, for as modern as the Citation was at the time, it came with a bumper jack.

  • @bobcoats2708
    @bobcoats2708 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Created in 1978, but featuring the 1980 Chevy Citation? Maybe the new intern got a shot at writing the video description. “Looks old to me! Must be from the 70s”

  • @joshgellis3292
    @joshgellis3292 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fucking Cool! I can almost hear Dad route for his '79 Audi Fox / 5000 ! This is EPIC! PBS did THIS in '78!? ...and like Xerox Parc's brass, had NO idea the high-detail-EPICness of this little project!?!!?!?!?!

  • @Ithinkiwill66
    @Ithinkiwill66 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'll always remember riding in the Fairmont...when I was a kid...man those good Ole days lol

  • @Battlefresh
    @Battlefresh 9 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    This video made me ponder my short meaningless life and then I felt no emotion. I no longer know who I am. I think I shall stare at the wall now.

  • @albear972
    @albear972 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    7:25 😂 the brand new Ford Fairmont’s center wheel hub was rusting away already. Or did it come from the factory with original rust?

  • @prestoncheapbtheadphoneste3010
    @prestoncheapbtheadphoneste3010 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    5:33. Does the fairmont have a sunroof?! 😐😑 lol.

  • @brad3042
    @brad3042 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just one problem: Why does it say 9/4/80 on the oil change log at 22:24?

    • @dalewasson5919
      @dalewasson5919 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I believe it was actually filmed in 1980 and not 1978

  • @DickieDelouise
    @DickieDelouise 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Watching this pilot episode while watching the latest episode on Motor Trends TV channel... Far out 😃

  • @davidvalenzuela4529
    @davidvalenzuela4529 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    Here's a MotorWeek Retro Review of the Unaired Pilot Episode from 1980.

  • @jz4853
    @jz4853 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's funny to see how the handled what became recalls back then...

  • @653j521
    @653j521 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    We did wonder why the mpg was so high then. Thanks MotorWeek even if it was unaired.

  • @ApothecaryGrant
    @ApothecaryGrant 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Those Fairmonts are highly sought after by hot rodders these days , The engine bay easily takes in a small block V8

  • @CeeStyleDj
    @CeeStyleDj 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    John Davis acted like he was on Quaaludes! Lmao. ( I know this was just a pilot test episode....but wow, that was surprising to see.)

  • @jamesslick4790
    @jamesslick4790 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Correction This HAD to be made in the third quarter of 1979 at the EARLIEST. The Citation was released in April '79, And this very video says "in the spring of 1979" in the past tense.

  • @gxdjoeybaby07
    @gxdjoeybaby07 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for uploading.
    I think that's the only Fairmont-badged Fox body I've seen with a factory sunroof. The wagon my parents had was nowhere near as loaded. Still had that same horrible 200ci inline six.
    Interesting about the Honda Quint. That showed up for 1986 as the Acura Integra!

    • @moejr1974
      @moejr1974 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That fairmont had power windows and cruise. Not many were optioned like that I am sure

  • @SaidHead2
    @SaidHead2 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Does Craig still use the old baby bath as a catch pan?

  • @kobbetop
    @kobbetop 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Fuel economy was a big issue, faulty transmissions and Ford introducing its One Ford global cars...this could be from 2015!

  • @alahollywood
    @alahollywood 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    1981-1984 the other John Davis... After 1985 even though he aged rapidly, lost hair, gained more weight, and became snarky.. is the John we know and love.

  • @thunderray1987
    @thunderray1987 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'll take the Ford Fairmont! The one I'd want to be exact is the '80 Fairmont Futura 2 door Sport Coupe with the 5.0L V8 and automatic transmission options!

    • @Doobie1975
      @Doobie1975 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Unfortunately the 5 Liter V8 was only available on the 1978-79 Ford Fairmont's, in 1980 they were replaced with a 4.2 Liter V8 engine, in 1982 only the 4 & 6 cylinder engine's were offered.

  • @logicn.reasoning9744
    @logicn.reasoning9744 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Torque steer is easy to hide when there's no torque.

  • @kippaseo8027
    @kippaseo8027 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh my God I'm so glad that John Warmed up in later episodes and didn't sound so monotone.

  • @ryansrides9714
    @ryansrides9714 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video, thank you motor week!!

  • @Hubjeep
    @Hubjeep 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    15:35 Craig was quickly replaced by Pat Goss, no? Also... 7,500 mile oil changes back then?!?!

    • @rogergoodman8665
      @rogergoodman8665 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hubjeep: Your correct, The first episode that actually aired featured Pat Goss. It's also been posted & I believe it's one of the first 10 retro reviews. I also disagree with their "too high for my taste" 7,500 mile oil change interval. I don't care if I'm wasting oil, or if it's not even dirty. The engine oil in my vehicles gets changed every 3,500 miles whether it needs it or not! All members of my family have followed this strict regiment since my grandfather started the practice in the mid '50s & none of our vehicles have ever blown an engine or ever had any kind of internal damage at all for that matter. We'd rather spend $20 bucks for oil & a filter instead of thousands in costly repairs or for a new engine.