Piston Count

[LarryHoward]

At one point I had 19 in 3 cars. Now I'm down to 12 in 2. I like 12. I could've easily seen myself with way more cars than I could drive, it's been a struggle my whole life.

I read bringatrailer.com every morning. I could easily fall down the "cool car" rabbit hole if Susan wasn't here to protect me from myself.

I’ll second that. Lynne’s S-2000 is a BAT purchase and I have been close on a couple of others.

[kimbottles]

At one point I had 19 in 3 cars. Now I'm down to 12 in 2. I like 12. I could've easily seen myself with way more cars than I could drive, it's been a struggle my whole life.

I read bringatrailer.com every morning. I could easily fall down the "cool car" rabbit hole if Susan wasn't here to protect me from myself.

I’ll second that. Lynne’s S-2000 is a BAT purchase and I have been close on a couple of others.

There is always several very tempting vehicles listed there. The Super Seven variations always get my attention, along with Cobra, Beck, Jags and many other offerings. Thank goodness for Susan. Without her I would need to buy a very large storage unit.

[BeauV]

At one point I had 19 in 3 cars. Now I'm down to 12 in 2. I like 12. I could've easily seen myself with way more cars than I could drive, it's been a struggle my whole life.

I read bringatrailer.com every morning. I could easily fall down the "cool car" rabbit hole if Susan wasn't here to protect me from myself.

Step AWAY from the keyboard. For your own good, step away NOW!

[kimbottles]

But, but, but:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1997-acura-nsx-7/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1967- ... ntryman-2/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1957-fiat-500-2/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1963-lancia-flaminia/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1967- ... -230sl-13/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978- ... orcycle-3/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998- ... r-gearbox/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965- ... arathon-2/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-jaguar-mk-ii-8/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1949- ... er-wraith/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965- ... enz-220-2/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1940- ... -coupe-10/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1963-porsche-356b-20/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1963- ... bel-air-2/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1940- ... edo-coupe/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1955- ... r-c-300-2/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1959- ... oadster-4/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1967- ... ooper-s-6/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1964- ... -roadster/

And that is a mere sample of the offerings, I didn’t even include the MBZ pick up!

[Olaf Hart]

At one point I had 19 in 3 cars. Now I'm down to 12 in 2. I like 12. I could've easily seen myself with way more cars than I could drive, it's been a struggle my whole life.

I read bringatrailer.com every morning. I could easily fall down the "cool car" rabbit hole if Susan wasn't here to protect me from myself.

I’ll second that. Lynne’s S-2000 is a BAT purchase and I have been close on a couple of others.

There is always several very tempting vehicles listed there. The Super Seven variations always get my attention, along with Cobra, Beck, Jags and many other offerings. Thank goodness for Susan. Without her I would need to buy a very large storage unit.

Ever tried to sit in a Super Seven?

[kimbottles]

At one point I had 19 in 3 cars. Now I'm down to 12 in 2. I like 12. I could've easily seen myself with way more cars than I could drive, it's been a struggle my whole life.

I read bringatrailer.com every morning. I could easily fall down the "cool car" rabbit hole if Susan wasn't here to protect me from myself.

I’ll second that. Lynne’s S-2000 is a BAT purchase and I have been close on a couple of others.

There is always several very tempting vehicles listed there. The Super Seven variations always get my attention, along with Cobra, Beck, Jags and many other offerings. Thank goodness for Susan. Without her I would need to buy a very large storage unit.

Ever tried to sit in a Super Seven?

I could diet.......

[SemiSalt]

Is there truth to the claim that you had to be smaller than Colin Chapman to fit in a Lotus?

[Olaf Hart]

You probably needed to be lighter.

“ simplify, add lightness”

[LarryHoward]

Even when I was young, fit and flexible, I didn’t fit in a lotus.

[BeauV]

I'm a small guy. So I thought that at 5'8" and 140lbs I could own a Lotus Europa. I took a test drive. I've never EVER been as uncomfortable in a car as that Lotus. As a result, I've never owned one. I will say that my friends Elan S2 is great fun to drive. It's like a very VERY primitive version of the Miata. If you want a Lotus S2, buy a Miata!!

[Ajax]

You guys are doing it wrong:

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... argo-Cover

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... th-Options

Or, if you're a wiener and need the automatic transmission, ABS, power steering and CTIS:

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... argo-Truck

Or, if these are simply too big for you:

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... -Man-HMMWV

http://surplusmilitarydepot.com/m998-mi ... ary-truck/ (only 80 miles on it since rebuild!)

Want something "parade ready?" Clean and ready to go!

