The simple things...
Discussion
'Had an interesting experience yesterday. Whilst looking over the other half's daily driver a few days back I noticed a bit of play in a track rod end. A couple were ordered off the interweb and I fitted them and re-tracked the car etc. As I'd just carried out a few adjustments I thought I'd take it for a spin - what a lovely car. The general demeanour is quite gentle but the steering feel is absolutely superb, light, positive, wonderful feedback letting you know exactly what the wheels are doing - not experienced that since I sold my Porsche. The handling "inspired confidence" (to use a well worn phrase) and the car could be hustled along our badly maintained back lanes in perfect comfort. The narrow width let the little car slip through the countryside when larger motors would be slowing due to oncoming tractors and groups of cyclists, all accompanied by an eager rasp from the exhaust when under load. The gearbox is a lovely mechanical thing, positive but very light and capable of quite quick changes in spirited driving. When needed the brakes were more than up to the job of stopping the car without drama whilst the driver savoured the wood and chrome of the cosy interior. The windows were down and the sun was out and on quieter stretches, or when stopped all the sounds of the countryside could be heard. Passing the occasional horse on a low throttle was no matter for concern with the little four pot running almost silently. And the whole blast cost mere shillings in fuel (okay, I know...)
Now, all my vehicles have been tuned, lowered, and generally made into a more hardcore experience and are far more exciting (and capable) for having done so, however they do crash into potholes, scare horses (and children!), and after a spirited drive it can feel like you've had a falling out with Chuck Norris. I think I may have forgotten the simple pleasures of driving a basic small car nicely set up.
The car in question? A 1967 Herald 13/60 saloon with faded paint, Vitesse wheels, twin carb's and a four branch... 'not enjoyed a drive so much in a long time.
Now, all my vehicles have been tuned, lowered, and generally made into a more hardcore experience and are far more exciting (and capable) for having done so, however they do crash into potholes, scare horses (and children!), and after a spirited drive it can feel like you've had a falling out with Chuck Norris. I think I may have forgotten the simple pleasures of driving a basic small car nicely set up.
The car in question? A 1967 Herald 13/60 saloon with faded paint, Vitesse wheels, twin carb's and a four branch... 'not enjoyed a drive so much in a long time.
)This is why i love my humble little 2cv based special.
4ft wide means even the narrowest of lanes are plenty wide enough. The fact that you can drive it at 99% of its ability and still not worry about getting into trouble with the plod. No roof, no windscreen, no electronics, no PAS or brakes. The smell of the straight through pipes, the sound and the wind through your hair. The delightfully comfortable ride and the lean through the corners. The hilarious speed you can take cobbled roads and speed bumps. The dials are so basic you don't even have a rev counter, when you run out of revs you change gear.
Sorry, im ranting now, but you get the idea. Delightfully simple motoring at its best! And all with 602ccs and 29bhp!
4ft wide means even the narrowest of lanes are plenty wide enough. The fact that you can drive it at 99% of its ability and still not worry about getting into trouble with the plod. No roof, no windscreen, no electronics, no PAS or brakes. The smell of the straight through pipes, the sound and the wind through your hair. The delightfully comfortable ride and the lean through the corners. The hilarious speed you can take cobbled roads and speed bumps. The dials are so basic you don't even have a rev counter, when you run out of revs you change gear.
Sorry, im ranting now, but you get the idea. Delightfully simple motoring at its best! And all with 602ccs and 29bhp!
Rant away, don't mind me...
I've had three 2CV based vehicles and still have a soft spot for them - I'm ex S.A.S. if that means anything to you. Like you I loved driving them on the limit, fantastically sporty little cars (try explaining that to someone who thinks a 250bhp diesel is sporty!). I really fancy the idea of building a three wheeled 602cc hot rod, should be a bit more economical than my 4.2 Austin...
I've had three 2CV based vehicles and still have a soft spot for them - I'm ex S.A.S. if that means anything to you. Like you I loved driving them on the limit, fantastically sporty little cars (try explaining that to someone who thinks a 250bhp diesel is sporty!). I really fancy the idea of building a three wheeled 602cc hot rod, should be a bit more economical than my 4.2 Austin...
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