Dodge 1500
The 1500 Dodge was a car created by Chrysler Fevre of Argentina in 1971, from the platform of the Hillman Avenger English. complete on CKD kits exported from Argentina to Chrysler Colomotores for installation in Colombia from 1973 to 1978.
Due to its low cost, this car was known in the country as the "Order of the Middle Class’, being relatively accessible to the pockets of the people, compared to the great American who dominated the streets of Argentina at the time.
Note that because of their powerful engines, in addition to dealing rivals segment (Peugeot 504, Opel and Ford Taunus K-180), was a vehicle that could well confront directly the Ford Falcon, Chevrolet 400, the Polara or Torino.
The decision to begin production occurred during a law issued by the Argentine National Legislature, because of the energy crisis of those years that required the plants to produce automotive fuel-efficient cars.
Because Hillman was the English subsidiary of Chrysler, the car chosen to start this production was the Hillman Avenger, which was christened as Dodge 1500.
Unwittingly, Chrysler also getting into a segment that was exclusive European brands (Fiat, Peugeot and Renault), pioneered a trend that even today remains: that of American brands marketed in Argentina, vehicles of European origin.
The vehicle was unveiled in Argentina and Brazil, where according to the Argentina, the Legislature passed a law requiring terminals to produce 2-door vehicles. Thus it was that the 1500 was manufactured in Argentina with 4-door body and rural, while in Brazil were made 2-door body under the name Dodge Polara (same name as the large vehicle Argentine).
This presentation prompted rivals to also start producing vehicles of European origin. Ford responded in 1974 with the Taunus and General Motors did months later, also in 74, with the Opel K-180.
The Dodge 1500 was introduced in the country equipped with 1500cc engines. Its high performance and low cost made it a favorite for decades in Argentina middle class.
In 1973 the sports version called "GT90" name that derives from the 90 HP that developed the classic 1500 cm ³ but with improvements in the camshaft, a multiple sport exhaust type "silens" and the intake manifold is launched with horizontal shot two carburetors.
In 1975 he launched the "1500 Dodge" with 1800cc engine which seeks to improve their performances and face their market competitors. The engine is just an evolution of the 1500, but with internal improvements that provides much more nerve apart incorporates other front seats with cloth upholstery, a center console, a more complete board with counter and is the first to incorporate the backup lights, which were integrated into the rear bumper. From this evolution version called "GT90" goes mainstream 1800 cm ³ and called "GT100" referring to the 105hp declared by the manufacturer, it incorporates two classic and unique looks in blue colors combined with white stripes and a black but with gold lines and the denomination GT100 on side.
Such was the reception and acceptance that had this car, which was chosen by several runners to make it run in 1979 in Tourism 2000 Competition.
For the year 1979, with the inauguration of Argentine TC 2000 Championship, the "Milqui" (as it was dubbed) was equipped with 1800cc engine that was improved to run in that category.
Of course, as they expected, to success in sales I joined sporting success. Jorge Omar del Rio was crowned second Argentine Champion TC 2000 in 1980 to command a Dodge 1500, success would repeat twice more, in 1981 and 1982. Thing that also won the 1500 was the absolute record of winning all racing calendar in 1982. Others champions were held this brand Rubén Luis di Palma and Guillermo Maldonado.
However, not all were good for 1500, because it was precisely in that year when Chrysler-Fevre Argentina SA, closed its doors selling all its shares to Volkswagen.
Luckily the 1500 Volkswagen is committed to continue production of the Dodge brand vehicles, to start with the gradual replacement Volkswagen brand vehicles.
It was under the regency of the 1500 Volkswagen when it reached its peak of popularity. Volkswagen prepared him to continue to be marketed, not as a Dodge 1500, but as Volkswagen VW 1500. Was thanks to the 1500 Volkswagen also won a lot of followers, their fame brand cheerleader competitions to those presented.
The 1500, the car wanted by Argentina’s middle class, ended production in 1990, with a high acceptance rate. It was commercialized in Argentina with 4-door body and rural. In Brazil were sold in 2-door coupe version.
In 1979, the acquisition of the shares of Chrysler-Fevre Argentina SA by Volkswagen announced. This caused the landing of the German company in Argentina, a fact that took place on May 5, 1980.
The agreement included the continued production of Chrysler models then begin a gradual replacement by VW models. Thus, the 1500 Dodge initiated a new stage in its commercial life.
Volkswagen and Dodge began production of 1500, which renamed Volkswagen Dodge 1500. Among the new Dodge 1500 would see would be a small change in the grille and taillights, which in version 1.8 engine integrate with backup lights the main optical group between red and amber.
For 1982, Volkswagen completely redesigned the vehicle, finally calling it Volkswagen VW 1500. The vehicle received its first restyling that allowed him officially identified as Volkswagen 1500. From the time the car passed out on his forehead the Volkswagen logo.
One of the most significant changes in 1989 was happened to be equipped with manual transmission 5-speed. The production of this car finished in 1990.
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