What happened to gasoline in the mid 1970s?

RustyRatRod said

Do you think new vehicles are zero hydrocarbon emissions? You're sadly mistaken if you do.

Obviously my point went right by you. It's my opinion that testing for hydrocarbons is the wrong way to go about it. Engines should be tested for efficiency. The more work they can do per gallon of gasoline. More efficiency means more work done per gallon of gasoline, ultimately burning less fuel in the long term = less pollution.

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this is exactly correct. Reminds me of a funny story. Back in the 90’s I had a Renault Alliance(Kenosha Cadillac) 1.2 L motor. At the emissions testing station in Wisconsin. Guy puts the wand in the tail pipe. Comes back to my window and gives me a funny look. Walks back to the tail pipe stands there stupid for a few moments, walks back to my window and says “are you sure this thing is running?”
Religiously knocked down 40 mpg, would top out at over 100 mph with 4 adults in it. Wish they still made them, would buy a new one in a heartbeat. Paid $10,000 new for it in 1986.