Cars...all that is old is new!
- Thread starter Kevinpreston3
- Start date
Cybrvanr.. that Lincoln is one of my all time favorites that I wished I could have had, that and a Mark III or IV. Don't they look huge now when you see one in a parking lot yet when they were new certainly they were big but they didn't look HUGE.
jasonl
New member
The newer Dodge Rams with the big grills. They do look nasty when tailgating you. In fact, I WAS tailgated and cut off by a Ram and a Silverado on the way back from church 
.
Ford Mustangs just look like mucho fun to drive. Well, they ARE extreme amounts of fun.
Yay for Mustangs, VW Beetles, Jeep Libertys, Toyota Priuses, Dodge Neons, and Mini Coopers.
Dream vintage car, I'm with Austin on this, 59 Caddy indeed, also 67 VW Bus and Beetle, 57 Chevy, 65 Stang, and make those covertible (except for the Bus of course).
Dream new car, well, I OWN IT! Add 2005 stang convert and a Prius.
. Ford Mustangs just look like mucho fun to drive. Well, they ARE extreme amounts of fun.
Yay for Mustangs, VW Beetles, Jeep Libertys, Toyota Priuses, Dodge Neons, and Mini Coopers.
Dream vintage car, I'm with Austin on this, 59 Caddy indeed, also 67 VW Bus and Beetle, 57 Chevy, 65 Stang, and make those covertible (except for the Bus of course).
Dream new car, well, I OWN IT! Add 2005 stang convert and a Prius.
jasonl
New member
And here's what Bri says
"You don't like practical cars, you like retro cars that stand out in a crowd"
Absolutely! I'm not like everybody else so I don't drive what everybody else drives.
"You don't like practical cars, you like retro cars that stand out in a crowd"
Absolutely! I'm not like everybody else so I don't drive what everybody else drives.
brisnat81
Well-known member
Monaro Lack of Popularity
Hi Chris,
I know two people with Monaro's, both of the second generation.
Around town they're averaging close to 30L/100km of PULP and that is with conservative driving in the manual. Our Petrol V8 Landcruiser manages to keep it under 18L/100 and its 1.5tonnes heavier. (And Flies)
Apparantly a big complaint with new Monaro owners, is the lack of boot space. This is apparantly due to the car having to meet US design standards regarding the fuel tank, which I understand has to be positioned at the same height as the rigid structure of the bumperbar. In the commodores its mounted lower and therefore there is some boot left.
One of them is looking to get rid of it, as with a 65L tank (Smaller than Commodore) he has to fill it up every second day. The other wants to keep it as a weekender and get another drive car. Its what should've been a great design, but which was poorly executed.
On another note, what do you think about the new Mitsubishi 380/ US Galant. Personally I think its butt ugly from behind, but time will tell if it saves Mitsubishi AU. I suppose the Pajero did manage to win 4wd of the year in its category
Regards
Nathna
Hi Chris,
I know two people with Monaro's, both of the second generation.
Around town they're averaging close to 30L/100km of PULP and that is with conservative driving in the manual. Our Petrol V8 Landcruiser manages to keep it under 18L/100 and its 1.5tonnes heavier. (And Flies)
Apparantly a big complaint with new Monaro owners, is the lack of boot space. This is apparantly due to the car having to meet US design standards regarding the fuel tank, which I understand has to be positioned at the same height as the rigid structure of the bumperbar. In the commodores its mounted lower and therefore there is some boot left.
One of them is looking to get rid of it, as with a 65L tank (Smaller than Commodore) he has to fill it up every second day. The other wants to keep it as a weekender and get another drive car. Its what should've been a great design, but which was poorly executed.
On another note, what do you think about the new Mitsubishi 380/ US Galant. Personally I think its butt ugly from behind, but time will tell if it saves Mitsubishi AU. I suppose the Pajero did manage to win 4wd of the year in its category
Regards
Nathna
super32
Well-known member
Intersting readings
Its been interesting reading everyones views and takes on different vehicals. I find it interesting more and more people are getting T/O with GM. Everyone and reports im reading say cadillac is the only GM product doing anything. I find this funny because in the back of my mind when I think of a caddy or lincoln I think of someone who is older and retired. Many years ago I would not have looked twice at any GM much less a caddy. Now 4 caddys later, I would have a hard time looking at anything else.
With gas being what it is I considerded looking at something smaller and better on gas. But I keep running into one huge problem or lack there of. Being a 6'4" male makes it hard to get into alot of vehicals today. Some of the ones I can get into are not very comfortable for more than about 30mins or so. So we ended up with a chrysler 300 and another caddy. I truely wish someone would make a large sedan in a hybrid or some other type of fuel effecient engine.
