Thanks for the input...maybe I'm describing it wrong...or maybe I'm remembering it incorrectly. :p Either are possible.
I am totally unfamiliar with the types of bumper supports that were offered over the years so I'm just describing what I saw. My car is a '73... manufactured in 10/72, delivered on 12/27/1972... so I assume this is pre 5mph impact.
It has a beam on each side that opens into a "v" and connects to the bumper in two places on each side. I'll snap a pic tonight...