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... -Ambulance

Or, you can buy them in a bundle and start your own parade:

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... t_of_Jeeps

I think everyone here would fit into any of these vehicles quite comfortably.

[kdh]

I'm a small guy. So I thought that at 5'8" and 140lbs I could own a Lotus Europa. I took a test drive. I've never EVER been as uncomfortable in a car as that Lotus. As a result, I've never owned one. I will say that my friends Elan S2 is great fun to drive. It's like a very VERY primitive version of the Miata. If you want a Lotus S2, buy a Miata!!

Miata is a chick car.

I've been kind of thinking of this to scratch a V12 itch. Aston prices drop like stones so would never buy one new.

https://www.astonmartin-lotus.com/aston-martin/2017/now-taking-orders-for-2017-db11-coupe

[kimbottles]

You guys are doing it wrong:

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... argo-Cover

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... th-Options

Or, if you're a wiener and need the automatic transmission, ABS, power steering and CTIS:

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... argo-Truck

Or, if these are simply too big for you:

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... -Man-HMMWV

http://surplusmilitarydepot.com/m998-mi ... ary-truck/ (only 80 miles on it since rebuild!)

Want something "parade ready?" Clean and ready to go!

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... -Ambulance

Or, you can buy them in a bundle and start your own parade:

https://www.easternsurplus.net/VehicleD ... t_of_Jeeps

I think everyone here would fit into any of these vehicles quite comfortably.

Oh great! Another website to follow, thanks a lot Rich!

[kimbottles]

I'm a small guy. So I thought that at 5'8" and 140lbs I could own a Lotus Europa. I took a test drive. I've never EVER been as uncomfortable in a car as that Lotus. As a result, I've never owned one. I will say that my friends Elan S2 is great fun to drive. It's like a very VERY primitive version of the Miata. If you want a Lotus S2, buy a Miata!!

Miata is a chick car.

I've been kind of thinking of this to scratch a V12 itch. Aston prices drop like stones so would never buy one new.

https://www.astonmartin-lotus.com/aston-martin/2017/now-taking-orders-for-2017-db11-coupe

S600 V12 Mercedes have become rather cheap.....to buy.........not to maintain.

[Tucky]

As the resident Caterham owner, I guess my perspective is useful as to Colin's thinking:-). My Seven is what they call the "big and tall" version, which I think offers maybe an extra inch of length and an inch of width. Before I bought mine I was test fitted in a regular version, and at just over 6' and 165 lbs. I was good. The big issue is footwell size- I'm a 10 1/2 and you really need shoes with no edge in the sole to be confident you can operate the clutch without the brakes and vice versa. With a helmet on I need the true FIA roll bar, but that is simply smart for all of them. A real early Lotus Seven is smaller than a regular Caterham- Chapman was small and his early cars are very small, especially by today's standards, but lots of regular people fit fine in a Caterham.

Just like some clothes, getting into and out of the car can also be a problem- I've had a couple of passengers who made it in bravely, but getting them out was a bit of an embarrassment. There also is no expectation that you will be bundled up in clothing- not a winter car.

[BeauV]

I'm a small guy. So I thought that at 5'8" and 140lbs I could own a Lotus Europa. I took a test drive. I've never EVER been as uncomfortable in a car as that Lotus. As a result, I've never owned one. I will say that my friends Elan S2 is great fun to drive. It's like a very VERY primitive version of the Miata. If you want a Lotus S2, buy a Miata!!

Miata is a chick car.

I've been kind of thinking of this to scratch a V12 itch. Aston prices drop like stones so would never buy one new.

https://www.astonmartin-lotus.com/aston-martin/2017/now-taking-orders-for-2017-db11-coupe

Keith,

You have a kid, so you'll want this Ferrari with a pair of back seats. (She'll have to sit sideways, the back seat is a tax dodge just like in a 911) I think these pictures are of my old car. It was GREAT fun to drive. The sound of these engines when all 12 throats of the Webbers were balanced was just amazing. I still have the 12-channel manometer if you get one.

[JoeP]

As a certified (as in crazy) Alfisti I have been thinking an old Junior Zagato would be fun to have. A 1600 would be nice but a 1300 would be ok as well. Much more fun in my opinion to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

alfa-romeo-1300-junior-zagato-padova-italy-01.jpg

[kdh]

I just saw a modern Giulia walking back from the gym. Not bad looking in the flesh and a nice change from all the BMWs.

You're right, Beau, a naturally aspirated V12 Ferrari is the proper way to scratch a 12 cylinder itch. The F12 is a nice looking car but a bit rich for my blood. 599s are more reasonable but the styling looks dated to my eye.

