To me there is nothing bastard about the 97 GP/Regals. Just the first year. If any of the folks that think it's a bastard child because things changed in subsequent years, they should look at all the changes that happened per year.
Or learn about 3800's and realize 95 was the true bastard year of the Series II 3800. Because the craziest stuff wasn't done in a GP or Regal because they weren't considered worthy of the 3800 motors at that point.
Only NA was Series II, L67's were Series I's.
OBD 1.5 engine management
Etc etc etc.