Before there were SUVs, there were station wagons, and millions of families loved the fake wood panelling, roof rack, but importantly, a comfortable ride with plenty of hauling capacity.

In the age before the SUV, this was a hotly contested market for the Detroit Three. Ford claimed to own this segment, and a major selling feature was their innovative two-way tailgate, which flipped down like a pickup truck, or could open like a car door, courtesy of a very clever hinge and latch arrangement.

And how did General Motors respond? With a system so clever and useful, that the gimmick laden tailgates of today’s SUV’s and light trucks don’t even come close.

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