Wayne Carini said:

"It's a challenge to drive a car like this. It's not EASY. You have to think about everything as you're... As you're doing it. You have to think way ahead."

He was driving a Simplex at the time but I'm kinda sad that this description of driving is lost now. I think if cars weren't so easy to get moving and required more concentration to drive, we might be a little better off.

Then again, if one had to use a foot-brake WITH a hand-brake, a clutch, shift lever, a choke etc., look far ahead to plan your next move Aaannd TEXT, we'd be LESS safe?

but, how would I text if I had to pay attention to driving?

Hell, driving my old conversion van was like that. It didn't like doing anything quickly: starting, stopping, changing direction... so driving that van taught me about looking ahead and anticipating what other drivers were going to do more than any other vehicle I've driven.

I get the same experience driving the diesel pickup towing an enclosed trailer. Also makes me more aware of the limitations and challenges big trucks have.

ebonyandivory wrote: Then again, if one had to use a foot-brake WITH a hand-brake, a clutch, shift lever, a choke etc., look far ahead to plan your next move Aaannd TEXT, we'd be LESS safe?

And constantly have to fiddle with the hand controls for ignition advance and fuel adjustment and the heaviest steering you have ever felt and no synchros in the transmission and useless mechanical brakes with no feedback and bizarre ergonomics that seem designed to assure you that you WILL be thrown from the vehicle at speeds above 10mph.

We do a lot of work on early 30's and late 20's cars, most of my experience with this type of car is with old Phantom II chassis Rolls Royces but they are just terrible and cannot be described with the word "driving" You are more of an equipment operator.

I knew exactly what Carini was saying in that episode but I didn't think it was worded strongly enough.

Ditchdigger wrote: And constantly have to fiddle with the hand controls for ignition advance and fuel adjustment and the heaviest steering you have ever felt and no synchros in the transmission and useless mechanical brakes with no feedback and bizarre ergonomics that seem designed to assure you that you WILL be thrown from the vehicle at speeds above 10mph.

I've been daily driving my '67 122S for most of this year and this is how it feels. No power anything, heavy manual steering with oversized tires and a smaller steering wheel, a slightly drifty brake pedal and a carb that needs a rebuild so it needs constant choke adjustment to "feel" right. Plus, when it rains I get some water dripping from around the windshield under the dash. I really cannot do anything else when I am driving it and haven't installed a stereo yet as listening to the car is just too nice. I wouldn't change anything about it, except maybe the leaking bit.

I've expressed to two 15 yr old relatives this Christmas; 1, learn how to drive a stick. 2, driving is enough. You don't need to be doing anything else when you drive. Just drive and pay attention to your surroundings.

Basil Exposition wrote: I get the same experience driving the diesel pickup towing an enclosed trailer. Also makes me more aware of the limitations and challenges big trucks have.

I hear ya. I cringe (and tell my kids why) whenever some joker passes and cuts in front a tractor trailer or dumptruck or concrete ready-mix truck. Haven't seen anybody pay the price for that kind of stupid yet, fortunately...

In reply to OHSCrifle:

My favorite place to be during long-distance highway travel is behind an 18 wheeler with a compact car behind me: I know I can out-brake the big rig and i know he'll plow the way and the compact behind me can out-brake me and if it can't, my truck can take the collision (to an extent).

I grew up driving a 6 cylinder 65 mustang. 4 wheel drums and maybe 110 HP on a good day. Power nothing and non syncro first gear.

It's about as basic as you can get but I really learned to drive that car and not just operate it.

Basil Exposition wrote: I get the same experience driving the diesel pickup towing an enclosed trailer. Also makes me more aware of the limitations and challenges big trucks have.

Try a 1966 MC5 with a trailer, old air brakes are not dynamic

Hillbilly heaven

aussiesmg wrote:

Basil Exposition wrote: I get the same experience driving the diesel pickup towing an enclosed trailer. Also makes me more aware of the limitations and challenges big trucks have.

Try a 1966 MC5 with a trailer, old air brakes are not dynamic Hillbilly heaven

But aren't you required to be kickin' out the jams while rocking your MC5?

I started on a '50 Plymouth … no power anything … brakes, steering, windows … no turn signals, no seat belts, 3 on the tree … lots of fun

Ian F wrote: Hell, driving my old conversion van was like that. It didn't like doing anything quickly: starting, stopping, changing direction... so driving that van taught me about looking ahead and anticipating what other drivers were going to do more than any other vehicle I've driven.

So that's why I like driving my old conversion van so much! I'd rather DD that than my RX8, though some of that has to do with the rapidly-wearing rotary and my wish to keep it salt/rust free. The van is already rusty, so I might as well drive it.

With that, if I take my eyes off the road, it'll move to the side a few feet. Which way you'll never be able to anticipate, but it will not be going straight when you turn back. it has pretty solid brakes, but only the front wheels, it has a decent amount of power for an old crap van, and it's cornering ability is similar to that of the titanic. If you don't see the iceberg a LONG way in advance, you'll probably hit it. Needless to say I don't use my phone while driving.