Motor Trend '71 Buyer's Gude on the 1971 Imperial

Motor Trend '71 Buyer's Gude - Page 2


and three modulating devices, one for each front wheel and one for both rear wheels. Since even modern brakes are never perfectly equalized and the road surface might be slightly different under each tire, sensors are necessary at each wheel. If any wheel tends to lock, brake pressure at that wheel is electronically released and then applied, at a frequency of about four times a second. Ford presently charges $194 for its 2-wheel system as optional equipment on Thunderbirds and Lincolns (it's standard on the high-priced Mark Ill Continental). Imperial, however, will understandably have to charge more because the electronic system to f our wheels is much more elaborate. Even $250, however, would be money well spent. For one, it might save your life. For another, tires for a car like the Imperial cost around $60 each and one panic stop can ruin a set of four unless they are protected by an antiskid system.	Other Imperial changes include a redesigned instrument panel and integral headrests for the bench seats. The new panel, however, still includes gauges for every engine function backed up by both individual and a master warning light. A power vent window for the 4-door hardtop is a rather odd option to the standard ventless glass which is also power operated. Standard power assists also are provided for brakes and steering. The only engine choice is a 440-cubic-inch, 335-hp V-8 coupled to an automatic transmission. This one lost 30 hp in the process of being detuned for operation on low-octane fuels, but the average Imperial buyer is not likely to notice the difference in performance. He's also very likely to go on buying premium fuels. Despite Lincoln's move to make it standard, automatic air conditioning will still cost extra on Imperials. The concealed headlights can be ordered with an automatic washing system	that consists of a small nylon brush with an attached nozzle. Whenever you actuate the windshield washer system, this brush cleans the low beam lights at the rate of 50 strokes a minute for a claimed 90% of clean lamp efficiency. All kinds of radios, 8-track stereo and the cassette system are optional, and it should be noted that Imperial is the only Corporation car to use a windshield with an imbedded antenna. LE BARON ENGINE: 440 cu ins (335 hp). TRANSMISSION: 3-spd auto std. SUSPENSION: Torsion bar front, leaf rear. STEERING: Power std, curb-to-curb 44.83 ft. BRAKES: Front power discs, rear drums std. FUEL CAPACITY: 23.0 gals. DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 127 ins. Track 62.4 ins front, 62.0 rear. Width 79-79.1 ins. Length 229.7 ins. Height 55.6-56.7 ins. Weight 5500 lbs. Trunk 17.2 cu ft. BODY STYLES: 2-dr hdtp, 4-dr hdtp.

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