Cortinas, Cavaliers and successors - where did they go?

[Sun Chariot]

Some surprisingly exotic cars had cart springs, the Ferrari 250GT (including the GTO) and as late as 1966 the Maserati Ghibli.

The earliest known leaf springs (two-part elbow spring) were evident mid-17th century, on carriages in France; migrating to England and Germany, c.1750, appearing on carriages of the wealthy.

That's a pretty impressive longevity.

 

[DustyBin]

I can remember my Mums Austin 1100 beating a Capri on the A322 West of the A30.

It must have been a 1.3! (They did exist, and people bought them for some inexplicable reason!).

 

[Peter Sarf]

It must have been a 1.3! (They did exist, and people bought them for some inexplicable reason!).

I suppose some desperately wanted a Ford Capri but could only afford the cheapest model possible. I wonder what the insurance was like.

 

[DustyBin]

I suppose some desperately wanted a Ford Capri but could only afford the cheapest model possible. I wonder what the insurance was like.

Yes, a bit like people who buy a BMW 114d today! (Actually that model was discontinued with the arrival of the F40, but the point stands).

I don’t think insurance costs were as much of a consideration back in the 70s and very early 80s? (I stand to be corrected as I wasn’t around, let alone driving!).

 

[swt_passenger]

Yes, a bit like people who buy a BMW 114d today! (Actually that model was discontinued with the arrival of the F40, but the point stands).

I don’t think insurance costs were as much of a consideration back in the 70s and very early 80s? (I stand to be corrected as I wasn’t around, let alone driving!).

IIRC there were 6 or 7 insurance groups in the mid 70s for normal vehicles, ignoring super sports cars. I do recall checking the group before buying my first car, but it wasn’t a show stopper.

 

[DustyBin]

IIRC there were 6 or 7 insurance groups in the mid 70s for normal vehicles, ignoring super sports cars. I do recall checking the group before buying my first car, but it wasn’t a show stopper.

Interesting, thanks.

I've always been under the impression that it was the mid to late 80s when premiums went mad as a result of the joyriding epidemic, and the arrival of cars such as the Sierra RS Cosworth. I remember in the mid 90s our local police force had their own Escort RS Cosworth stolen!

 

[Ted633]

Yes, I'm slightly confused, TfL says it meets ULEZ requirements while 'Check the Car' site says 218g CO2

ULEZ is about Nox and particulate emissions and nothing to do with CO2.
VED is based on CO2, hence petrols tend to pay more than equivalent sized diesels.

 

[Recessio]

Family friend is a pilot. His personal car is a knackered Mk 3 Cavalier, as its the only car he dares leave parked at the airports!

His partner's car (by extent the family car) is considerably more modern.

 

[birchesgreen]

Once the car becomes rarer it'll probably become more of a target for theft than a more modern car.