Why can't they produce cars like this anymore?
Sleek, classic, beautifully crafted & artistically designed.
Might cost you a spare million though.








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Because all mainstream cars are designed by computer. There are a few niche manufacturers that design and deliver something very different.

Crash regulations determine a lot of the 'design' features you see, this is why most cars tend to be high and rounded at the front.

When we designed the last Jaguar sports car we had to put explosive devices under the bonnet so that in an impact it would rise and hopefully minimise any damage to pedestrians. - It was a nightmare!

Do you mean that the bonnet would life right up or off in the event of an impact?
It would be great if you had an illustration when they were tested.

The bonnet was hinged at the front. There was very little space between the top of the engine and the bonnet. In an impact, two explosive charges in the latching mechanism would blow the bonnet upwards. The theory was that hitting a thin bonnet (I can't remember if it was aluminium or steel) with air beneath it would do less damage than hitting a bonnet with a substantial engine lump beneath it.

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Interesting Rebbonk, I found a video illustration. I was thinking the bonnet opened half way up. The body or the victim could still roll off the car and probably sustain head injury or break and ribs, etc.


[video=youtube_share;h8as10paBy0]https://youtu.be/h8as10paBy0[/video]

I think the big argument was head injury from hitting the bonnet that couldn't 'give' due to the close proximity of the engine. The whole thing was a nightmare. There are a surprising amount of explosives in the average car these days.

I fancy one of these...



I know the guy who owns the company. The late Mrs R chatted him up in a pub one afternoon so I could get an 'in' for an article I was writing.

Nice Rebbonk, I hope you have the opportunity to at least try one out.
My Older brother in his mid 70's now, is reliving his youth and bought a Ford Mustang, like on the film 'Bullit' , featuring Steve McQueen driving a Mustang in a car chase.
I guess once he has had his fun with it, his daughter will end up with it.

My brother was in the Royal Engineers and has always loved tinkering with engines. He repairs and does up tractors for the local farmers .

Always liked the Mustang, especially the Mach 1.

In the early 80s I worked at a major research unit and got the chance to drive all sorts of weird and wonderful vehicles.

I also used to do a spot of lightweight racing with a mate. We were regulars at Avon Park Raceway, or Long Marston as it was then.