Re: British Motor Show

[Stan Barnett <S.A.Barnett@domain.elided>]

   Mike,
     That's an interesting observation about the original 'S' Type--
''not a good car in its day though''. I always thought the only
reason it was less popular than the Mk. 2 was because it had
slightly clumsy styling when viewed from the side with the long
boot. Mechanically, it was superior to a Mk. 2, as it had E Type
style suspension and a good 3.8 was a formidable beast in its
day, albeit a bit thirsty on fuel. As it is one of the cars on my
shortlist for winter transport, I would welcome an expansion of
your observation,
                       Stan Barnett.


On Sat, 24 Oct 1998 18:28:58 -0400 Mike Wattam <MikeWattam@domain.elided> wrote:
>Went there this week, a few comments
>
>Stars of show were Rover 75 and Jaguar 'S' type.  Both were only at the
>early pilot production stage, so the general public is kept well away from
>them
>
>The Jag is beautifully styled, has many echo's of the 'S' Type - somebody
>at Jaguar forgot the 'S' Type was not a good car in its day though!  Nobody
>got near the car, one of the press said it probably had no interior.
>
>Rover also very good.  Notable was some retro styling particularly in
>lavish use of chrome and wood, exterior styling reminiscent of current
>Rolls/Bentley and old Rover P5, in all very luxurious.  The prices seem
>very attractive indeed, it is interesting that the car seems to have been
>positioned below the 3 series in price, but above it in quality - that's
>what brand image does for you.  BMW chairman shot himslef several times in
>both feet at the press launch when he mentioned in passing that he is
>considering closing Longbridge - Rovers biggest factory as Rover is making
>huge losses.  What a way to dampen off a car launch, he should resign for
>that.
>
>Citroen had a prototype small minivan called Picasso, wonderful curves and
>double opening doors it looked as though it belonged in Toon Town.
>
>Renault had a lot of prototypes, including a 'thing' called Vel Satis. 
>This caused a sensation, nobody could work out which was the front and for
>all the world it looked like a Space Shuttle from Star Trek (first series).
>
>The Highways Agency was there with the crap about "Speed Kills" with no
>evidence in support, so they got a bit of verbal from me and a number of
>other car enthusiasts (surely you have to be an enthusiast to endure going
>to the NEC?).
>
>You must visit the stand 'Planet Bike' run by the Motor Cycle Industry
>Association, simply brilliant.  A stand full of bikes from enduro to
>scooter, BMW and Harley, and able to sit on them all including a Triumph -
>and friendly staff.  They were giving away a nice little book all about
>bikes from accessories to Biker haunts, thru clubs, bike tests and
>bike-related occupations - all in 132 pages, nice.
>
>But not a classic car to be seen, this is reserved for one day only on
>Thursday 29 October, apparently no Stag to be present.  Shame.
>
>Ford have a huge stand, a show itself within the show, majoring on the
>Focus.  Amazinlgy only one Cougar on show and largely ignored.
>
>Seat have the usual cars including a new Toledo (wasn't that a Triumph?)
>that looks just like a BMW from the front - poetic justice!
>
>Not much in the way of accessories or parts, except many stands selling
>radar detectors now they are legal (in the UK at least), one vendor was
>saying this year they have quadrupled volume over 1997, they're laughing
>all the way to the bank.  Nobody had the nerve to turn up with any wonder
>'fuel conditioner' to eliminate the need for leaded petrol, thank goodness.
>
>Lastly, the show area is at least double the previous time, this is mainly
>due to increased gangways so the distances to walk are much bigger than
>previously.  Which makes you hungry, and there were more pig roasts than
>ever.
>
>I think I'll stick with classics.
>
>Mike Wattam
>Triumph Stag Register


S.A.Barnett,
Deputy Director of Estates,
Estates Department,
University of Kent,
Canterbury,
Kent, CT2 7NN.

Tel: 01227 823612
Fax: 761404