Hyundai got its automobile start in 1967 by building the Ford Cortina and Taunus under license. Before that Hyundai built European Ford licensed cars. Hyundai began exporting the Pony to Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Egypt in 1976. Most people in Canada would say that it is in fact the rear wheel drive Pony. It is actually the first domestic car that instantly became a big success upon its first entrance in the market. Until discontinuation, Excel carried the Pony name.
This engine was available with either a 4-speed or 5-speed or a 3-speed. I went on to own a 68 sedan which I later sold to my future wife to buy a 1967 wagon. . Background When wanted to develop their own car, they hired , the former Managing Director of Austin Morris at in 1974. Turnbull immediately hired a few good men Kenneth Barnett, John Simpson, Edward Chapman, John Crosthwaite and Peter Slater from Britain.
Front wheel drive versions came in for the year 1985 but it was meant for the European market and was branded as the Hyundai Excel. But then in the mid-50s remember Toyota or maybe datsun making Renault 4cv. The full Terms and Conditions of using this website and database can be found. An estate version joined the range in April 1977 The 1. Thanks for the article, strange to think how objects from childhood can still influence our decisions later in life. Initial projections for 1984 called for 5000 sales, but the final total was an astounding 25,123, making the Pony one of 's best selling cars that year.
The Pony that came to Canada was actually the second generation of the Pony. L featured seats, a fold-down rear bench seat, and usually a 4-speed manual transmission mated to a 1. Quoting a sales brochure: You'll see New Pony luxury in such things as rectangular halogen headlamps, fitted in a smart new radiator grille. Turnbull also bought with him a pair of Morris Marinas to examine. Fewer and fewer on each subsequent visit, as parts for any car are hard to come by there so your car better be either plentiful or dependable. The Pony was released for sale in Canada for the 1984 model year and ended in 1987. I loved the car, but I am glad I did not have to pay for the upkeep.
This engine was retained across the line until 1986, after which only the 1597 cc 97ci 74 hp 55 kW , 93 lb·ft 126 N·m torque was available. These Ford licensed cars were actually built right up until 1976. Just visit our shop and browse from our complete array of Hyundai Pony parts for modification, repair or simply for restyle. Sadly only the four door body style was offered. Among the notable changes for the Canada Hyundai Pony were sealed beam headlights, new marker lamp positions and differently trimmed interior features.
It was a facelift from the previous model. From 1984 to 1985, it was gray. Think about it before you laugh at me—there is some resemblance…. In 1974 however, Hyundai dipped a toe in the automotive water and built their first car — the Pony. The Pony was South Korea's first mass-produced car, while the name remained in use until 2000 on export versions of Hyundai Excel and Accent.
Out East rust killed them off very quickly. Do not remember English like Fords being much around. Shame so many just rusted away. Some product and company names mentioned on this site may be trademarks of their respective owners. British buyers were saved the estate version, but they could buy the pick-up if they so desired. At this epoch the koreans were mostly building Japanese cars under license. Maybe Clarkson should be dropping a piano on a Pony in the new series of Top Gear.
A closer look revealed that they were Hyundai Ponies, which actually befuddled me even further. It really is great fun to drive. Hyundai began exporting the Pony to , , , and from 1976. If you have a Hyundai Pony wiring need, like a harness or diagram, we can find it for you. I also owned a 1969 wagon. These new refinements are just part of many distinctive features of the New Pony.