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The Midsize Wagons of 1976

1976 Pontiac Grand LeMans Safari

1976 Pontiac Grand LeMans Safari

 

It’s a dead category in the U.S. today, but look back about 40 years and you’ll find that midsize station wagons were very popular. Rendered obsolete by consumers’ preference for minivans and crossovers, the midsize wagon has all but disappeared from the American landscape—unless you count pricey European imports.

Bonneville Model G: Pontiac’s Big Midsize Mistake

Expected to tow or to haul large loads of passengers and luggage on long trips, only one of  these wagons came with less than a standard V8 engine. Additionally, all came with standard automatic transmission, something that cannot be said of these cars’ sedan counterparts.

Today we’ll take a closer look at the midsize wagons of 1976. By our count, nine brands have products in this segment. All but one of these longroof rides boasted a starting price under $5000, and all of them could be had with some sort of wood-applique trim.

If you remember spending time with one of these family vehicles, please tell us about it.

More class-wagon fun

 

AMC Matador

AMC Matador Wagon

 

Base: $4373

Additional Trim Levels: None

Base Engine: 90-horsepower 258-cubic-inch six

Available Engine: 120-horsepower 304-cubic-inch V8 ($104)

Available Engine: 140-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V8 ($150)

Available Engine: 180-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V8 ($266)

 

Buick Century Custom

1976 Buick Century Wagon

 

Base: $4825

Additional Trim Levels: None

Base Engine: 165-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V8

Available Engine: None

 

Chevrolet Malibu

1976 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Estate

 

Base: $4543

Additional Trim Levels: Malibu Classic ($4776), Malibu Classic Estate ($4971)

Base Engine: 165-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V8

Available Engine: 175-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V8 ($118)

The 5 Most-Expensive American Wagons of 1969

 

Dodge Coronet

1976 Dodge Coronet Crestwood

 

Base: $4625

Additional Trim Levels: Crestwood ($5014)

Base Engine: 175-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V8

Available Engine: 220-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V8 ($44)

Available Engine: 240-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V8 ($93)

Available Engine: 255-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V8 ($144)

 

Ford Torino

1976 Ford Gran Torino Brougham Squire

 

Base: $4521

Additional Trim Levels: Gran Torino ($4769), Gran Torino Brougham Squire ($5083)

Base Engine: 159-horsepower 351-cubic-inch V8

Available Engine: 168-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V8 ($93)

Available Engine: 202-horsepower 460-cubic-inch V8 ($292)

 

Mercury Montego MX Villager

1976 Mercury Montego MX Villager

 

Base: $5065

Additional Trim Levels: None

Base Engine: 159-horsepower 351-cubic-inch V8

Available Engine: 168-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V8 ($93)

Available Engine: 202-horsepower 460-cubic-inch V8 ($292)

 

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Cruiser

 

Base: $4923

Additional Trim Levels: Vista Cruiser ($5041)

Base Engine: 170-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V8

Available Engine: 190-horsepower 455-cubic-inch V8 ($120)

 

 

Plymouth Fury Suburban

Plymouth Fury Sport Suburban

 

Base: $4588

Additional Trim Levels: Sport Suburban ($4977)

Base Engine: 175-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V8

Available Engine: 220-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V8 ($44)

Available Engine: 240-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V8 ($93)

Available Engine: 255-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V8 ($144)

 

Pontiac Grand LeMans Safari

Pontiac Grand LeMans Safari

 

Pontiac Grand LeMans Safari

Base: $4928

Additional Trim Levels: None

Base Engine: 170-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V8

Available Engine: 185-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V8 ($55)

Available Engine: 200-horsepower 455-cubic-inch V8 ($118)

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