chewing the lean

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Mon 3 Jan 2005 09:43
chewing the lean - El Hacko
One of my sons and I have a restored Dolomite Sprint to use occasionally. When it's in my carport, I notice how narrow it is, compared with today's cars. e.g. my A3 - probably 5-6 inches in it - yet the amount of interior space in the Triumph is on a par with modern vehicles. Is it because today, cars are designed with more protective metal around them, or is it merely a style thing?

PS Belated Happy New Year to All

EH
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 3 Jan 2005 11:43
chewing the lean - nick
Lucky you having a Sprint. I'm envious, go like stink, don't they?
I reckon it's side impact beams etc that make the diference. But if you want a bulbous, wide car look no further then the Jaguar MK10 saloon. I doubt if any saloon today is much wider. Anyone know better?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 3 Jan 2005 11:47
chewing the lean - Pugugly {P}
I think a complaint in a number of Road Tests in the Autocar (IIRC)
was that the Dolomite's problem was its narrow chassis.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 3 Jan 2005 11:59
chewing the lean [classic cars: book] - Roger Jones
I saw in a recently acquired book on classic cars that the Jag Mk X "still holds the title of the widest British production saloon at 6ft 4in. (1.93m) across its bulbous hips". Designed with the US market in mind, "British buyers were always resistant to the sheer bulk of the car".

The book is surprisingly good for something bought for £4.99 from the piles of remaindered titles at the local garden centre. I've read it almost from cover to cover:

Classic Cars
A celebration of the motor car from 1945 to 1975
Martin Buckley
1-84477-023-0 (Anness Publishing Ltd: Hermes House imprint)
256pp, colour throughout, published 2003

The subtitle is misleading, as the book features many models later than 1975.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 3 Jan 2005 22:15
chewing the lean - Bill Payer
Ecah new version of a car that comes out always seems to bigger than the last, plus, as you mention, the protection offered is greater. My daughters new Seat Ibiza seems to have massively thick doors, for example.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 3 Jan 2005 22:17
chewing the lean - Bill Payer
.. and car park spaces get narrower.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide

Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.

Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.

Petrol or diesel ... or even electric?