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Post by hermannsays on Sept 23, 2018 11:02:18 GMT
Here's Mini-Herm's selection and what he's written about each one: Caterham Seven
Ah, the Caterham! This mad machine is the original track toy - the Ariel Atom if its day. The original design has stayed so it looks virtually identical to the type that left the factory (under the Lotus brand) 60 years ago. "Enough of this philosophical rigmarole, Mini-Herm!" I hear you say. Fine, let's move onto the stats. The one they sell now does 0-60 in a modest 7 seconds, with a top speed of 100mph. "But a Vauxhall Astra goes quicker than that!" you cry. Yes, but an Astra doesn't run on 60-year-old architecture! Modest speed aside, it's the energetic nature of the Caterham that gives it a place on my list.  Citroen 2CV
The Citroen 2CV could be the most iconic car ever. With its recognisable and unique shape, the "tin snail" has garnered a reputation for being a bit flimsy and, um, slow. It boasts a whopping 30hp, with a supercar-slaying 0-62 time of... 35 seconds! Yes, 35 seconds! However, none of this really matters as the 2CV remains a motoring icon.  Honda Civic
The original hatchback, the Civic is the first choice for those wanting a cheap, zippy and desirable hot hatch. First introduced in the early 70s, it became a worldwide hit, selling millions. Over the years, it has won many awards around the globe and it remains extremely popular in the country of my birth (Canada). It's currently made in Honda's factory in Swindon and I hope it's my first car when I'm old enough to drive!  At the bottom of the sheet, he's written: "Honourable mention - Vauxhall Cavalier... muahahahahaha" so I assume that's not a serious mention! If I've gone wrong with any of the photos, just let me know as I've googled them without Mini-Herm here! Entries by the end of Friday please and let's see what you would have suggested too. |
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Post by gazz on Sept 23, 2018 11:37:12 GMT
Some interesting choices there, young H - you clearly have a good eye for the iconic! I'd like to throw the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible into the ring:  Shamelessly lifted from Wikipedia: "The Chevrolet Corvette (C3) was a sports carthat was produced by Chevrolet for the 1968 through 1982 model years. Engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, but the body and interior were new. It set new sales records with 53,807 produced for the 1979 model year.[3] The C3 is the third generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, and marks the second time the Corvette would carry the Stingrayname, though only for the 1969 - 1976 model years. This time it was a single word as opposed to Sting Ray as used for the 1963 - 1967 C2 generation. The name would then be retired until 2014 when it was re-introduced with the release of the C7."It was also the car that Chris Tucker drove in 'Rush Hour'! Another 'Chevy' is the 1967 Chevrolet Impala driven by Sam and Dean Winchester in the 'Supernatural' series, an absolute monster of a car that looks as though it was built in purgatory and has a personality all of its own - whoever chose that car for the show absolutely nailed it!  Again, shamelessly lifted from Wikipedia: "The 1967 model was redesigned with enhanced Coke bottle styling that featured Corvette-inspired front and rear fender bulges. The curves were the most pronounced with the 1967–1968 models. In keeping with federal regulations, safety features were built into Impalas during the 1967 and 1968 model years, including a fully collapsible energy-absorbing steering column, side marker lights, and shoulder belts for closed models. The L72 engine was not available in 1967, but a L36 Turbo-Jet V8 was optional."
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Post by another_ruined_saturday on Sept 23, 2018 12:15:57 GMT
the new civics are a bit too pulled-up-at-the-lights-next-to-you-with-grime-on-at-obnoxious-volume for me. i like the swirl on that particular 2cv, but no ta. whereas the caterham looks like a toy car that would be fun to drive around summery country roads. until you hit a tractor head on, of course. good selection herm 2.0
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Post by gazz on Sept 23, 2018 12:24:46 GMT
Having seen the Caterham 7 on both Top Gear and Wheeler Dealers, I do appreciate the appeal of the car.
I couldn't get in one myself as it just doesn't look safe, but it does look fantastic. Obviously, it's a track day car and, for me anyway, is every bit as 'Marmite' as the Morgans.
I definitely 'get' what the enthusiasts see in it, though.
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Post by sandbachhatter on Sept 24, 2018 9:00:34 GMT
Gazz has beaten me to it, this week, as my vote has to go to the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Here's one from the year of my birth:  Without a doubt, utterly awful to drive (although I haven't had the pleasure personally), but when I was growing up, this was the car which tickled my pickle, and I'd have opted for one of these over any Ferrari or Lamborghini (look, I was young and didn't know anything about cars!) Actually, I always wanted one in blue, so how about this instead:  You know the sound Homer Simpson makes when he has a doughnut? Yeah, that. |
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Post by Epworth Hatter on Sept 24, 2018 11:29:02 GMT
Great choices there, mini-herm. Really enjoyed the write-ups. The Caterham Seven is fantastic. I think I'll have to go with gazz and sandy with the Corvette Stingray, though. And CHEAP C would not be complete without: Ecto-1 -1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor. Way before your time, mini-herm, but a classic from many of our childhoods!  |
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Post by sandbachhatter on Sept 24, 2018 11:36:08 GMT
Where are my manners?! Thanks, indeed, to Mini-Herm for some excellent choices and a far better write up than I managed in Week A!
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Post by marketharborough on Sept 24, 2018 11:55:03 GMT
Have to go for the 2CV - "stereotypical social worker's car" (not that I have ever owned one - but I have driven a colleagues once on the M5 - that was scary!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2018 20:39:50 GMT
Great write ups Mini-Herm, and I like the Caterham, however I can't see past the Chevy Stingray. Absolutely gorgeous car. I went to an American Classic Car show at Tatton Park a few months ago, and while there were a few too many Trump caps/flags and RVs for my liking, the selection of classic muscle cars was great and there were some great examples of Stingrays!
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Post by ceefer on Sept 25, 2018 20:19:10 GMT
Deux chevaux (2CV) for me Herm Jnr.
Basic as hell with a great tilt going around corners.
I blame that model for us as teenagers missing out by 30 minutes on completing the 3 Peaks Challenge within the stipulate 12 hours...it took us 12 hours 30 minutes.
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Post by dudleyhatter on Sept 26, 2018 16:01:23 GMT
Thanks mini Herm. I couldn’t bring myself to vote for a Honda in this archive. So the 2 CV for its pure iconicity for me.
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Post by Epworth Hatter on Sept 27, 2018 11:11:20 GMT
Another one to add to the list of CHEAP C's is the 1941 Chrysler LeBaron. It looks like what a child would draw as an imaginary car.  |
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Post by gazz on Sept 27, 2018 11:13:00 GMT
Another one to add to the list of CHEAP C's is the 1941 Chrysler LeBaron. It looks like what a child would draw as an imaginary car. That looks like something from the 1990s Batman Animated Series - very cool! |
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Post by sandbachhatter on Sept 27, 2018 14:53:19 GMT
Update (with a day to go):
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - 4
Citroen 2CV - 3
Caterham - 1
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Post by sandbachhatter on Oct 1, 2018 9:09:13 GMT
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray just takes Week C in our closest run yet.
Next up, it's Gazz with Week D!
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