• In 2006, a Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe is top of the wish-list for many drivers after a reasonably-priced trend-setting car with a slice of elegance.

In 1976 it was the Toyota Corolla Liftback - on the market for £2,673.

Special features included a radio, three-speed heater control and heated rear window. Wow.

  • Sex, apparently, did not sell in Colchester in 1976.

The Cameo cinema in St John's Street had mainly screened sex films since 1972 - but it wasn't wooing cinemagoers in the town.

The owner announced the cinema was to close after the last showings of Sexy Virgin and Swedish Playgirl that following weekend.

  • Football stars have been elevated to superstar status - probably to match their superbig salaries - in 2006.

But in 1976 things were very different. Kevin Keegan, England's football captain, played in a charity match in France, before flying back to England to take part in TV hit show Superstars.

Less than six hours after the match ended in France he was in the pool taking part in the swimming event. A true superstar.

  • Motorists were facing a petrol price rise of 2p - pushing the price of petrol up to the heady heights of 85p a gallon.

Compared to prices 30 years later, it is hard to imagine the cost of motoring being this reasonable.