True, it was a much lighter car, but it also lacked the high-tech machining that we see today. That such huge advances were made in all aspects but mileage is

True, it was a much lighter car, but it also lacked the high-tech machining that we see today. That such huge advances were made in all aspects but mileage is somewhat telling as to the priorities of the industry. Sell cars & sell gas, lots of it. Once public outcry for better mileage got loud enough (in the last decade basically) have we finally seen greater increases in MPG. Of course the oil & auto companies still fight mandatory MPG improvement legislation tooth & nail.