[DRLOWZ]

In 1973, Impala's success continued, again outselling every other car in the country. Tightening government regulations and a fuel crisis, however, would change the automobile industry - and the Impala - forever. The impact of the 1973 oil embargo on the industry was dramatic. Gasoline prices doubled between 1973 and 1979. Industry car sales plummeted 20 percent between '73 and '74, and for the first time in recent history, annual passenger car travel in the U.S. actually went down. The turmoil left Americans groping for more fuel-efficient transportation, and the trend in popularity toward lighter, smaller cars was here to stay. Changes to the Impala from 1972 to 1976 were minimal. Performance orientation was sidetracked while issues such as pollution control and safety took center stage. And as the popularity of small cars and fuel economy increased, the Impala looked increasingly out of place and out of touch with what most people wanted. Engines included the standard 350 ci 145 bhp V8as well as the optional engines: 350 ci 200 bhp V8, 400 ci 170 bhp V8, 402 ci 210 bhp V8 and the 454 ci 270 bhp V8. Prices ranged from $3,752-$3,836. Weights were approximately 4,087-4,162 lbs.