Scott
Its been interesting reading everyones views and takes on different vehicals. I find it interesting more and more people are getting T/O with GM. Everyone and reports im reading say cadillac is the only GM product doing anything. I find this funny because in the back of my mind when I think of a caddy or lincoln I think of someone who is older and retired. Many years ago I would not have looked twice at any GM much less a caddy. Now 4 caddys later, I would have a hard time looking at anything else.
With gas being what it is I considerded looking at something smaller and better on gas. But I keep running into one huge problem or lack there of. Being a 6'4" male makes it hard to get into alot of vehicals today. Some of the ones I can get into are not very comfortable for more than about 30mins or so. So we ended up with a chrysler 300 and another caddy. I truely wish someone would make a large sedan in a hybrid or some other type of fuel effecient engine.
Scott
The owner of my company has always been a big fan of cadillac's. He's got a 1967 El Dorado coupe with a 500 cubic inch motor...LOADED car. I repaired the electric eye headlight system on it for him, and he thought that was totally cool (he didn't even know about the feature)
He purchased one of the little CTS cadillacs about 2 years ago for his wife to drive around. Now, he may be a little biased being that he loves Caddies. He said after comparing it to a BMW 3 series, that the CTS give a little bit more in every aspect(little more room, little bit better handling, little bit more power, etc), and is a little bit cheaper. He said that the CTS is remarkably efficient. When he drove it to Myrtle Beach, it got 32 MPG's running 75-80 mph through North Carolina.
He just recently picked up one of the Corvette-inspired Cadillac XLR's. That is an AWESOME car. It's metallic blue, with a 400 HP Northstar engine, folding hard top...just a truly amazing piece of machinery! It's a big chunka change to buy one, but it's one of those cars that's an instant classic.
Cadillac has really changed their image, and the really had to. The market for luxury cars has changed. Instead of being rolling living rooms, luxury cars these days have got to give the ultimate in performance and driving, while at the same time be totally refined and smooth. Cadillac's Northstar engine is an amazing piece of engineering that helps deliver that. It's good to see them going back to rear-wheel drive too, and bring some smaller, sportier cars to market. Lincoln is doing the same thing. I used to think like you Super, Cadillac's to me used to be simply old peoples' Chevrolets with cushy suspensions and fake woodgrain trim. Now, they truly are different, and worth the money!
He purchased one of the little CTS cadillacs about 2 years ago for his wife to drive around. Now, he may be a little biased being that he loves Caddies. He said after comparing it to a BMW 3 series, that the CTS give a little bit more in every aspect(little more room, little bit better handling, little bit more power, etc), and is a little bit cheaper. He said that the CTS is remarkably efficient. When he drove it to Myrtle Beach, it got 32 MPG's running 75-80 mph through North Carolina.
He just recently picked up one of the Corvette-inspired Cadillac XLR's. That is an AWESOME car. It's metallic blue, with a 400 HP Northstar engine, folding hard top...just a truly amazing piece of machinery! It's a big chunka change to buy one, but it's one of those cars that's an instant classic.
Cadillac has really changed their image, and the really had to. The market for luxury cars has changed. Instead of being rolling living rooms, luxury cars these days have got to give the ultimate in performance and driving, while at the same time be totally refined and smooth. Cadillac's Northstar engine is an amazing piece of engineering that helps deliver that. It's good to see them going back to rear-wheel drive too, and bring some smaller, sportier cars to market. Lincoln is doing the same thing. I used to think like you Super, Cadillac's to me used to be simply old peoples' Chevrolets with cushy suspensions and fake woodgrain trim. Now, they truly are different, and worth the money!
I grew up being a big fan of the luxo-boats while everyone else I knew like smaller, sportier. That's why I got my new 75 Electra 225 coupe back then before they started downsizing. Loved that car but after it I couldn't fathom the new downsized models starting in 77. They just weren't the same thing anymore. I traded that on an 82 Volvo GL and never went back to domestics again. The Volvo was a fantastic car, so solid and sporty for a boxy looking sedan. Then I got a 93 Camry XLE, boring as all get out but nice and just as reliable as the Volvo was, but not near as sporty. After the Camry I did go and look at the domestics but was so put off by the poorly made interiors, cheap and flimsy plastic buttons abounded, even in the Caddy's and Lincolns there was no way I would pay +30 g's for cheap plastic, so I settled on a then new 99 MB 230 Kompressor sedan, actually cost less than Cadillacs and Lincolns. Wonderful car, goes like snot, I've had it up to 150mph, yes mph with my neighbor in the passenger seat who also happens to do stock car racing, he couldn't believe the car with only a 4cyl supercharger could go that fast,. but only momentarily. I regularly drive it at about 110 to 120 mph out here in nowheres prairie land, feels like you're doing about 60 it's so smooth and quiet. I just love my little white sedan especially when I leave the muscle cars a fading memory in my rear view mirror while I sip on a latte and mellow out to the sounds of the velvet fog himself, Mr. Mel Torme LOL
Hi Nat
pity about the Mitsubishi 380. I think it is the car that will kill Mitsubushi in Australia. It is so pretentious, when the true Magna values were practicality over style. I have a 93 Magna wagon and much as I think it is a truly great car, I will not be replacing it with a Mitsubishi as I reckon they have lost their way. Like so many other car companies too.
