America Exported

The Falcon died in America, but lives on today Down Under. The Aussies never got the Mustang until recently, however, the Falcon served as a truck, sedan, muscle car and econobox. The definitive backbone of Ford of Australia.

This chubby little get-around has made small appearances in America, but never sold officially. This was the model that the Cortina (its more popular trim) and the Capri (sold for a short time as a Mercury) were based around. A short time later this would lead to the Escort and Focus, both UK Fords originally.

Toted as South Africa’s own car during its production the GM Ranger was sold for just 5 years, but with several engine options and layouts, it was also popular in Belgium and Switzerland. It was sold in other countries using GM’s German pseudonym, Opel.

This has made a lot of appearances in the California Muscle car scene, the Valiant was a big hit in Mexico being produced into the 80’s. Getting smaller, sleeker and more efficient overtime didn’t really hurt the desirability factor on this one.

Here’s an oddball. GM teamed up with Toyota in the early 90s for help with the Cavalier for a reliable 4 cylinder for their new model of Cavalier. In return, Toyota was allowed to sell a number of “Toyota Cavaliers” in Japan. A high Japanese MSRP from Import charges made this a flop overseas.

Mopar kept the train rolling south of the border. Much the same as the Valiant, the Charger alternative, this powerhouse was tamed down due to the gas crisis, but kept all of the cruising and burnout power through the decade.

Ford again, but a weird one. Originally a Willys (yep) in Brazil, Ford took over their production in Brazil in the 70’s. This small, compact car really looked about 15 years past its prime, but has aged REALLY well.

This is cheating a bit, but a few Holdens have made it to the United States as Pontiacs and Chevrolets, but like its Falcon rival, it had a bit of an identity crisis. It was a muscle car, ute, sedan, coupe, the whole shebang.