In the eye of the beholder (Slightly off topic)

karlncas · Post by **karlncas** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:31 pm

Eric,

My choices, and a difficult choice to make , would be:

3) the skoda of old with the engine in the rear

2) The old square Lada

1) Fiat Bambina

Can you tell why I own an MX5...

Karl

_____

From: e-admin@mx5club.org.nz [mailto:e-admin@mx5club.org.nz] On Behalf Of
Eric & Ann West
Sent: Tuesday, 19 July 2005 9:16 p.m.
To: MX5List
Subject: Fw: In the eye of the beholder (Slightly off topic)

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:35 pm

Karl...

A Moskovitch is a treasure to behold . I once rode in one, and was visibly
moved, I'm told!

Ian

GEEMCB · Post by **GEEMCB** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:55 pm

I'm with you, Eric ... though I must say the Lambo Muira would be a
very close fourth. Not sure that it qualifies as "beautiful" - perhaps more
"purposeful" - but the original Cobra is in the mix too.

Regards,
Greg
1990 V Special

Simon Lord · Post by **Simon Lord** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:04 pm

Hmm, interesting topic, Eric. I recorded that show because I have been a long
time fan of the Miura - I don't think there are any in NZ but have been
fortunate to see a couple (and sit in them) in the UK. So obviously the Miura
has to be number one on my list.

I'm not sure whether racing cars are allowed. If so, the 1970 Ferrari 312B
would be on the list - a classic shape and not spoiled by the wings of the
period. The fact that it didn't have cigarette sponsorship all over it also
helped it stand out amongst the others. Enzo used to break up his cars at the
end of their lives, but there is one 312B left in the collection at
Donington.

The JaguarXK120, or possibly the C-Type would be there - very clean smooth
lines shaped by an innate sense of line rather than pure aerodynamics. I read
an F1 designer recently who said 'If it looks right it is right is a load of
rubbish'. Maybe it is technically, but none of the current crop loook anything
next to the Eagle Weslake or the Lotus 25.

And if racing cars aren't allowed, then yes, I could be tempted by the GT40
but it's a touch too American muscle car for me (Lola and Eric Broadley aren't
American, I know). Never liked the E-Type much, so how about the Austin Healey
3000. Or, at a pinch, the Austin A30 - now there's a classic...

By the way, went to the preview of the Turners Classic Car Auction in Auckland
last Friday night and there was a Nash Metropolitan there. Gorgeous little
thing, but what really appealed to me was its original car radio which worked
- once you let the valves warm up! Unfortunately the feeling was spoiled by
the crappy modern music - it should have played the Ink Spots or something...

Simon

animalmagic · Post by **animalmagic** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:57 am

I kind of agree with the E-Type, but my list would most likely
include the Ferrari GTO, Dino 246 and the Daytona. I'm sure there
are other non ferrari ones, but I just can't think of any right
now... And I know I can't count, but 3 is not enough <g>

--
Regards Terry

Homer: So I says, blue M&M, red M&M, they all wind up the same
color in the end.

--

Keith Smith · Post by **Keith Smith** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:16 am

There was a Muira here. Alan Rhodes (of Rhodes rent a car athe time)
in ChCh had it... I rode in it... dropping names here... he was my
neighbour and I was an impressionable 12 years old. He raced it
against Bruce Bellis in a Ferrari Daytona at Ruapuna that year (and
lost... Bruce was more aggresive i have to say). Lovely car and went
like a cut cat.
Keith

On 19/07/2005, at 11:04 PM, Franchise New Zealand wrote:

[...]

Badcat · Post by **Badcat** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:29 am

in my opinion - the miura is it, and there is nothing close enough to
be 2nd or 3rd.
simple.

On 19/07/2005, at 11:04 PM, Franchise New Zealand wrote:

[...]

EricW · Post by **EricW** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:30 am

I don't know if it was the same one, but Michael Clark Motors had one for sale
about 20 years ago. A Maroon colour if I recall correctly. I cant recall the
price, only that I could not afford it!

As an interesting comment on the times, I remember that it was parked, at
night, at the front of his yard in Khyber Pass Road, with no fences round the
yard. I doubt you would do that now in your worst nightmares!

Eric

Biff · Post by **Biff** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 11:06 am

I agree with the first two, but would include the gull wing merc as a third
choice.

Perhaps a better question would have been 3 classics and 3 modern beauties,
that's a can of worms.

B

_____

From: e-admin@mx5club.org.nz [mailto:e-admin@mx5club.org.nz] On Behalf Of
Eric & Ann West
Sent: Tuesday, 19 July 2005 9:16 p.m.
To: MX5List
Subject: Fw: In the eye of the beholder (Slightly off topic)

MN · Post by MN » Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:17 pm

Yes I saw that race, the Daytona spun at the sweeper on the first lap (got the
photo) and Bellis drove hard to win although I'm sure the Muira was being
driven more sedately so he could catch up and make a race of it.

Keith Smith · Post by **Keith Smith** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:02 pm

Nice to know that other followers of quality cars own MX5s. By the
way surely the best classic car has to be a significant changer or
leader of the pack... a la the Citroen Light 15 (front drive), the
original Mini (Transverse engine, front drive), Model T (mass
produced quality). All these other cars can be super, but of less
significance... similar to a boutique wine... only available in your
dreams. The standard requirement of a great wine... quality gold or
at least consistently excellent), maintains longevity in the original
and in different metamorphosis (development), and produced in
sufficient volume to be available to many... the MX certainly fits
the bill also. I believe a great car has to be one that can be
available. The BMW Z4 or the Honda might be "better" cars than the
MX, but the price, availability and the all around build quality of
the MX makes it a "superior car" in my books. Also the fact that a
cheap reliable car such as the MX makes it "fun" to drive and not
look like a spoilt prat playing one upmanship or "look I've got lots
of money".
Keith
(ex sadly of ChCh, and now of "drip, drip, downpour" Auckland

On 20/07/2005, at 8:17 PM, nichollsmk wrote:

[...]

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:26 pm

Keith, its raining in ChCh as we speak (and has for 2 days!!) But as I'm off
for a blast to Hanmer tomorrow, surely the sun will allow the top down?

Ian

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