Engineering:GM A platform
The General Motors A platform (commonly called A-body) was an automobile platform, and was GM's original, and oldest, platform used by all early GM products, beginning with the Chevrolet Superior. From this platform, all North American platforms B, C, and D were developed.
Starting in 1926 through 1958, GM used four different designations based on different wheelbase dimensions used which helped Fisher Body standardize coachwork provided for various bodyshells/platforms with the A-body for Chevrolet, most Pontiacs, Buick, Cadillac and Oldsmobile vehicles. The A-body was temporarily suspended in 1958 until it was reintroduced in 1964.
For the 1959 model year, the previous A and B bodies were built on the new B Body[1][2] that lasted until 1996.
The A-body designation was resurrected in 1964 for a new series of intermediate-sized cars including the Chevrolet Chevelle, Pontiac Tempest, Oldsmobile Cutlass and Buick Skylark. These later A-bodies underwent a switch in drive layout from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive in 1982. The switch in drive layout spawned the G-body. In 1997, every A-body car line was cancelled, but new nameplates on the GM W platform have taken their place.
- 1923–1958 GM A platform (1925) - Buick, Chevrolet, Oakland, most Pontiacs, Oldsmobile
- 1964–1981 GM A platform (1964) - Chevelle, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Tempest, LeMans, GTO, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Cutlass, Skylark, Century and Regal
- 1982–1996 GM A platform (1982) - Celebrity, 6000, Cutlass Ciera, Century
References
- ↑ "Requiem for Misterl: The 1959 Cadillac and the Winter of Harley Earl". ateupwithmotor.com. http://ateupwithmotor.com/luxury-and-personal-luxury-cars/101-cadillac-1959.html.
- ↑ "AUTOMOTIVE ORAL HISTORIES: The Reminiscences of William L. Mitchell". www.autolife.umd.umich.edu. http://www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Design/Mitchell/mitchellinterview.htm.
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