Idiosyncratic features to be savoured

[Stridey]

Stridey said:

Older Caterham horizontal handbrake under the passenger side dash. Designed to be just that little too far to release or grab if you've strapped yourself in.

However, it does make the transmission tunnel smooth so you can rest your elbow in comfort.

[KaraK]

The mk 1 Impreza's "Bright" switch.. A massive switch that just changed the brightness of the the clock, so pointless but it always made me smile.

The later Audi S2 coupes had the battery placed under the back seat, always made jump starting them a complete pain in the arse!

[HTP99]

What about the SAAB night panel on the dash, in the dark it blanks out everything bar the speed display.

[GTIAlex]

meehaja said:

My be T25 transporter had a little flap that the rear number plate was mounted to that you could pull down to check and top up the oil without having to expose the whole engine. Handy in a camper where exposing the engine involved taking the bed out!

I still love that feature on mine after all this time.

[GC8]

Simes205 said:

motco said:

280E said:

Non self-cancelling indicators on many Citroens.

...and the self-centring steering by servo on them too. Stop in traffic with any lock on, release the wheel and it straightens up while you're stationary. Then there's the brake 'button' instead of a pedal...

The Daravi steering, only in SM and CX's - once you're used to it it's pretty good, very quick rack too.

The BX 16v had an overly-strong centreing action too. It could be difficult to overcome if unexpected.

[mac96]

TooMany2cvs said:

Hugh Jarse said:

Look at the way this SAABs bonnet opens

Anyway, going back to Saab...

Who needs a steering lock, when the key locks it into reverse...

Going even further back to earlier Saabs...

Who needs engine braking when you can have a freewheel in the transmission...

[Speed Badger]

As a child I always loved the hideaway lights on the Dodge Charger (circa.1968). I could never work out where the lights were until I saw them being revealed like eyelids and suddenly my world was complete

[Mound Dawg]

Alfa 75, ooh, where to start...

Handbrake lever like a suitcase handle.

Window switches up by the rear view mirror.

But the best one-

Rear mounted gearbox and clutch, De Dion rear axle and limited slip diff that give monumental traction and let you to blast out of corners like a Group B Quattro.

[jayemm89]

Lotus Esprit... fly-off handbrake (not too rare).... but far enough away you can't get to it when belted in!

[Levin]

Lance Catamaran said:

Pop up headlights

Mazda is the king of the pop up headlight, in my opinion.




The headlights on the 1965 Buick Riviera are quite interesting too, without being conventional pop ups.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKTAVWYfSnE

[Trabi601]

Can't find any video of them, but Panther Solo headlights were unusual - a rotating pod, rather than retractable.

[DoctorX]

Benmac said:

Very early M100 Elans had what were termed "opera" pop up lights due to the mechanism looking a bit like opera glasses. The lights themselves went up and down like the 928 but were covered by a flap. The flap was linked to the light pod by a rod that pushed it up out of the way as the lights rose up. When I had mine I stripped and totally refurbished them. Absolute nightmare to get them back together and all aligned nicely.

Chris Goffey explains in vintage Top Gear at 1:40. My car was 3 reg numbers away from the red one in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJPZmnxasxc

Those are my favourite pop ups.

[peteA]

Was it a Citroen where the centre of the steering wheel stayed put while the rim rotated? Sorry if that's already been mentioned...

Allegro quartic wheel too...although I'm sure that's to be savoured?

I really savour the quartz starter button on a DB9, just looks and feels special...never used the 'emotional interface thingy' on later Astons so can't comment on those.

[Trabi601]

Mound Dawg said:

Rear mounted gearbox and clutch, De Dion rear axle and limited slip diff that give monumental traction and let you to blast out of corners like a Group B Quattro.

Just don't do it on a damp day coming out of Devil's Elbow at Llandow!

[MitchT]

Idiosyncracies you say? Watch this from 3m00s to 5m31s!

[Cold]

DB11 bonnet.




Recently PH featured Alpine GTA has its fuel filler under the front bonnet:

[Muddle238]

SidJames said:

spot the turn signal/indicator switch.

They bonned it off after a short run.

Hiding behind the steering wheel on the left hand satellite? I really love that for some reason, sure it's a bit plasticky but the way everything appears totally different to modern cars is brilliant. The early CX with the magnified speed-tape style speedometer comes to mind.

Other vehicles...

Land Rover Series I also had a fuel filler cap inside the vehicle, infact according to Harry's Garage, you had to remove the drivers seat first to gain access!

Citroen Traction Avant, H-pattern shift but 1st was down and right, 2nd was up and left, 3rd was down and left, reverse was up and right I believe.

[Muddle238]

peteA said:

Was it a Citroen where the centre of the steering wheel stayed put while the rim rotated? Sorry if that's already been mentioned...

The original C4 and the C4 Picasso I believe

[Levin]

Muddle238 said:

peteA said:

Was it a Citroen where the centre of the steering wheel stayed put while the rim rotated? Sorry if that's already been mentioned...

The original C4 and the C4 Picasso I believe

Yes, the original C4 has the fixed centre wheel. While odd at first it suits the car quite a lot: even the base LX spec came with features handled through the steering wheel's buttons (cruise control, speed limiter, radio), so a fully loaded Exclusive or VTR+ likely benefits a great deal as the button positions never change.

Had it been a car where the lower trim levels didn't have a multi-function wheel it may not have been such a great inclusion.

[Pothole]

I like the Alfa Romeo Montreal's headlight "eyelids"... video here.