Watch The Killer Years

The Killer Years is an enthralling show from Motortrend that takes viewers on a journey through some of the deadliest periods in motoring history. The show explores the era between the end of World War II and the late 1980s when motoring was a dangerous and sometimes fatal activity. Using a myriad of archival footage and interviews with experts in the field, The Killer Years presents a comprehensive look at this period, including its most significant events and people.

Hosted by motoring journalist Jason Cammisa, The Killer Years gets off to a gripping start by examining the first of its topics: the birth of motorsports in postwar Europe. This was the dawn of an age where drivers would start racing each other on public roads, which were continually clogged with other motorists. As the sport grew, so did the risks involved until it became a deadly game of cat and mouse. The show charts the progression of motorsports and explores the critical events that led to their rise in popularity, including the tragedy at Le Mans in 1955.

The Killer Years doesn't just focus on motorsports but gives equal attention to the everyday drivers who faced death every time they took their car out on the road. The show highlights how technological advancements in car manufacturing created faster, more streamlined vehicles that often proved to be deadly in the wrong hands. The show examines the Ford Pinto and its flawed gas tank design, which led to explosions and death. It delves into the controversy around the Chevrolet Corvair and the way its unsafe design proved fatal for some drivers.

The Killer Years also looks at the deadliest era in motoring history in the United States: the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, the United States experienced a never-before-seen surge in urbanization, and the car industry responded by releasing larger and more powerful vehicles. Across America, drivers were being killed in droves. The show digs deep into the statistics for this period and presents startling facts about the number of fatalities and injuries that were occurring.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Killer Years is its use of experts to provide insight and analysis. The show features interviews with historians, motoring journalists, engineers, and industry insiders. They shed light on the events and factors that contributed to some of the worst tragedies on America's roads during this period.

The show takes a comprehensive approach to examining the period, utilizing all the available resources to create an immersive picture of the time. These resources include archival footage, dramatic recreations, and interviews that bring the era to life. The Killer Years also explores some of the political events and trends that were impacting motoring history, such as the gas crisis of the 1970s that led to the development of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.

In conclusion, The Killer Years is an exceptional show that is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in motoring history or who has experienced tragedy on the road. It presents a comprehensive picture of the era, from motorsports to technological advancements to the deadliest period in US motoring history. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the risks we take every time we get behind the wheel.

The Killer Years is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between March 27, 2011 and on Motortrend