Reminiscences from Forty Years of Driving

At different times I suppose our priorities in a car change. At certain times cost, performance, function, economy, comfort and visibility may be one of the most important factors. It may simply be aesthetic factors that attract us to a car. It may be that we want to experience what a car is like; so when I purchased an Alfa I wanted to see if it was a really good car to drive, and with my second Alfa I was fortunate to part with it prior to it needing lots of money spent on it. With the Audi I wanted to experience the cabin which had a superb reputation and I was also interested in trying out the 1.4 petrol engine with the ability to close down 2 cylinders when not required 

The engine was excellent. The economy too was top class. Some cars were really fun such as the Mazda MX5 which I had for around a year. I think this was probably the car which I most enjoyed for the accuracy of steering and the sensation of speed. Some cars were unusual and quirky such as the Citroen BXs of which I had two. I enjoyed the rising up as the suspension pumped up the car. I thought the brakes were fantastic; they were the sharpest I’ve known. I had many Daihatsu since at the time they were my local dealer. They were very reliable and the GTi model was fantastic fun being a 1.0litre engine capable of 100mph and also of achieving 100mpg. The other make of which I had many different models was Skoda; my experience was that they were more reliable than VW and were very functional as well as generally having good performance with reasonable costs. I have had a number of VWs, some petrol some diesel, some estates some hatchbacks. The Golf GTi has a solid reputation, was fun but unfortunately seemed to bring out the worst in other drivers who wanted to race.

Looking back, which of those cars have really been the best? Seating aside all but the essentials, a car gets us from one place to another. In 1979 I had an Opel Ascona 1.6 petrol 4 speed manual. It was a basic 4 door saloon. It was totally reliable, quite economical and spacious.
The seats did not have multiple adjustments but were positioned so that all of the controls were within easy reach. The pedals were set in a good line and the gauges were clearly visible at all times. The engine was a 1.6 litre which produced adequate performance, there was always sufficient power with a little in reserve. There was good visibility. In those days the pillars around the screen and doors were narrower so less metal to obscure the view. It was a car which did everything required of it with a minimum of fuss. I suppose the most memorable aspect of the car was that it was very comfortable which was achieved with just well made seats and ergonomics.

Ten years later I owned a Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 petrol GLi Saloon. It was purchased from the Vauxhall dealer Browns of Coates [near Whittlesey]. This was quite similar to the Opel Ascona but ten years newer and in 1989 a new model. This car was more luxurious than the Opel having a sunroof and seats which had more adjustment. The engine was a two litre and the gearbox was five speed manual. The engine was smooth with good performance; the economy of 40mpg was also good. As with the Opel this car was very reliable, comfortable and satisfying to drive. All the controls functioned with a minimum of fuss, the steering was power assisted, the gearbox precise and accurate to use. Space for passengers and luggage was plentiful.

 I find that with current cars the visibility is less good due to wide pillars; the seats have multiple adjustments but can be uncomfortable or difficult to get the most comfortable position. The gauges are often obscured as there are many of them, or the steering wheel does not adjust enough. The pedals are frequently offset making for a less than comfortable driving position. Many of the driver aids can also provide as much of a distraction as an aid. Compared to a car of today I think that the Vauxhall Cavalier of 1989 or the Opel Ascona of 1976 vintage would still be the cars I would choose as the best to achieve the outcome of getting from one place to another with the least fuss and a high level of comfort and efficiency.