I have a theory that the people who design cars these days ingest far too many mind altering substances. I mean, how else could you explain the Ford Taurus, the Benz A-class, have you seen a Ssangyong Stavic? Wow, that guy must have been high as a kite!
I get a real bee in my bonnet about current cars, the windows are getting smaller and smaller. The windows are for looking THROUGH not looking AT, the designers seem to have forgotten that fact so latest model cars are like armoured personnel carriers from WWII with little slit windows. You hit your head getting in and out, I feel like the sun visor is down when it is up, the roof above the side window is an inch from my head so even large cars feel claustrophobic. I used to have a little Morris 1100 years ago, felt roomier than a current Falcon or other family size car. The Mits 380 has the same syndrome, the rear side windows are only a few inches high at the end. A recipe for car sickness if there are kids in the back. And no wagon version will be made! The last Magna (97 to just superceded) didn't have a split-folding rear seat, they said for safety but other Mitsubishi wagons both cheaper and dearer have one. My Magna wagon has a split fold rear seat and I won't have a car without one in future, we use it all the time. It really gripes me, the Magna up to 96 was a great, reliable, practical car, superbly quiet and sophisticated to drive, the later ones tried to appeal to a different market and ended up losing their fans (like me) with out succeeding with their new target. The 380 is just another step in the wrong direction...
just love my partner's little 99 Holden Barina, what a cutie, goes like a rocket (on premium fuel, it's a slug on regular) holds the road like it's glued to it, it has got me back to considering a Holden again, I swore I'd never own another Holden after a disastrous time with a 86 RB Gemini (Chevy Spectrum in USA), the first and last car I ever bought brand new, the worst car I ever owned...
pics to follow, I have to go back and convert to a smaller file.
Here is a link to a review of the car I am chasing now, a Holden Vectra wagon...
Chris
Chris.
http://racv.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story/09E09A08F819DF1ACA256A48001FC70D?OpenDocument
pity about the Mitsubishi 380. I think it is the car that will kill Mitsubushi in Australia. It is so pretentious, when the true Magna values were practicality over style. I have a 93 Magna wagon and much as I think it is a truly great car, I will not be replacing it with a Mitsubishi as I reckon they have lost their way. Like so many other car companies too.
I have a theory that the people who design cars these days ingest far too many mind altering substances. I mean, how else could you explain the Ford Taurus, the Benz A-class, have you seen a Ssangyong Stavic? Wow, that guy must have been high as a kite!
I get a real bee in my bonnet about current cars, the windows are getting smaller and smaller. The windows are for looking THROUGH not looking AT, the designers seem to have forgotten that fact so latest model cars are like armoured personnel carriers from WWII with little slit windows. You hit your head getting in and out, I feel like the sun visor is down when it is up, the roof above the side window is an inch from my head so even large cars feel claustrophobic. I used to have a little Morris 1100 years ago, felt roomier than a current Falcon or other family size car. The Mits 380 has the same syndrome, the rear side windows are only a few inches high at the end. A recipe for car sickness if there are kids in the back. And no wagon version will be made! The last Magna (97 to just superceded) didn't have a split-folding rear seat, they said for safety but other Mitsubishi wagons both cheaper and dearer have one. My Magna wagon has a split fold rear seat and I won't have a car without one in future, we use it all the time. It really gripes me, the Magna up to 96 was a great, reliable, practical car, superbly quiet and sophisticated to drive, the later ones tried to appeal to a different market and ended up losing their fans (like me) with out succeeding with their new target. The 380 is just another step in the wrong direction...
just love my partner's little 99 Holden Barina, what a cutie, goes like a rocket (on premium fuel, it's a slug on regular) holds the road like it's glued to it, it has got me back to considering a Holden again, I swore I'd never own another Holden after a disastrous time with a 86 RB Gemini (Chevy Spectrum in USA), the first and last car I ever bought brand new, the worst car I ever owned...
pics to follow, I have to go back and convert to a smaller file.