I get scared away by the maintenance costs with the older cars.

[LarryHoward]

You'll spend more time and money balancing those 12 Webers than ever driving that car. Its enough to drive a good mechanic to tears. But, when tuned and at full throat, it's a glorious sound.

[kimbottles]

My long ago cycling buddy Hamilton M. Kelly, MD called it the concerto in twelve.

[JoeP]

Aston Martin''s new 1,000 bhp, 11,100 rpm naturally aspirated V12 looks very interesting.
https://petrolicious.com/articles/aston-martin-shows-off-its-new-1000bhp-11100rpm-v12-valkyrie-engine

[BeauV]

Aston Martin''s new 1,000 bhp, 11,100 rpm naturally aspirated V12 looks very interesting.
https://petrolicious.com/articles/aston-martin-shows-off-its-new-1000bhp-11100rpm-v12-valkyrie-engine

Oh MY! OH MY!!!

I think I'm in love ......

[LarryHoward]

Aston Martin''s new 1,000 bhp, 11,100 rpm naturally aspirated V12 looks very interesting.
https://petrolicious.com/articles/aston-martin-shows-off-its-new-1000bhp-11100rpm-v12-valkyrie-engine

Oooh. Pretty!

[kdh]

Aston Martin''s new 1,000 bhp, 11,100 rpm naturally aspirated V12 looks very interesting.
https://petrolicious.com/articles/aston-martin-shows-off-its-new-1000bhp-11100rpm-v12-valkyrie-engine

Oooh. Pretty!

That's an impressive redline. My Ferrari V8 redline is a mere 9000 rpm.
About turbos:

First thing we wondered was, why no turbos? Everyone else does it after all. Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer told us this: “To anyone with a drop of petrol in their blood, a high-revving naturally aspirated V12 is the absolute pinnacle. Nothing sounds better or encapsulates the emotion and excitement of the internal combustion engine more completely. Despite the apparently insurmountable challenges it presented, there was never any question that the Aston Martin Valkyrie would make do with anything less.” The point is that even with all the work that’s gone into turbocharging over the last five decades, there’s still a compromise in terms of throttle response and exhaust soundtrack, and a normally-aspirated engine is still the best driver’s solution.

[Jamie]

Turbos are essentially a bad muffler - which is why so many turbo engines don't sound good. They often are perceived to be "lazy" in single turbo applications because of how the turbo efficiency and torque curve work. That said, high power, high rpm engines often feel gutless in a similar way since power = torque x rpm so that the power comes high in the band. Like a turbo engine, you are one shift away from power. I smell marketing.

[Ajax]

Most people love the "whistler" variant of the M35. I guess it's different with a large, diesel engine.

In spite of purchasing my big toy, I do look forward to the day when I shift to an electric car for daily driving. Zero cylinders is as appealing to me as 12.

[LarryHoward]

Turbos are essentially a bad muffler - which is why so many turbo engines don't sound good. They often are perceived to be "lazy" in single turbo applications because of how the turbo efficiency and torque curve work. That said, high power, high rpm engines often feel gutless in a similar way since power = torque x rpm so that the power comes high in the band. Like a turbo engine, you are one shift away from power. I smell marketing.

As my son points out, that car comes with a KERS hybrid system so torque comes from electric motors.

[kdh]

Turbos are essentially a bad muffler - which is why so many turbo engines don't sound good. They often are perceived to be "lazy" in single turbo applications because of how the turbo efficiency and torque curve work. That said, high power, high rpm engines often feel gutless in a similar way since power = torque x rpm so that the power comes high in the band. Like a turbo engine, you are one shift away from power. I smell marketing.

Aston Martin have turbos on the DB11 and the new Vantage. I don't think they'll be doing much marketing of the Valkyrie.

[Jamie]

Turbos are essentially a bad muffler - which is why so many turbo engines don't sound good. They often are perceived to be "lazy" in single turbo applications because of how the turbo efficiency and torque curve work. That said, high power, high rpm engines often feel gutless in a similar way since power = torque x rpm so that the power comes high in the band. Like a turbo engine, you are one shift away from power. I smell marketing.

Aston Martin have turbos on the DB11 and the new Vantage. I don't think they'll be doing much marketing of the Valkyrie.

Car mfg generally annoy me when the engineering and marketing diverge too much.

[BeauV]

I still think a used one of these McLarens is a great buy for a crazy-car. Really REALLY fast and well mannered. The Astons I've driven were bears to handle at speed. Great in a straight line, sort of like a Corvette or Viper on steroids.