10 quick motoring memories from 1978

1. BBC Top Gear launched as a local programme in the midland region
2. PSA Peugeot Citroën took over Chrysler Europe
3. The Porsche 928 was named European Car of the Year
4. T-birds and drive-in movies were back with the release of the film Grease
5. The Federation Internationale du Sport Automobile (FISA) took over governing of motor sport
6. Ronnie Peterson, second driver in the winning John Player Special Lotus team was killed in an accident at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September
7. The oil tanker, Amoco Cadiz was wrecked off the coast of France
8. The disability motoring scheme, Motability, was launched to all 125,000 disabled people in the UK, initially targeting 16 to 19-year olds with mainly Minis and Fiestas
9.  The Motor Show moved to the NEC in Birmingham, where it took place every second year until 2004
10. Spending on motoring costs averaged £30 a week; diesel prices increased by 24% and petrol prices by 18% leading to closure of 1,400 fuel forecourts

[Pictures of 1978 Motor Show at NEC courtesy of SMMT]