Here is a link to a review of the car I am chasing now, a Holden Vectra wagon...
Chris
Chris.
http://racv.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story/09E09A08F819DF1ACA256A48001FC70D?OpenDocument
brisnat81
Well-known member
Ssangyong - Eeeek
Hi Chris,
The Ssangyong has to be one of the ugliest cars currently on the market, but it always has been
I've got a 2002 AUIII Fairmont wagon, which other than its reliability issues is reasonabley pleasant to drive. I'm aiming to keep that another 2 odd years, by which point it'll have done about 180,000km which is about the average Ford's life expectency I'd like to replace with a Toyota Kluger after that.
I know you prefer manuals, but have a look at a Toyota with the 5speed Auto. In the Landcruiser, Prado and Kluger its gated and its about as close as you'll get to driving a manual. You change down and get real engine breaking immediately and the shift is perfectly smooth. Even if you dont want to buy one, still drive one, its an awesome experience. Unfortunately now, the only "Wagon" Toyota is the Carolla unless you look at a AWD/4WD model, I'm seriously contemplating it though, as its quite large inside with 60/40 seats and a largeish rear cargo area. It'd be easier to get a smaller car with manual than it will be to get a larger one.
The Falcon/Holden wagons dont have the rear entry height issues of the sedan, however the wheel arch protrudes a very long way into the door opening, and makes entry/exit hard for older people. In mine its 2.4M from the tailgate to the front seats and about 80cm between the wheel arches. I can fit two washers and a dishwasher in there with relative ease
My only concern about the Mitsu going bankrupt, is the impact it will have on the Parts manufacturing in AU and the follow on effects to Ford and Holden (If anything is left) The previous model Maggot was so hopelessly out of date that I think it even turned off diehard magna drivers. The 380 is less likely to attract Magna drivers and more likely to attract typical Vectra/Astra/Focus/Camry drivers.
I think the reduction in Window height is to do with safety (Other than the lack of visibility) Mum has a 99 626 which was one of the first cars I saw with tiny windows. The visibility is crap, but you have a lot more superstructure in the door up to chest height than there is otherwise.
Our neighbour has the hatch version of the vectra and she's very happy with it. Her only grumble to date is the Auto Trans, which has cost a fair bit to maintain, but other than that, its a lovely car.
Another thought I had as I neared the end of the message, what about checking out a Liberty wagon? A manual should be easy to come by, and you'd get Japanese reliability rather than european.
Nathan
Hi Chris,
The Ssangyong has to be one of the ugliest cars currently on the market, but it always has been
I've got a 2002 AUIII Fairmont wagon, which other than its reliability issues is reasonabley pleasant to drive. I'm aiming to keep that another 2 odd years, by which point it'll have done about 180,000km which is about the average Ford's life expectency
I'd like to replace with a Toyota Kluger after that.I know you prefer manuals, but have a look at a Toyota with the 5speed Auto. In the Landcruiser, Prado and Kluger its gated and its about as close as you'll get to driving a manual. You change down and get real engine breaking immediately and the shift is perfectly smooth. Even if you dont want to buy one, still drive one, its an awesome experience. Unfortunately now, the only "Wagon" Toyota is the Carolla unless you look at a AWD/4WD model, I'm seriously contemplating it though, as its quite large inside with 60/40 seats and a largeish rear cargo area. It'd be easier to get a smaller car with manual than it will be to get a larger one.
The Falcon/Holden wagons dont have the rear entry height issues of the sedan, however the wheel arch protrudes a very long way into the door opening, and makes entry/exit hard for older people. In mine its 2.4M from the tailgate to the front seats and about 80cm between the wheel arches. I can fit two washers and a dishwasher in there with relative ease
My only concern about the Mitsu going bankrupt, is the impact it will have on the Parts manufacturing in AU and the follow on effects to Ford and Holden (If anything is left) The previous model Maggot was so hopelessly out of date that I think it even turned off diehard magna drivers. The 380 is less likely to attract Magna drivers and more likely to attract typical Vectra/Astra/Focus/Camry drivers.
I think the reduction in Window height is to do with safety (Other than the lack of visibility) Mum has a 99 626 which was one of the first cars I saw with tiny windows. The visibility is crap, but you have a lot more superstructure in the door up to chest height than there is otherwise.
