Yeah, the 3 have a lot of similarities, although the 356 is the only one of
the 3 that had the power to keep the tail end "squatted" through a
high-speed turn (well, later Corvairs had sufficient power, but by then, the
rear suspension had been redesigned so that it wouldn't go to obscene,
positive camber if the tail end was allowed to come up, in a curve). The
356's handling is VERY safe, if the driver is sharp and knows exactly what
to do and can react quickly and decisively. I think that's why I like the
356 so much. It is intolerant of driver inattentiveness and ineptitude. It
DEMANDS to be DRIVEN, not "operated". If the driver isn't up to the task,
it is very obvious to anyone watching.
Re: Speedsters. I can remember when they were easily obtainable for about
$1800 (mid '60s-early '70s), for a good one! Then, people caught on.....
Hey, I'm one of the lucky ones who prefers the coupes. However, I did have
a Super 90 Roadster (356-B) in college. About 100# lighter than the coupes.
Sold it cheap (I'm embarrassed to admit HOW cheap) and I've regretted it
ever since. It'd be worth as much as $85K, now!
Bud
-----Original Message-----
From Robert E. Shlafer [mailto:PilotRob at webtv.net]
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2003 9:06 PM
To: Bud Osbourne
Cc: Michel R. Gagne; spridget list
Subject: RE: How to multi car
Bud....
I only drove a 356 once and absolutely loved the way it handled (being
an old
Corvair and VW Bug driver!).
Had the car been a convertible instead
of a hardtop I would have gone for it for
IMHO the price was right considering the
good condition of the car.
Drivng a 356 is a little like flying a WW1 Sopwith Camel, which had
about the same pilot fatality rate in training as it did
in combat! This aircraft was arguably the
most maneuverable WW1 figher built
(maybe besides the German Fokker DR1
tri-plane) but....either you mastered it or
obviously, it mastered you in short order!
Wish I had been fortunate in getting my
hands on a Speedster before the prices
went unreal....great machine! I had a buddy who's Dad had one of these,
way
back when, Abarth and all. Pure sex!
Never allowed anyone but himself to drive
this car....don't blame him! :)
Cap'n. Bob
'60 :{)
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