Basic models of the Clio were also popular choices. The no-frills RL and RN are shown here, with the company making much of the 'astonishing' new 1.2 D.I.E.T engine, offered alongside the frugal 1.9 diesel. The changes kept the Clio fresh awaiting the arrival of the second-generation model in 1998.
Dating from a time when Japanese brands were starting to make serious inroads into many European markets, the fourth-generation Crown featured American-inspired styling and offered a lot of car for the money. Shown are the entry-level 2000 - with bench seats - and the range-topping 2600 BS.
This 1971 Toyota brochure from Finland provides a good illustration of how advertising norms have changed over the years, featuring a cover image of a driver with a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth to mark the arrival of the 'radically different' new Crown saloon. #weirdcarbs
Italian Fiat 126 production had ended in 1980, after which all markets got models built in Poland. They were little changed apart from a '126 made by FSM' badge on the (rear) engine lid. This 1982 UK brochure features three versions including an alluringly-named special, the Fiat 126 Brown.
The 126P became a national institution in Poland itself, and was also exported by FSM to other Eastern Bloc countries. This early '80s publication in German was probably produced for use at trade fairs. The company was also supplying Fiat-badged 126s to western markets.
Fiat cars were first built in Poland in the 1930s, with the relationship rekindled in the post-war communist era. Fiat's 126 was one of the most successful Polish products, built there from 1972, and is shown as the Polski-Fiat 126P in this brochure. #weirdcarbs
A different and rather more conventional Corsa Spider was also developed Irmscher, a long-time German partner of Opel. This 1987 leaflet showed it was being offered alongside regular members of the Corsa range by GM's Swiss importer.
Also shown was the technique for putting the Corsaspider's roof section in place, a job claimed to only take 20 seconds. The model arrived at a time of renewed interest in small convertibles across Europe, although reportedly only 98 examples were sold.
Rather than just make a simple chop-top conversion of the Opel Corsa A (Vauxhall Nova) hatchback, German coachbuilder Michalak came up with the sleek-looking two-seater Corsaspider, shown in this 1984 brochure. #weirdcarbs
The early Clio was an outstanding success for Renault, but by 1996 it was time for a mild facelift, with new-look nose. Demand was helped by the Clio's fashionable image - boosted in the UK by the long-running Nicole/Papa TV adverts. The luxury 1.8 RSi and luxury Baccara feature here. #carbluesky
