In a message dated 03/12/2004 9:44:40 AM Pacific Standard Time,
owner-mgs-digest@autox.team.net writes:
Here's a question for everyone. Exactly what makes you either own or desire
a particular car (for street use) ??
For me, its completely balanced sensory input. The car has to provide the
perfect balance of feel, handling, throttle response, power, & looks. Have
never been able to afford a good, perfectly balanced car with lots of power.
Must be good looking enough to make me want to look at it (at least from 1 or
2 angles :-). Perfect throttle response has priority over lots of power.
If an automatic, must be able to make it up the hill at cruise speed, without
downshifting. Cannot keep breaking down once I've sorted it. There has to
be quality parts available.
____________________________________
I own my MGA Twincam race car because I like just about everything about it
on the track - great handling, excellent braking and an engine so far beyond
the pushrod as to be in a totally different class.
I own my MGA 62 Deluxe coupe because I like the looks of the much
under-appreciated coupe body, and because it offers quite good long distance
cruising
in an MG, without being all beat at the end of a day's driving.
I own the MGC convertible (I have a hard time calling anything with wind-up
windows a roadster) because giving it to my wife as a surprise birthday
present was one of my most brilliant ideas, and has reduced the level of
carping
about MY car related activities considerably!
I own my 1963 TVR race car because it seemed like a good idea at the time to
have everything I had in my MGA race car, but with less weight and all
independent suspension. My grand plan to alternate the cars and race one for a
couple of years and then switch foundered on a schedule that became much
busier
than I'd planned on (anyone want a nice vintage racer?)
I own my 71 Interceptor because there are few nicer long distance touring
cars - I've done 1000 miles in one day and didn't feel as tired as I would
from
500 miles in an open car. It will cruise all day at 100 mph plus (where
conditions permit, of course).
I own my 1965 Jensen CV-8 because it is a truly unusual strange looking
beast that is 700 lbs. lighter than the Interceptor (fibreglass body), and
with a
somewhat improved c. 370 BHP engine (sixpack) offers truly surprising
performance for a 60s car, although without the refinement of the Interceptor,
which is slower but smoother.
I own my 1969 Lamborghini Islero because there are some things you just
can't resist and while it is in the same general grand touring class as the
Jensens, neither of them has 12 cylinders, nor will they allow you to shift at
7800 RPM. Enough said.
I own my 1988 Fiero GT because I was attracted to the Americans actually
doing something interesting for a change (mid-engine), and 300 BHP (very
non-stock) in a stock looking car combined with decent mileage is a winning
combination. I just repainted it and intend to keep it, as nothing else out
there
these days seems to offer as much power and fun for anything like the price.
2004 Pontiac Montana minivan - SWMBO needs something to drive and I need
something to tow the race car and run around picking up parts for everything
else. This does both.
So that's 58 cylinders and a bit more than 2100 BHP, all chosen for maximum
utility or enjoyment.
Bill
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