Spot the Differences Between Model Years
This guide is based on My Winter Car Early Access (December 2025). Visual elements and parts availability may change in future updates.
In automotive terminology, a "facelift" (also called a "refresh" or "mid-cycle update") refers to design changes made to a car model partway through its production run. Rather than a completely new generation, a facelift updates the visual styling and sometimes adds new features while keeping the core platform unchanged.
In My Winter Car, the Corris Rivett comes in both pre-facelift and facelift versions, determined by its in-game manufacturing year. This affects the visual appearance of your build!
The Corris Rivett spans six model years, split between the two design generations:
Check the manufacturing year when purchasing or examining your Corris Rivett. This determines which exterior parts are compatible and what visual style your car will have.
Here's a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of all major differences:
| Feature | Pre-Facelift (1971-1973) | Facelift (1974-1976) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Grille | Chrome grille with Corris badge | Plastic grille, body color, no badge |
| Grille Style | Traditional upright design | Forward-sloping, single piece |
| Front Bumper | Smooth, fully chrome | Square shape with plastic strip |
| Side Mirrors | Chrome mirrors | Plastic mirrors |
| Passenger Mirror | None (driver side only) | Available on both sides |
| Door Handles | Chrome handles | Plastic handles |
| Window Trim | Chrome trim on windows | Simplified/reduced trim |
| Overall Look | More chrome, classic 70s | More plastic, modern look |
The front grille is one of the most visually distinctive differences between the two generations:
The facelift plastic grille can be painted to match your body color, allowing for a cohesive, integrated front-end look. This is a unique customization option not available on pre-facelift models.
The bumper design evolved significantly between generations:
Pre-facelift and facelift bumpers are NOT interchangeable. Make sure to acquire the correct bumper for your model year when sourcing parts.
Beyond the major components, several smaller details distinguish the two generations:
Chrome mirrors, driver side only. The passenger door lacks a mirror â period-accurate for early 1970s cars.
Plastic mirrors, both sides available. The facelift introduced passenger-side mirrors as standard equipment.
Chrome door handles matching the overall chrome aesthetic of the era.
Plastic door handles in the shift toward plastic exterior components.
Pre-facelift models feature chrome trim around the windows, adding to the premium appearance typical of early 1970s design. Facelift models generally have simplified or reduced chrome trim.
The GT trim has exclusive facelift features not found on other trims:
The facelift GT exclusively features a modernized plastic bumper with integrated air dam. This aggressive, aerodynamic design is only available on 1974-1976 GT variants.
The facelift GT bootlid comes with a black stripe and integrated spoiler, giving it a distinctive sports car silhouette.
If you're building the most visually aggressive Corris Rivett possible, the 1974-1976 GT offers the complete package: plastic front air dam, unique grille compatibility, and boot spoiler. It's the sportiest factory configuration available.
| GT Feature | Pre-Facelift GT | Facelift GT |
|---|---|---|
| Front Bumper | Chrome bumper (standard) | Plastic bumper + air dam |
| Grille Compatibility | Chrome grille options | Plastic grille (best match with air dam) |
| Boot/Trunk | Standard bootlid | Bootlid with black stripe + spoiler |
The Corris Rivett is based on the Ford Taunus TC1. The real-world facelift occurred in September 1973:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Real-World Model | Ford Taunus TC1 (1970-1976) |
| Facelift Date | September 1973 (for 1974 model year) |
| Key Changes | Rectangular headlamps (previously only on XL+), new grilles, revised dashboard |
| Interior | More angular, ergonomically improved dashboard |
| Chassis | Added front and rear stabilizer bars |
The early 1970s saw a gradual shift in automotive design from heavy chrome to plastic exterior elements. This was driven by cost reduction, weight savings, and changing aesthetic preferences. The Ford Taunus TC1 facelift reflects this transition perfectly â a trend that My Winter Car accurately recreates.
Explore more about the Corris Rivett:
Full build guide covering all trims, parts, and assembly.
Deep dive into the rare performance variant.
Step-by-step engine assembly instructions.
Where to find all the parts you need.
Last updated: February 2026 | Based on My Winter Car Early Access (December 2025 release)