Forty years ago, having Bluetooth in your car meant that your wife had a bit of a dental issue.
But what did the local motoring scene look like back then?
Let’s take a look in the Zuluand Observer’s archives what people were driving in 1975.
The French vs the Brits
Citroën and Peugeot were big names in Zululand back in the day.
At Parcs Motors in Tanner Road the Peugeot 404 sedan was a popular choice, and so was the 1-tonner bakkie version of the 404.
At Assegai Motors you could get the latest Citroën Pallas and GS.
The best of British was offered by Symons Service Station in the way of the Leyland Marina saloon for R2 970 and the Leyland Mini for a very affordable R1 830.
Made in the USA
American car makers were doing brisk business in Zululand.
In 75 Ritchie Ford’s flagship sedan was the Grenada Ghia, and Zucop Garage in Mtubatuba had the Chevrolet El Camino.
At International in Kuleka the boxy International 1-ton pick-up truck could lay claim to being quite tough, but not to having the best looking design.
At McCarthy Chrysler, the Valiant Regal at R4 515 was better suited for the
affluent buyer, while the Dodge Avenger at R2 730 perhaps more in-line with the average man’s budget.
Buying used
For the guy looking for a good used car, Parcs Motors had the following bargains:
A 71 Valiant Baracuda for R1 995, a 72 Datsun SSS for R995 and a 73 Rambler Hornet for R4 220.
Richards Bay Motors had a 68 Ford Zephyr for R500 and a 66 VW Variant for R300 (as is).
a motorcycle because back then radar was for ships only
