Having their clock rung a few times in the ‘70s for a not particularly fuel-efficient fleet, GM looked to their foreign affiliates - who had already discovered the joys of high gas prices, and developed a number of small, economical diesel engines as a result. Turning to the east, they leveraged their partial ownership in Isuzu to source 1.6 litre oil burners, which were already rattling under the hoods of the abominable Opel by Isuzu cars sold by Buick. Those cars were dervations of the global T-car platform, bringing low-cost and underwhelming small cars to the world's people. Another T-car, and the first sold in the U.S., is represented by today's candidate- a 1982 Chevette Diesel.

Presented in middle-America blue, and described in Craigslist-appropriate all-caps, this 5-speed four-door offers a unique look at an era of uncomplicated small cars. Featuring rear wheel drive and a bullet-proof (make sure to check that timing belt!) iron block four, the chevette offers engine accessibility unheard of in a modern compact. Forty MPG would not be out of the question, as would interminable freeway on-ramp runs. This might be the perfect first car for that twitchy teen on your list. There is nothing better than a glacially slow and sexless four door to keep a new driver self possessed of their own immortality grounded in reality, despite the seller's claim that car is fun to drive. Only ninety one thousand on the odo means there's still life left in this last of a dying breed, although that might be because it spent so many years hiding out behind a motorhome.

So, does a $2,200 diesel chevette make your passions burn with the heat of a million glow plugs? Or is that just throwing fuel on the fire of mediocrity?

You decide!

Northern Michigan Craigslist or, go here if the ad disappears. Thanks to tempesjo, who tipped another Diesel Chevette, which was already gone, so he gets credit for this one.

Help me out with NPOCP. Click here to send a me a tip, and remember to include your commenter handle.

The Champ and its smaller brother, the Tiger Star, were both designed by China-based Chongqing Changan, and are shipped to Oklahoma as partial knockdown kits. Tiger sources the remaining parts stateside and completes assembly at a facility in Poteau, OK, with the capacity to build about 35 units a day.

Tiger plans to skirt the "collapsing Chinese vehicle" problem by certifying the Champ as legal only for off-highway use, and only usable on public roads in Oklahoma — the latter courtesy of Ward's friend, Gov. Brad Henry.

With 28 HP and 45 lb-ft of torque, the Tiger Champ (35 HP and 54 lb-ft of torque for the Tiger Star) isn't going to break any land speed records, but the truck should provide a fuel-saving way for farmers to get around rural areas and run from tornadoes. Technically, one can purchase a Tiger Champ outside of Oklahoma, but the vehicle will be governed to a maximum of 25 MPH; inside Oklahoma, Champ speeds are unregulated, so we're looking forward to future rural Tiger hoonage courtesy of the Sooner State. Tiger vs. Unimog, anyone? [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

What was actually said was:

"We're not ready to make the announcement but obviously we sell diesels in Europe. The Mazda2 is extremely successful in Europe and Asia. We're continuing to watch that space in America."

Our first choice would be the drool-worthy Audi R8 Diesel from Detroit. But that's us. You're the crazy kid from the Chrysler commercials and you've got "a billion or three" to spend converting cars sold in North America, whether foreign or domestic. What's your pleasure?

According to the report, discussion share for diesel engines increased by 75% in the US, compared to an increase in discussion of just 16% for hybrids. As automakers are complete suckers for marketing data, hopefully they'll hear our collective moaning and bless us with even more diesel-powered sedans. [Marketing Daily via HybridCars.com]