Date:         Sat, 6 Oct 2001 08:08:21 -0700
Reply-To:     pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      Re: bubble cars?
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

The taxation issues in merry old was what gave rise to the Morgan
SuperSport.  Powered by either an AJS or Matchless aircooled (RVC) twin and
seating one they are a fine example of a VERY collectible and VERY expensive
oddity.  Two driven front wheels, one wheel in the back.

The Isetta used the BMW aircooled 500 or 600 typ 247 motor and of course a
motorcycle shifting pattern.   Dave Willis, a restorer and afficionado of
fine mechanicals had one for years in orange and white with an R69S motor
and "mountain" gearing.  I am not aware of ANY 3 wheeled Isettas but hey,
it's not friday and I could be wrong.

The FIAT 600DZ was a Zagato 750cc DOHC hotrod (Derivizione-Zagato).  In it's
day it was a real sleeper.  The idea of a shockingly fast ordinary looking
sedan could have fostered the development of the Mini-Cooper 997 and 1275
rocket skates and certainly had an influence on the BMW 1600TI ,
2000TI/Alpina, and 2002 tii all very fast company.    The ultimate ugly but
smokingly fast Renault R5 Turbo was in my opinion the pinnacle of  fast
skate development.

The FIAT Dino coupe and roadster were built in conjunction with E. Ferrari
and are very collectible today.  I missed that train.

cheers,

pensioner (late for fraahday)