Massive slump in US-made car sales signals recession is biting.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Recession timing bad for Carter's hopes of a second term. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Point of principle lay behind resignation of Secretary of State Cyrus Vance following secrecy over hostage rescue attempt.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

How will President Carter's failed attempt to rescue the Americans being held hostage by Iran affect the forthcoming election?

Senator Kennedy talks tough as he faces last major showdown in the Democrats' primaries. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Bargaining details behind the transport strike which has left New York train-free for days.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Bid to curb power of the party bosses led to extension of primary elections - with the result that this year's presidential race faces 38 primaries. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Surprise at Senator Kennedy's landslide win at the New York Democrat primary.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Why the Illinois 'beauty contest' is so important to those aiming for the White House in a presidential election year.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

President Carter not suffering primary defeats, despite fears over raging inflation. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor. . Programme recording incomplete.

This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.