At 05:10 PM 8/28/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Lindsay's remark about driving MG's fast got me thinking. I seldom drive
>the MG that fast but the sensation of speed is definitely there. I think
>that this is one of the endearing features of these old cars and, for me,
>the eternal quest is finding the perfect balance between the feeling of
>speed and useability on today's roads. The MGA seem to approach that
>balance better than any other car that I have owned lately. If you prefer
>a little more useability- go to a B. If more involvement is the answer, go
>older or smaller.
BINGO!!
I believe Bill's hit the nail exactly! My wife's Jetta will outperform the
GT any day in any criteria but it's just a utilitarian device, very little
fun to drive (though much more so than any number of barges, my F-150 4X4
for instance). The illusion of speed in the TC is a major part of it's
appeal. The balance Bill refers to is canted well away from useability with
the TC but the illusion of speed and the connected-ness of the driver is
more than ample compensation.
For real escapist "boy-racer" sessions lay the windsheild flat and chew the
bugs. For me, the TC with the windscreen down at 45 mph on the right
stretch of road is more fun than just about anything. The downside is the
level of concentration required, with it's notorious brakes and twitchy
steering the TC demands the drivers full attention at all times. This makes
it tiring to drive over long distances but the rewards are worth the effort.
For the too short time I was with them, I lead the Brit run to the Sun.
Windscreen folded flat, right leg fully extended, sunglasses blasted against
my face and a big ol' grin from ear to ear. I was leader not because I was
special but because I was slowest; if anyone else had set the pace I would
have lost them in no time. However, I'm sure Barney and Carol would,
perhaps grudgingly, agree that at that time, at that speed, on that piece of
road no one was having more fun than I. (they wanted some pictures of the
group going by so they pulled out and passed me like I was standing still)
I haven't driven an A in 20 years but I bet Bill's estimate of the A having
the optimum balance is pretty close to the mark. I can't wait to get the GT
back on the road and reasses where she fits in. I'm guessing an early B
will compare favourably.....
Cheers
___ \______ Ross MacPherson
/ __ \ __ / /------|) Surrey, BC CANADA
/ (___)---------/ (___)
1947 MG-TC 3528 1966 MGB-GT
|