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Re: Seatbelts & Bumpers

To: spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Seatbelts & Bumpers
From: Philip Willcocks <p_willcocks_list@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2001 16:22:33 +0100
I was rear-ended in a Spitfire about thirteen years ago, the guy came
speeding over the brow of the hill, locked up the brakes and skidded for
about 80 feet and then shunted my car about twentyfive feet. I actually
heard his tyres skidding as he locked the brakes - I hit the accelerator to
lessen the impact. The Spitfire was a write-off and the back of it was
squashed against the rear-wheels. I guess it was a tribute to the car that
we walked away unijured and whip-lash was diminished as the 1500 has
headrests.

I don't know if Triumph intentionally designed the rear with crumple zones
in mind but my UK car did fold up quite nicely and absorb the impact. It
would be interesting to know how a US specification chassis would react with
its extended chassis rails.

I now have a MkIII with 1500 seats and headrests (and a 2500cc engine but
that's another story!)
Philip

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Rhodes" <krhodes1@maine.rr.com>


> Utterly typical, I'm afraid! I have been rear-ended in my Saab three times
> in the past year, all while already stopped waiting patiently at lights.
No
> damage to the Saab, one Honda went away on a tow truck. Serious bumpers on
> an 85 Saab 900T. Rear-ended in my Pug 505 last year, same thing, $1800
> damage to the Pug. That was a harder hit though. Person talking on cell
> phone... Ultimately I fixed it myself for about $5. ;-) I keep a sharp eye
> in the mirror when driving the Spit...
>
> Kevin Rhodes
>
>
> >I am now convinced that the extra collision protection on US spec
> >Spits/GT6's was essential to prevent them getting battered to pieces.  Is
> >this typical of US drivers, or was I just unlucky??
> >
> >Dean.

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