Well, there's something about the headlights of an Alfa Spyder that does
resemble a Spitfire.
The MG-I don't see at all. Nor the cpmparison to a Fiat Spyder-rather sharp
edges.
When people ask me if it's a Jag or a Ferrari (never had the Porsche
comment!)-I just smile!
Laura G. and 'Nigel'-il jaguarino!
>
>From: "Terry L. Thompson" <tlt@digex.net>
>Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 15:16:54 -0400
>To: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Re: MG Midget vs. Spitfire
>
>
>Visually, my Spitfire has been compared to an Alpha Romeo, a Fiat Spyder (?)
>and an MGB. But I think for sleekness it beats all three.
>The B and the Alpha, have the rounded bonnet and round head lights, but then
>the hood lines run a straight horizontal line back to the tail. They have no
>slope to the door line or curve to the rear fender. It's like MG and Alpha
>designed a front end and then lost all creative urges when they got past the
>door seam. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I've got a friend that
>LOVES boxy BMW's from the 70's...The boxier = the better for him. His ideal
>car would have a perpendicular rear window and windshield to the trunk and
>bonnet. And a hood you could put a ball bearing on and it would just sit
>there. (He shouldn't be allowed to breed, in my opinion)
>
>Finally, how can anyone NOT love the clam-shell hood of a spitfire? (How
>many production cars do that stock?)
>
>(I've also been asked if it was a Porsche or a Ferrari...but people are just
>plain stupid).
>
>For those of us who are a bit on the tall side (6'+ with a majority of it in
>the legs) some cars would be even more uncomfortable to drive. I've been
>told by midget owners that the midget is called a midget for a reason, and I
>shouldn't even attempt to get in one.
>
>I've seen the seats in a friend's bugeye, and they look like they were metal
>beer barrels that were cut in a diagonal fashion and set into the car tub.
>No lumbar curve or even any padding except a cover!
>My '76 has a very comfortable seat (now that I've replaced the foams and
>vinyl covers), and even get aknowledgements that the seats are more
>comfortable than a contemporary car. As you know, they don't have a lot of
>support. They're just firm enough to keep you from rolling out of the seat,
>which is probably horrible for your back on a long drive...but it feels
>great for a short periods.
>
>As far as performance, I believe the Spitfire was the leader in the 60's and
>70's for total wins in American events in class. But Triumph had some of the
>best drivers and engineers of the time (in small sport car class). But since
>the racing history for the past 20-30 years has been supported soley by the
>hobbiest/enthusiest and the occasional parts/mechanical shop, there may have
>been a shift in power. (I'd actually like to know if there's a way of
>looking up the total number of SCCA wins in national events of cars by make
>since their inception.)
>
>Terry L. Thompson
>'76 Spitfire 1500
>Maryland
>
>
>
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