2013 Motor Trend Car Show

[ElSecundo]

It's true, sports cars, especially older ones, really aren't made for big Americans. For that matter, have you ever sat in one of the WWII Willys jeeps? Jenny's uncle has a nice one, and the darn thing is made for tiny people. We must have gotten taller and wider since WWII -- a lot taller and wider.

I parked the Mini next to a Renault Gordini at a car show last year, and I asked the Renault guy if he'd ever had a Renault Alpine A110 because I've been off-handedly looking for one. He says "don't buy it until you've sat inside it". He said he could barely fit in his, and he's about 5'7"-5'8" and I'd guess around 140 pounds. And with the motor behind the driver, there's no such thing as moving your seat back. I'd probably need a sunroof so that when I put my feet on the pedals, I'd have a place to put my knees.

[moparjenny]

[waaytoomuchintothis]

Yep, yep, there's definitely something terribly amok with that sentence.

Dennis, the majority of first encounters for Americans with bucket seats were the fold-down "pie plate" seats on a C-47 Army transport plane (a variant of the DC-3, greatest airplane of all time). The nickname "bucket seat" had to do with the puke bucket stashed under alternative seats. At least that's the old Army story I heard as a child (Army brat).

[TsgtRet]

I loved most of the cars I've had over the years but at my size (6'3", 265) and age (60) I'd be hard pressed to fit in some of them anymore. I've gotten so used to the ability to "fit comfortably" in my 06 Grand Marquis that I even feel cramped driving the household manager's (she who must be obeyed) 2000 Mountaineer.
As for today's cars there really aren't many I would be interested in; (as has been said elsewhere) I prefer my jellybeans in a bag not on the road.
Sounds like it was a neat show, wish I could have been there.

[ElSecundo]

Hey, leave my Mini out of this. But you can talk about my car all you want. :lol:

Dennis, I'm wondering if the lack of bench seats has to do with the ever-increasing performance of cars. Go quickly around tight corners on a bench seat, and the driver may end up in the passenger seat.

And yes, she's as twisted as her dad, and I'm definitely proud. :)

[ElSecundo]

[ElSecundo]

[moparjenny]

[ElSecundo]

And that's definitely true. But one thing we all know is that when we feel secure with a slot car, we drive it harder. This is true with 1:1 cars, too. My guess is that drivers feel less secure on a bench seat, and feel closer to their limits, so they may not push as hard. Strap them into a snug bucket seat with a harness, and they're loaded for bear. :)

[TsgtRet]

I guess I'm an "aged despenser of methane gas" (again) but since I can afford only one car I have to go with comfort most of the time. Having said that, I chose the Grand Marquis because it can be made to handle relatively well for a big car. I tend to drive it pretty close to the limit when the opportunity presents itself and have suprised many of those "sport car drivers" mentioned above on more than one occasion with my big boat. It has a bench seat but with a tight seat belt and the center arm rest I stay pretty well planted. :auto-layrubber: :auto-swerve: