Dennis's October cartoon

[Bob Purton]

I thought Chris might see the funny side in the light of recent events what with women crashing into him and then saying it was his fault! Poor old Chris.

[marcus]

Blimey, I did not hear about that, sorry to hear it Chris. I wish more people would be a bit more honest.

[Chris Thomas]

Dear Bob

I am still waiting for parts for my rare car to arrive from Japan, that is what comes of owning a rare hand made Japanese car.

The irony was it was at Junction 13 of the M1 when I was on my way to MIRA for an eco car event ( for RCN) and I was on 104.5 miles per gallon since leaving home.

Lets hope it is not too long before I get it back from the menders. I do miss the best car I have ever owned.

Booo Hooo

Chris Thomas

[Bob Purton]

104.5 MPG!!! That's amazing Chris. As you have said to me in the past, its paid for its self several times over. In case readers do not know, Chris has a Honda insight. Lets hope you get it back soon as good as new.

[marcus]

It must be a Honda Insight with a Heinkel engine!
So perhaps he DOES drive a micro after all?!

Hope it's on the road again soon.

[Bob Purton]

Well, I wouldn't go that far Marcus, we cant let them off too lightly and be seen to be encouraging this new breed of "enthusiast" the type that doesn't get there hands dirty, have danger and breakdowns on the side of the road etc, these joys must be shared by all!

[Chris Thomas]

Dear Bob and Marcus

It is alright for you small whipper snappers, but for a chubbie with long legs and wide hips, some microcars with fixed seat positions can be impossible to get into and drive, while others are OK. For example a PTV is almost impossible for me to drive, a standard Lotus/Caterham 7 is impossible, a Trigger is impossible, and so is a Bond Bug. While a Peel P50 is just possible, a Carver is OK, a Biscuter is OK, and so is a G wiz. As for the rest, I have yet to try.

I love small cars. but many small cars do not appear to return the compliment!

One day I will find one that not only fits me, but fits my lifestyle as well, but until then I will stick with my Honda Insight (not quite a Microcar, but very unusual)

Chris Thomas

[marcus]

I'm not small!

(Just not quite as tall as everyone else!)

Just the job for you Chris:

!) Buy a Heinkel or Trojan

2) Replace its steering with a Messerschmit centralised one

3) Bob's your Purton, SORTED!

[Bob Purton]

Hasn't that been done before or was I thinking of this great car

http://microcarmuseum.com/tour/jurisch-motoplan.html

Mind you I think Chris would have a job getting into this.

There are plenty of big tall Messerschmitt drivers though!

[marcus]

Do tall Messerschmitt drivers remove the front seat and drive from the back one?!

Actually no so odd: when we were returning to UK in 1968 after 4 years in USA Mum sold her old Morris Minor to a friend in Washington DC ...the Moggie always got SO much attention over there.

A while after getting back he sent her photos and details of what he had done: huge V8 lump in the front, plus competition gear box, and yup, he had to drive it from the back seat.

I reckon the appeal of his "masterpiece" would not have lasted long!

[Bob Purton]

Shame he destroyed the Moggie.

No, Tall Schmitt drivers just adjust the seat back, there is plenty of travel there.

[Chris Thomas]

Dear Marcus

One of my early cars was an ex GPO Morris Minor van, and to get some more leg room I chopped out the van floor to where the rear suspension tube looped over the prop shaft, and extended the floor of the cab, giving me 10 inches more space. This meant that I sat behind the B post, so it looked like the van had no driver from the side.

What I did not do to that van!. Bigger petrol tank, Higher ratio back axle, brakes and suspension from a Riley 1.5, front suspension and brakes from a Riley 1.5, Tuned up the engine so it would do 100 mph and would pink on 5 star petrol. Full sound insulation, Full sterio system mounted in the domed roof of the cab, Completely new dashboard with all the dials and lights you could think of. Wider wheels and tyres, It was a wolf in sheeps clothing.

Jean may remember it from her days of living in Sidcup.

I have always had a problem fitting into small cars.


Chris Thomas

[marcus]

Somewhere I have a photo of a friend sitting in my old Velorex. 6ft 10" tall, and looking OVER the windscreeen which was only shoulder high on him! He had to enter horizontally through the whole car and get the top 5 ft or so out of the right door before we could force his legs around and down into the footwell!

[richard]

This thread totally spoiled by those who could have easily posted their own thread . When I get in I will post Dennis's amusing original caption. Shame as Dennis asked for feedback and it' been " contaminated " I know I am in the minority AGAIN but discourages those who might wish to post an interesting topic - one day

[marcus]

Sorry Richard! Yup it went way off course. I think once a thread has veered away I get notices of replies and each time I forget the original point of the thread...must THINK before adding a reply!

Anyway, another good cartoon and (before the diversion) some good captions.