OPEC and the Biggest Gas Guzzlers of 1973

In the 1970s, OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, tightened the spigot on oil shipments, causing a real shortage and sending the economy into a panic. Gasoline prices shot up dramatically, ending the era of 30-cent per gallon gas forever. THIS IS THE THE STORY OF THE MPG GUZZLERS OF IN 1973 During the oil embargo of the 1970s, Shortages cropped up and service stations closed when they ran out of gas, which was often. Before long, people began queuing up at stations that did have fuel. Lines would often start forming well before the stations even opened; as the hours dragged on, tempers rose and fistfights would break out among angry drivers. It was an ugly time. Needless to say, sales of big cars and trucks fell like an anvil down an elevator shaft. Granted, 1973 was a terrible year for the auto industry when it came to engine performance. Automakers were struggling to keep power numbers in an acceptable range while dealing with new emissions standards and low-lead gasoline.