CarDomain Obscure Muscle Car Parking Lot Head to Head: 73-74 Ford Grand Torino ...

The Chevrolet Laguna was the top range Chevelle for 1973, and GM actually boasted about the European Handling of the entire intermediate lineup. In reality, they did handle better than their predecessors, even with the engines that lost their performance edge. The new “Colonnade” styling did away with the pillar less hardtop because of pending rollover regulations. The distinctive front end covered the new bumper regulations without having to resort to the large bumper overhang other models used. This was achieved by using a flexible plastic called Endura, and was exclusive to the Laguna (and the new Pontiac Grand Am). The size of the 1973 Laguna grew in every dimension over its 1972 counterpart, including wheelbase, length, height, and curb weight, but it was a much more comfortable cruiser, with thicker windshield, double paneled roof, side-guard door beams, full foam padded seats, and a lot of other features that were unavailable only a few years prior. OK, you’re saying, the Laguna was a personal luxobarge, to which I respond absolutely not. That job was left to the Monte Carlo. This car was equipped with the LS5 454 V-8.

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