Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

I've had a series of quick cars in years past (XJs, scary 2.5 Spitfire, BMs, Saab etc) , yet now I find myself mostly with stuff that won't be worrying many skins on rice puddings, if you get my drift. The Ford pickup struggled to exceed 30 downhill, and the Devon feels like I'm attempting re-entry in a Shuttle at anything over 45.

The daily wheels (A V70 turbo) isn't too bad, but is slow compared to some of the big engine Mercs and BMs I've had before.

Perhaps I'm getting a bit older, or have I just forgotten how nice it can be to drive something with a bit of ooomphhh?? is it too late? am I destined to spend the rest of my motoring days being overtaken by milkfloats??? hmmmm??? or is driving something sedate the more sensible option now, what with Mr Gatso looming down upon us whenever a straight section of road appears??

RJ
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[buzzy bee]

Hi

You need a mini!

Feels fast at 50mph, have many passengers that are holding on and looking at my speedo, even if I am well below the sped limit, feels even faster on the nice twisty back roads of cheshire at night! hehe

I have never been a fast driver, except when it comes to Karting, so if you drive slower cars as you increase in age I will be reversing everywhere in the future!

Cheers

Dave

[Old-Nail]

I have had quite a few fast-ish cars VW Vr-6's and the like and must admit that I loved to use the performance when I could.

Having driven a classic for the last nine months I have now acclimatised to more sedate motoring, and if I (to quote Tom Cruise) 'feel the need - the need for speed' I jump on my motorbike!

Having ridden for many years I can honestly say that 'fast' cars just aren't when compared to a high powered bike.
The speed at which information must be processed by the brain and the reactions needed to respond leave you mentally and physically exhausted after a fast ride!

Compare that to my 103e Popular where my main ambition was to reach a speed where those roadside matrix thingies told me to slow down! (I never did)

[Uncle Joe]

On this topic, I must agree with Old-Nail. It doesnt matter how fast, or how good a car is, there are none that can compare to any bike.

Yes, you are both mentally and physically exhausted after a long fast ride, but the achievement itself is worth it. And to relax afterwards with a beer or two....

UJ

[gillberry]

Never having ridden a motorbike or even been pillion I can only comment on cars and I have to say smooth and comfortable far outway speed although it is nice if the car has speed aswell .

[Old-Nail]

I take it you prefer to travel by boat rather than 'plane then?

[Uncle Joe]

...or perhaps watch a TV programme about Hawaii, rather than visit....

Old-Nail, you'll know what I mean by this comment!

UJ, shortly to be destroying the Ozone again!

[dpr]

[Uncle Joe]

But how do you get your knee down driving an Ariel Atom, and didnt the first ones have a Bike engine? Which only makes them slower.....

UJ

[gillberry]

I do prefer boats to flying but needs must , and anyway why hurry enjoy life .

[dpr]

[Old-Nail]

Perfect!

[Rick]

Flying boats =

RJ
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[Brian M]

Getting back to Rick's original question......

I use my Amazon for about 80% of my motoring, and here in the crowded South East find that my average journey time is the same as it used to be when I drove some fairly fast moderns.

I have about 110bhp due to twin SU's, a fast road cam, and big bore exhaust. So I can accelerate away from the lights at a rate that surprises a lot of drivers!

Using the overdrive, I can cruise at the same speed as everyone else on motorways. (I am not going to say what speed that is for obvious reasons!)

On my urban commute to work my journey is considerably faster due to the courtesy shown by other road users. I have three places where I have to get onto busy main roads at T-junctions without traffic lights. In my wife's BMW no-one will let me into their queue, in my Jeep Cherokee some 4x4 and van drivers who are at my eye level will let me in, but in the Volvo, drivers on the main road will slam on their brakes to let me in!

So Rick dump the V70, get an Amazon (or any classic with similar performance) and enjoy the best of all worlds!

[Rick]

I hear what you're saying Brian, couldn't agree more. I've had Amazons for my daily wheels in the past, must have had 6 or 7 in varying states over the years. Funnily enough there may be one coming up for sale locally in the near future. Thing is my last one was a real looker (in fact I've owned it twice now), and I doubt I'd find one that looked that sharp again!!

Rick
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