Our neighbour has the hatch version of the vectra and she's very happy with it. Her only grumble to date is the Auto Trans, which has cost a fair bit to maintain, but other than that, its a lovely car.
Another thought I had as I neared the end of the message, what about checking out a Liberty wagon? A manual should be easy to come by, and you'd get Japanese reliability rather than european.
Nathan
Kevinpreston3
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2005
- Messages
- 484
Speaking of ugly
And PLEASE take no offense if anyone here has anyone of these. I love an old BMW Isetta, so taste is very personal!
If there is any question about bias in the automotive journalism world, you need not look past my sore spot, the dogpile on the Pontiac Aztek as the worlds ugliest car by the auto press, while they turn a blind eye to these abominations, which I think are some of the ugliest cars ever made.
A) The Nissan Murano, or what I like to call, the Moron-o. Let's see, let's take a Gremlin rear window treatment, the front of an old Chrysler Airflow, and make every other line more uncomplimentary as the last. Styling criticism from the auto journals? (sound of crickets)
B) For those interested in comedy, a quasi-SUV from Honda arrived at our shores with extra packing material on the fenders. Oh no, wait, it's SUPPOSED to be that way. Recommendation to owners: Keep extra towels on it and alot of soap covering up the "styling", as in the picture.
C) Infiniti FX 45. You're supposed to pay alot of money for this one, because it has a leather interior and it has Infiniti on it. I love the completely out of proportion wheels, wheel wells, windows, etc. Is there one line on this vehicle pleasing? To me, it looks like a turgid boil.
D) Finally, my favorite. Toyota put a box on wheels, and people buy it! Yes, this is what is supposed to stand out. People used to buy Corvettes to stand out, now you are supposed to buy something like this. My Duolit toaster is cooler. But supposedly you can get a good set of speakers for it. I find it interesting when you visit their site, that you have to dig into a buried PDF file to discover that the engine has about 100 horsepower and 100 lb feet of torque. Imagine being on the freeways with that front end and that engine. Fun, huh!
And PLEASE take no offense if anyone here has anyone of these. I love an old BMW Isetta, so taste is very personal!
If there is any question about bias in the automotive journalism world, you need not look past my sore spot, the dogpile on the Pontiac Aztek as the worlds ugliest car by the auto press, while they turn a blind eye to these abominations, which I think are some of the ugliest cars ever made.
A) The Nissan Murano, or what I like to call, the Moron-o. Let's see, let's take a Gremlin rear window treatment, the front of an old Chrysler Airflow, and make every other line more uncomplimentary as the last. Styling criticism from the auto journals? (sound of crickets)
B) For those interested in comedy, a quasi-SUV from Honda arrived at our shores with extra packing material on the fenders. Oh no, wait, it's SUPPOSED to be that way. Recommendation to owners: Keep extra towels on it and alot of soap covering up the "styling", as in the picture.
C) Infiniti FX 45. You're supposed to pay alot of money for this one, because it has a leather interior and it has Infiniti on it. I love the completely out of proportion wheels, wheel wells, windows, etc. Is there one line on this vehicle pleasing? To me, it looks like a turgid boil.
D) Finally, my favorite. Toyota put a box on wheels, and people buy it! Yes, this is what is supposed to stand out. People used to buy Corvettes to stand out, now you are supposed to buy something like this. My Duolit toaster is cooler. But supposedly you can get a good set of speakers for it. I find it interesting when you visit their site, that you have to dig into a buried PDF file to discover that the engine has about 100 horsepower and 100 lb feet of torque. Imagine being on the freeways with that front end and that engine. Fun, huh!
super32
Well-known member
Ugly?
Kevin, i'm with you except on the fx45. I drooled on one! Unfortunattly the closest infinity dealer is about 50-60 minutes away. Which is fine for a purchase but if service is needed then it could be a problem.
Kevin, i'm with you except on the fx45. I drooled on one! Unfortunattly the closest infinity dealer is about 50-60 minutes away. Which is fine for a purchase but if service is needed then it could be a problem.
super32
Well-known member
cybrvanr
Funny you say you friend compaired the 3series with a caddy. We went from a caddy to a 3series conv. and back to a caddy. We test drove the 3 back in 02' and purchased one on the slow boat from germany. It was suppose to have a few options that was on the test car and it did not. I discovered it 6 weeks later. Needless to say it when the summer was over so was my desire to drive the car. So I told DH to move some !@#$% out of the garage and make room for a barge!
