Cubdriver

Back in the market for a new car again here, and thanks to this informative new video I know it's a shiny new Chrylser Saratoga Imperial Windsor!

Cubdriver

Here's another vintage road test. My father bought one of these cars used, his was a '73 with the stock 350 and a 2 barrel. It was a peppy sedan and handled quite well for a large car. It was such a smooth car- tranny shifts were seamless, power was steady, stopping was quick, acceleration was good and the suspension handled potholes without much noise and there was not much oversteer. It also had strong air conditioner and my father put in a nice 4 speaker cassette stereo system. I was quite impressed with it, borrowed it a lot, and envied him although I had a nice '70 Cadillac DeVille at the time. In contrast, my Caddy was a heavy, ponderous vehicle. Overall build quality was good and it had lots of nice options, I tended to discover another one about every other week while I owned it, and the top speed was easily 150 mph (don't ask how I know). It had a 472 4 barrel and made a loud sucking sound from the air going into the carb at high speed. I never got 10 mpg in that thing which is why I sold it, but the Olds got around 15 mpg and was a much better value.

FlightGear

You seem like a Buy American kind of guy, but have you considered an exotic import?

Cubdriver

That's an exciting car, FlightGear. But I'll be honest with you, I am not a nationalist or a humanist or any other "ist" and that Chrysler car is chiefly a product of American engineering coupled with American marketing savvy. America made that car far as the engineering- plus quite a few other world market cars sold in the Amercas and Europe. America dominated the crap about of world car engineering efforts for many decades after WWII, with a few exceptions. Those exceptions are mainly German and Italian cars made by corporations involved in racing programs. In the '70s there were finally came some Japanese cars that were also well-made (Toyota, Mazda) and had high performance numbers. Frankly, I cannot think of a single new Zealand/ Australian- originated brand that was of any merit as a native car design, and I am not trying to be mean. Now, I know you saw a ton of those cars as a kid and I am not diminishing your experience. Many cars are also well manufactured by native builders. But it is the Americans, Germans, Italians, and Japanese mainly who dominated cars from about 1950 to around 2000. Lately I think it is possible for other brands, thinking South Korea and China, but during 1950-2000 it was the above countries who made the great cars.

Airhoss

I had a 69 Delta 88 convertible at one time. It had a 455 in it. I couldn't imagine trying to feed that thing at today's gas prices. We cut a hole in the trunk liner and put a pony keg in the trunk with the tap line running out from under the back seat. Handy for road trips back in college...

I know!!!...Things were different back then.

Cubdriver

When you're under 20 you think you're immune to all laws of physics, similar reasoning was behind my choice of fast Cadillacs as first my few automobiles. Enough on the subject, it was another day and another time. Top speeds were very good.

FlightGear

BTW I was having a bit of a joke at our expense.. Exotic import - Australian car.. Anyway I didn't mean to imply that you were any king of ist. No offence meant mate.


IMO the US still dominates. Look at the interiors of most Japanese cars and Euros and they are clearly styled in the American equilivants. As a car guy I respect German cars, they are amazing. As an Aussie I am quick to dismiss them as Germany has the most government subsidised auto industry. I am no 'ist' either but I do try and spend my money if not on Australian Brands, on brands from countries I agree with. I'm not to be a nationalist, I do this to support Aussie workers.. Or the workers from other friendly countries.



Speaking the truth is not being mean. BTW as a fellow car guy check out :

JOSS.COM.AU

PS I agree supercars are not what you are talking about. But it sure is pretty.. and fast....