Given the cars of the 1970s / 1980s, were the top speeds of most of the
cars of the time significantly higher than 85mph?  Or were the higher
speedometer speeds just optimistic numbers for people to brag about
(like the 160mph speedometer I saw in a new, but non-sporty, car)?

A product of the Naderite know-nothings that controled the Carter
mis-administration.  Mandated that a speedometers read 85 and note 55
in some way (usually its orange when the other numbers are white).
Speedshops did a brisk business in replacing these with ether Canadian
spec (which were metric, but still went up to the top speed of the car)
or cop car spec.

Then the NMSL was repealed, Joanie Claybrooke ceased to be listened to,
and TRAFFIC MORTALITY WENT DOWN.  Just like we said it would.  Because
underposted speed limts and over and selective enforcement of them
never saved one life or one drop of oil.

Now the irresponsible voices of stupidity are again resuming their war
on motorist's rights.  Fight them.

Join the NMA.

SP Cook

In the late 70s and 80s, most (all?) cars had speedometers that would only
go up to 85.  Were they mandated by the government?  What year did they come
out?  Why 85?  At the time the maximum speed limit was 55.