Funny you say you friend compaired the 3series with a caddy. We went from a caddy to a 3series conv. and back to a caddy. We test drove the 3 back in 02' and purchased one on the slow boat from germany. It was suppose to have a few options that was on the test car and it did not. I discovered it 6 weeks later. Needless to say it when the summer was over so was my desire to drive the car. So I told DH to move some !@#$% out of the garage and make room for a barge!
jasonl
New member
Micro cars
I went to a museum in Massachusetts that featured a collection of micro cars. Everything from Citroens to the Isetta to everything else. Those little things made the VW Bug look like a luxury car.
There's even the Thundersley Invacar, one of the first cars buit for people in wheelchairs. It had a sliding seat and hand controls.
I went to a museum in Massachusetts that featured a collection of micro cars. Everything from Citroens to the Isetta to everything else. Those little things made the VW Bug look like a luxury car.
There's even the Thundersley Invacar, one of the first cars buit for people in wheelchairs. It had a sliding seat and hand controls.
I also don't get those Toyota abominations.Is that the Scion? But then I didn't get some of the creations from AMC,like the Pacer,and Gremlin
kennyGF
kennyGF
micro cars
Hi Jason
Was this the museum?
The particular car I have linked to, a NSU Prinz, is the same model as one my Mum had when I was a kid. She was given the car by an old German lady who had given up driving. The car needed some work and parts were very hard to find so my parents abandoned the project and sold the car "as is". I'd love to find one now...
Chris.
http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/nsu-prinz-rhd.html
Hi Jason
Was this the museum?
The particular car I have linked to, a NSU Prinz, is the same model as one my Mum had when I was a kid. She was given the car by an old German lady who had given up driving. The car needed some work and parts were very hard to find so my parents abandoned the project and sold the car "as is". I'd love to find one now...
Chris.
http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/nsu-prinz-rhd.html
Nice museum! And they have the Smart too!
I can't remember that model NSU Prinz, I remember the later models like in this picture.
I can't remember that model NSU Prinz, I remember the later models like in this picture.
those little cars look like minaturized versions of Chevy Corvairs!!! In fact, they are mechanically similar. What year did those come out. Looks like Chevy directly copied the design, and then "super-sized" it! Corvairs came out in 1960 I believe
brisnat81
Well-known member
I dream of an NSU Ro80
Hi Chris/Luis
I dream about finding an Ro80 in moderate condition. I went for a ride in one at a car show our in outback queensland and for a car designed in 64 and built in 69, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference from a modern car.
The original ones had a two cylinder Wankel engine at 1000cc with a 3 speed semi auto transmission. You shifted like in a manual (minus the clutch) but there is no direct linkage between the shifter and the transmission/engine. Its all done with electronics (This is 1964 remember) The changes are perfectly smooth and instant, which for an Auto of any age is amazing.
The Biggest failing of the car was the Rotary engine,(Rotor tips wearing, and High fuel consumption in the oil crisis) and combined with the generous warranty that was offered before the Wankel was perfected it sent NSU out of business by about 1976. NSU was sucked up by Audi and for a few years the body was used as an Audi.
If only NSU had waited until Mazda had perfected the Wankel engine it would've been an amazing car today.
Regards
Nathan
http://www.ro80.nl/
Hi Chris/Luis
I dream about finding an Ro80 in moderate condition. I went for a ride in one at a car show our in outback queensland and for a car designed in 64 and built in 69, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference from a modern car.
The original ones had a two cylinder Wankel engine at 1000cc with a 3 speed semi auto transmission. You shifted like in a manual (minus the clutch) but there is no direct linkage between the shifter and the transmission/engine. Its all done with electronics (This is 1964 remember) The changes are perfectly smooth and instant, which for an Auto of any age is amazing.
The Biggest failing of the car was the Rotary engine,(Rotor tips wearing, and High fuel consumption in the oil crisis) and combined with the generous warranty that was offered before the Wankel was perfected it sent NSU out of business by about 1976. NSU was sucked up by Audi and for a few years the body was used as an Audi.
If only NSU had waited until Mazda had perfected the Wankel engine it would've been an amazing car today.
Regards
Nathan
http://www.ro80.nl/
ro80
I LOVE Ro80s too. I have never been in one but love the looks and the engineering, in theory at least.
I would have great difficulty getting permission to own one but I can dream. Good news is they are dirt cheap to buy, there was one advertised down here recently for $800 in good working condition. I tried to find it just now and post a link but I can't find it.
The Gearshift was directly connected to the gearbox just like a normal manual transmission, but the CLUTCH was electrically operated, by pressure on the gear lever. I used to drive a 1973 Citroen GS 1220 Convertisseur, which had the same transmission system. Simca used them too. My Cit was fabulous to drive, that clutchless manual was fun to use and easy in city traffic. My sister liked my Cit so much she bought one too, though hers was a manual trans. Another car on my list of classics for future ownership...Though a P76 in possibly on top of that list... don't laugh I am a P76 tragic, I had one in the eighties, loved it though it was only a 6, the V8 is the best of them...
