20 hours in 1st gear!

[lowend1]

Here's an example of American "over-engineering".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwTz5vSLQJg&feature=related

[uwe]

German cars are great. Amphicar, Goggomobil, NSU (home of Felix Wankel), DKW and of course the Italian-designed BMW Isetta.

True. All could get you from A to B in times of resources and manufacturing constraints, used little gas, were quickly and cheaply built and were affordable for an evolving European car buyer market after the ravages of WW II.

Sensible products then, just like your HumVees. Give the people what they really need.

 

 

[Barklessdog]

Here's an example of American "over-engineering".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwTz5vSLQJg&feature=related

To go in a straight line- EU be dammed!

Got love the 4' handle bar mustache on the host!!!

[TBird1958]

Nice!

Righteous American Muscle Car.............Awesome.

I got to drive my buddies fully restored '66 Pontiac GTO 389ci tri power awhile back...............it was breathtaking!

[drbassman]

Chrysler had some other interesting ideas......................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1U_SSXkges&feature=related

[Pilgrim]

Dr. Bassman, I believe I would have gone to U-Haul, rented a pickup or SUV and auto transport, and trailered that van home...if I kept it, which I probably would.   I quite honestly don't think I'd have had the patience to crawl home in first gear.

[lowend1]

Chrysler had some other interesting ideas......................

Ah, the Turbine cars. Great stuff. To get those to move out, you had to essentially powerbrake the car to about 30,000 RPMs - that's right, THIRTY THOUSAND. Unfortunately, because the bodies were fabricated in Italy by Ghia, there were duties charged if the vehicles (50 were built) went into service in the US. Rather than pay the tab, most of the cars were destroyed.

[drbassman]

My wife's father was an engineer and he got one to drive for several months. My wife has some great stories about driving it around Buffalo when she was a kid.

[drbassman]

Dr. Bassman, I believe I would have gone to U-Haul, rented a pickup or SUV and auto transport, and trailered that van home...if I kept it, which I probably would.   I quite honestly don't think I'd have had the patience to crawl home in first gear.

 We had a trailer to tow, so this was our best option.   It all worked out. We are very patient and tenacious. Good thing we really enjoy each other's company.

[Chris P.]

Do not f*** with the BMW Isetta! It's one of my all time favourite cars! Especially in powder blue!

[lowend1]

Do not f*** with the BMW Isetta! It's one of my all time favourite cars! Especially in powder blue!

Who are you, Steve Urkel?

[drbassman]

OK guys, let's not get defensive over our favorite cars!  It's just like basses, it's a matter of taste and we all have different inclinations!  There's something good in all things whether designed over here or across one of the ponds.  I have a weakness for Porsches myself as well as Chryslers.  In fact, when I get my 68 912 finished in the next couple months, I'll post some pictures here!  My gift to myself when my son graduates in a year or so from college will be a muscle car of some kind, not yet determined! 

[Dave W]

Chris, are you aware that BMW is reportedly bringing the Isetta back?

Still can't beat an Amphicar splash-in

[drbassman]

An Amphicar!  I didn't realize that's what the Isetta was.  What a great idea.  Ted Kennedy should have had one!   

[uwe]

OK guys, let's not get defensive over our favorite cars!  It's just like basses, it's a matter of taste and we all have different inclinations!  There's something good in all things whether designed over here or across one of the ponds.  I have a weakness for Porsches myself as well as Chryslers.  In fact, when I get my 68 912 finished in the next couple months, I'll post some pictures here!  My gift to myself when my son graduates in a year or so from college will be a muscle car of some kind, not yet determined! 

Just joking, I like tailfins, oversized V engines and yank muscle cars that look tough, but can't really get you around the next Autobahn turn securely at a reasonable speed without getting all wobbly!!!

And I think Mercedes, Porsche and BMW are just a bore. Too prevalent here.

The only German car I ever owned was a Volkswagen 1302 Beetle. No matter what car romantics say: It was crap and unsafe with its vicious handling characteristics.

Uwe