“IT CERTAINLY DOES NOT SUGGEST A SPANISH BROTHEL!”
CAPRI VS MX-5
While I sort of understand, and fully support Trevor Hayliss’ enthusiasm for his favourite rag top, Ford’s Capri, I take exception at his comparison value to a similar vintage Mazda MX-5 (NA).
The latter is a pur pose built rear-wheel-drive driver’ s car. The former is a rebodied front-wheel-drive Mazda 323/Ford Laser, wit h the handling of a shopping trolley and are only good for top-down boulevard ing. The definition of a hairdresser’s ca r!
In fact whenever I’m selling an MX-5 and some knob brings up the price disparity between the two cars, I advise them togo and buy a Capri as they obviously won’t appreciate the pure driving bliss an MX-5 delivers. Gary Smith Ravenshoe, Qld ED: Ouch! There’s no doubt the MX-5 rates as one of the all-time greats as a light sports car and more often than not is seen as a true successor to the MGB. As for the Capri, yep, they are more of a boulevard cruiser – though we’ve seen some interesting performance versions – and I’d suggest they may yet have their day in the sun thanks to their local development and build history.
LANDAU LOVER
Fair dinkum, Guido, is this Higgo for real?! The poor old Landau – it’s only crimes are its height, wheels and diff ratio. (Higgo gave the Landau a bit of a harsh rev iew in issue 412’s Aussie luxo bomber feature - Ed.)
This is a serious Aussie-built vehicle, with 351, FMX trannie, a truck driveline and I might add the first production car with a nineinch disc brake rear end.
The four electric windows and four bucket seats only make it stand out in the sometimes boring crowd. It certainly does not suggest a Spanish brothel ! Well, not mine any way.
Simple changes such as K-Mac coils and bar, a 336 ratio and some assistance from Cheviot in the wheel area radically change both its look and handling abilit y.
I assure you if the learned scribe came for a quick squirt on the sunny coast hinterland he would have to exchange his seasick bag for new under wear.
Next time you sit down for a sherbert and a sing-along, make sure Higgo has the same songsheet.
Carl A Wallent
Maryborough, Qld
ED: Each to their own, Carl. Some days, this lot can be a tough crowd. Not to worry, I’m with you on the Landau and would love a to have one in the shed.