Chris.
http://www.leylandp76.com/
I LOVE Ro80s too. I have never been in one but love the looks and the engineering, in theory at least.
I would have great difficulty getting permission to own one but I can dream. Good news is they are dirt cheap to buy, there was one advertised down here recently for $800 in good working condition. I tried to find it just now and post a link but I can't find it.
The Gearshift was directly connected to the gearbox just like a normal manual transmission, but the CLUTCH was electrically operated, by pressure on the gear lever. I used to drive a 1973 Citroen GS 1220 Convertisseur, which had the same transmission system. Simca used them too. My Cit was fabulous to drive, that clutchless manual was fun to use and easy in city traffic. My sister liked my Cit so much she bought one too, though hers was a manual trans. Another car on my list of classics for future ownership...Though a P76 in possibly on top of that list... don't laugh I am a P76 tragic, I had one in the eighties, loved it though it was only a 6, the V8 is the best of them...
Chris.
http://www.leylandp76.com/
jasonl
New member
Museum
No, the one I went to was somewhere in Massachusetts. It had those same kind of cars there.
Check out this link and the section "Spring Dust Off 2005". There's pics of the inside of the museum. You can see my white New Beetle in the 2nd and 3rd pic.
http://www.geocities.com/bsvwocphoto2/page3
No, the one I went to was somewhere in Massachusetts. It had those same kind of cars there.
Check out this link and the section "Spring Dust Off 2005". There's pics of the inside of the museum. You can see my white New Beetle in the 2nd and 3rd pic.
http://www.geocities.com/bsvwocphoto2/page3
Newer cars are safer
While I love my vintage cars,I think a person would be much better off in an crash with a newer car. The old cars had heavy gauge steet bodys,however they also had very dangerous dashboards. Look at the 61 Olds dash here. How would you like to smack your face into this steeting wheel,instead of an airbag? And look at the metal radio knobs,and other metal switches. Looks very painful to me. The first car I owned with an air bag was my 1976 Olds 98. The Cadillac that I drive every day has duel front air bags plus side air bags on all four doors. I have never had an air bag deploy,but think we are better off with them,than without.
While I love my vintage cars,I think a person would be much better off in an crash with a newer car. The old cars had heavy gauge steet bodys,however they also had very dangerous dashboards. Look at the 61 Olds dash here. How would you like to smack your face into this steeting wheel,instead of an airbag? And look at the metal radio knobs,and other metal switches. Looks very painful to me. The first car I owned with an air bag was my 1976 Olds 98. The Cadillac that I drive every day has duel front air bags plus side air bags on all four doors. I have never had an air bag deploy,but think we are better off with them,than without.
Kevinpreston3
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2005
- Messages
- 484
I agree and disagree
I like padded dashes, improved safety glass, improved safer seats, crumple zones, roll bars, better suspension to avoid accidents, better lights, ABS, better tires--and I think we can even do better with seat belts. (racing car drivers have accidents all the time, and no air bags).
I don't agree with airbags, never have (see other thread!). But passive safety items as mentioned above, you got me 100% on board.
Rick, my 1961 Pontiac Bonneville Safari does not have SEAT BELTS! As you can imagine, my brakes are going to be gone through top to bottom, and new (vintage in look only) seat belts are going to be installed before I take my family for a ride in it!
I like padded dashes, improved safety glass, improved safer seats, crumple zones, roll bars, better suspension to avoid accidents, better lights, ABS, better tires--and I think we can even do better with seat belts. (racing car drivers have accidents all the time, and no air bags).
I don't agree with airbags, never have (see other thread!). But passive safety items as mentioned above, you got me 100% on board.
Rick, my 1961 Pontiac Bonneville Safari does not have SEAT BELTS! As you can imagine, my brakes are going to be gone through top to bottom, and new (vintage in look only) seat belts are going to be installed before I take my family for a ride in it!
Hi Kevin! My Olds does not have seat belts,and never did. the 55 Cadillac has aftermarket lap belts. The problem with adding seat belts in the old cars,is that you only have a lap belt. No shoulder harness. If you are in a crash,you will remain in the car,but your upper body will be thrashed about the interior of the car anyway.
Kevinpreston3
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2005
- Messages
- 484
Hey back Rick!
