Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

In Portugal for a couple of weeks and already spotting rare classics...

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Ooh, Skoda!

To prevent ‘vampire’ loads I suppose? Or anti-theft?

The wiring in this jalopy is bodged to high heaven. Several things are permanently live (brake and reverse lights discovered so far), others ignition controlled, and still more (fuel gauge, horn) enlivened by an independent rocker switch. Might be better to start again...

Only because people are willing to buy them.
I find this thread increasingly frustrating as it purports to be about car engineering yet good engineering should consider efficiency and the environment. There's not a whole lot of discussion about those aspects beyond what the most fashionable SUV is. We all are cyclists I believe, yet purchasing bigger cars that are rarely if ever full, diesel too. These are things largely incompatible with cyclists aren't they?
I'm guilty too, we are a two car household although really only one driven at a time but I know I should do more. We have a mid size petrol crossover which will be replaced by something smaller this year. The other is the Abarth 595 which I far prefer due to its size and cos its fun too.
Rant over, I think it's the heat and that seemed to bring out some bad driving yesterday on my bike commute.

These aren't as difficult to look after as you would imagine. – the bolts that hold the wheel together are not on the exposed metal you can just give the lips a little rub with metal polish whenever you wash the car. RM & RS series wheels are a nightmare, you have to clean between each bolt by hand!

• Clear powdercoat will chip, let water in and then flake off
  
• Laquer won't stick to polished metal
  

Seen any UMM yet? I had a chat with an owner near Lisbon when I was there last and they're starting to go up in value apparently.

Last night I learned not to go to garages I don’t know... 3 studs sheered and the remaining two had loosened off to finger tight. I assume somebody went too hard with the Ugga Dugga.

I was doing XXmph on the m4 when I felt a wobble and heard what sounded like I had a puncture and pulled over to find this. I reckon I was maybe 20 seconds away from total disaster.

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Not yet but I’m keeping an eye out.

12 years after passing my test, finally got around to getting a car!

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no front number plate , but its on your dash - this is a thing now - seen 3 audi's in a row today on a1 - plus a bmw (all high end RS / S / M5 cars) - a way to get round speed cameras perhaps?

Squeeky bum time

Well said

After being stuck in insane traffic all morning, I need to rant about the trend toward large cars in London.

I don't bother unless I have a very singular purpose that requires wheels. Even on two wheels it's stupid. Took an hour and some to get to Dartford crossing, and back in through Blackwall assuming it'll be the opposite. Nope. Choked.

Filtering is doable, but way harder with all the German barges.

a way to get round speed cameras perhaps?

Nah it's for the same reason people have these

Tbh during term time the train and tube aren't much different in time, but my motorbike is cheaper, more enjoyable, and is less time restricted.

Once school holidays are in session then it's usually faster.

Because it fell off.

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no front number plate , but its on your dash - this is a thing now - seen 3 audi's in a row today on a1 - plus a bmw (all high end RS / S / M5 cars) - a way to get round speed cameras perhaps?

It's just looks.

The front plate delete and twatty straps piss me off also. This pleased me just now, though.

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Because I'm a massive fanny I always think "bet that has scratched the paint badly" when I see a faux-tow strap.

I followed a Max-Power'd car the other day that had two fabric tow straps on the rear - presumably so the car could be towed out by two tractors at once.

Speaking of being towed... Heading out to a Porsche motorkhana day at Sydney motorsport park today. Taking my pug 306.... My mates 944 turbo is broken again. Should be fun.

The other is the Abarth 595 which I far prefer due to its size and cos its fun too.

I'm thinking about one of these. Good for long trips too?

The whole of Italy went on holiday trips in the original, I'm sure you'd survive in the Abarth. Not ideal as a cruiser but it depends on your criteria.

London to the Highlands 😁

This was why I bought a large car. But since losing that I've been thinking a smaller more efficient car that happens to be able to do motorway speeds comfortably might be better.

Yes, no problem for me. I would try however, since some people seem to have issues with the driving position. I've got the Competizione with the Sabelt buckets, but I was equally happy in my old A500 which had the standard, less supportive seats. Ride is undeniably harsh on poor roads.

I have the Twin Air.

I have fallen in love with it completely.

Something about a short wheel base I had forgotten about since my youth.

The 595 is a serious little car.

I did get blown about a bit on the M25 tho. Have to say.