This recent discussion about safety got me thinking. I am blessed enough
to have an understanding wife, (which a lot of us are, considering the
mutiple autos people own on the list) and have a choice to drive either a
1989 Alfa Spider Quadrifogilio, a 1992 Mazde Miata, or a 1977 Triumph
Spitfire (which I look forward to the most since it owes its continued
exeistence to me) on any given day.
Anyway, just thought I'd mention that of all these three car representing
2-3 different generations in auto history (Spitfire = early 60's design,
Spider = late 60's design, Miata = late 80's design) - guess which car has
the most structural stiffness and feels like a "normal" (i.e. non
converible) car? Yes, the Spitfire.
I suppose it is due to the frame/body combination as opposed to unibody
construction. However, lots of people insult the Spitfire for it's weak
and flimsy frame. I don't know about other's cars but the Spit does NOT
suffer from cowl shake or whatever you want to call it from a flexible
frame like the other 2 cars. The Alfa has the most, and the Miata a bit
less. But the Spitfire exibits NONE of that feel. I think it is a very
strong car, contrary to what I have read from time to time and deserves a
bit more respect from even other Brit Car lovers.
-John Cousins
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jjcousins@ra.rockwell.com
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