THE HISTORY OF THE AUTOMOBILE

(J)For many moviegoers silver Aston Martin DB5 was a real star. In 1958, handcrafted in aluminum over a steel frame, with a bigger version of the 6-cylinder engine and 5-speed ZF gearbox, Aston Martin claimed more punch with longer legs. Top speed was 225kph. Disk brakes were fitted all round but independent rear suspension was eschewed for a traditional solid back axle. Faired-in headlights updated the aerodynamics and the inside featured rich leather upholstery, electric windows and a push-button radio. The DB5 is one of the most memorable Aston Martin ever.

Nubar Gulbenkian was one of London’s most recognizable playboys during the 1960s. Motoring was his passion. At first, it was ultra-fast vintage sports cars, then specially made and mostly very ugly, Rolls-Royces. In 1965, Nubar decided to have a unique limousine built – based on London’s superbly maneuverable Austin FX4 taxi. Rolls-Royce was asked to assist. Soon a rear passenger compartment was built. The interior featured gold-plated fittings. There were carriage lamps on the door pillars and the hood sported a glass mascot. It became one of London’s most distinctive cars. It still exists.

One of the best-looking GM cars ever was the luxurious Toronado. Its clean styling was a landmark. Heavily flared wheel arches suggested enormous wheels, its rear wings and roof pillars blended into one smooth plane and retractable headlamps added to frontal elegance. Oldsmobile’s engineers deemed the shape perfect for the front-wheel drive platform they’d spent seven years practicing. At the back there was a beam axle on leaf springs. Suspension, power train and floor pan were all carried in a large sub frame, to limit noise and vibration transfer to the passengers. This Oldsmobile drew acclaim for its traction and road holding, receiving Car of the Year award.

Lotus Europa was the first proper production road car with a mid-mounted engine. Although a family hatchback, Chapman realized its transverse engine, 4-speed transmission and front-wheel drive package was light and compact enough to install at the center of the Elan’s backbone chassis, to achieve handling response. The top speed was only 153kph. The clutch was heavy, the ride poor. But the car gripped in corners like nothing else, with light steering and a feeling of perfect balance. Drivers enjoyed a driving position, but the cockpit was claustrophobic because the side windows didn’t open and rear window was awful. Lotus tackled the car’s appearance and design, reinvigorating Europa until 1975.

1. Answer these questions:

a) What car was a hit for those who liked to go to the cinema?

b) What do you remember about Aston Martin?

c) What famous companies took part in Austin FX4’s manufacturing?

d) What do you remember about its interior?

e) Can you describe GM Toronado and Oldsmobile?

f) What top speed did the Lotus Europa have?

g) What about its cockpit?

h) Do you remember anything about advantages and disadvantages of Lotus cars?

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 857