All this is true unfortunately. It is true largely because the spridgets
were
not updated with time.
The spridgets were almost universally acclaimed
as fun, lively, excellent handling in the early years.
Unfortunately, the weight went up by nearly 50% over the years,
the engines were choked by emmissions, the handling suffered
(weight, ride height, weight distribution). Is it any surprised that
the car didn't generate the same level of enthusiasm?
With some imagination and leadership BL might have made
some different decisions (instead of the easy but poor ones
they actually chose) and kept the spridgets (through the Midget)
at the forefront of fun, economical open top sports cars.
As it was, the Midget was in actuality outdated and outclassed in
its price/performance category and the reviews (brutally) reflected
this. Just think what an alloy short stroke twin cam 150 BHP motor
with 5 speed box might have done to the performance figures. It was
technology they *could* have brought to bear if they wished...
I blame BL, not the reviewers.
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Soave <redlotus@spacey.net>
To: spridgeteers <spridgets@autox.team.net>; Ulix Goettsch
<ulix@u.washington.edu>
Date: Tuesday, November 03, 1998 12:54 PM
Subject: Re: 1979 Road Test
>> While the minority of contemporary automotive journalists felt like Don,
>
>Maybe not just a minority. In 1976 Road and Track said:
>
> "Anyone who would buy a Midget when an X1/9 is available for only $1000
>more would have to be a complete masochist."
>
>Ron
>Masochist-at-Large
>
|