I know what you mean, and just a lap belt can "squeeze your insides" pretty good in a collision. But, it's vintage. A good reason why I don't do many silly manuevers with them, esp with kids in the car. I think back on our original Bonneville Station Wagon when I was a kid. I rode in the very back of the wagon (no seats, nice carpeting on top of a comforter...had a whole play area there) at 75mph down the road. I would then pop over the seats to hang out with my sister, or pop over the next seats to cruise with my mom and dad down the freeway, have some lemonade and some snacks off the "beverage bar"!
Believe it or not, the 69 Cadillac has shoulder belts, as does my 1968 Charger...both manual type that you snug up yourself.
I was in a friends Dodge way back that did not have seatbelts. We took off quickly and lost control in the rain slicked street, and hit the middle island hard. We were not injured at all, but I ended up in the back seat, and he somehow went over the console into the passenger seat. Neither of us know how that happened or how we didn't hit each other in the middle. Car and motion dynamics are wierd!
Is the Olds and Cad wrapped up for winter, or do you keep them ready to run on sunny or more pleasant winter days?
I know what you mean, and just a lap belt can "squeeze your insides" pretty good in a collision. But, it's vintage. A good reason why I don't do many silly manuevers with them, esp with kids in the car. I think back on our original Bonneville Station Wagon when I was a kid. I rode in the very back of the wagon (no seats, nice carpeting on top of a comforter...had a whole play area there) at 75mph down the road. I would then pop over the seats to hang out with my sister, or pop over the next seats to cruise with my mom and dad down the freeway, have some lemonade and some snacks off the "beverage bar"!
Believe it or not, the 69 Cadillac has shoulder belts, as does my 1968 Charger...both manual type that you snug up yourself.
I was in a friends Dodge way back that did not have seatbelts. We took off quickly and lost control in the rain slicked street, and hit the middle island hard. We were not injured at all, but I ended up in the back seat, and he somehow went over the console into the passenger seat. Neither of us know how that happened or how we didn't hit each other in the middle. Car and motion dynamics are wierd!
Is the Olds and Cad wrapped up for winter, or do you keep them ready to run on sunny or more pleasant winter days?
Did you ever do this in a vintage car?
A truck ran a red light at about 40 MPH at a very busy intersection.,Although I tried to stop,it was too late,and I hit the truck at about 35 MPH.We met almost "corner to corner" The impact popped the drivers door open,and I was ejected from the car. When I came to I was looking up at the bottom of the drivers door. The driver of the truck did not have insurance,so my insurance company paid my medical bills.
This was my 1963 Oldsmobile convertible. It had factory lap belts,however I never wore them. The photo was taken at the impound lot.
A truck ran a red light at about 40 MPH at a very busy intersection.,Although I tried to stop,it was too late,and I hit the truck at about 35 MPH.We met almost "corner to corner" The impact popped the drivers door open,and I was ejected from the car. When I came to I was looking up at the bottom of the drivers door. The driver of the truck did not have insurance,so my insurance company paid my medical bills.
This was my 1963 Oldsmobile convertible. It had factory lap belts,however I never wore them. The photo was taken at the impound lot.
So what happened to me?
I was released from the hospital the next day,however my neck and upper back hurt for about a year.
What happened to my 63 Olds convertible? Well... The frame was not bent,so...The car had to be fixed! I only had P.L.P.D. insurance on the car,as I was a poor college student at the time. So I had to fix the Olds myself,even though the accident was NOT my fault!! I bought a fender off a dark blue car,another off a beige car,and a white hood off another car. (at the junkyards) The inner fenders and bumper and grill came off another car.I also overhauled the engine while the car was that far apart anyway. While the Olds was down for repairs,I rode my motorcycle. The following Spring I had the whole car repainted,and drove it until 1980. Sold it after that.
BTW: The 61 Olds and the 55 Cadillac are put away for the Winter. They won't be on the road again until Spring.
I was released from the hospital the next day,however my neck and upper back hurt for about a year.
What happened to my 63 Olds convertible? Well... The frame was not bent,so...The car had to be fixed! I only had P.L.P.D. insurance on the car,as I was a poor college student at the time. So I had to fix the Olds myself,even though the accident was NOT my fault!! I bought a fender off a dark blue car,another off a beige car,and a white hood off another car. (at the junkyards) The inner fenders and bumper and grill came off another car.I also overhauled the engine while the car was that far apart anyway. While the Olds was down for repairs,I rode my motorcycle. The following Spring I had the whole car repainted,and drove it until 1980. Sold it after that.
BTW: The 61 Olds and the 55 Cadillac are put away for the Winter. They won't be on the road again until Spring.
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