I have rolled the window down in subcompact rentals twice in the last couple of months. Maybe the old days aren't so gone as we think. But then, I haven't seen a 'three-on-the-tree' shifter like I had in my old '56 Chevy or a gooseneck stick like in my '63 Valiant lately.

 

Ooo--I had four-on-the-tree in my '68 SAAB Sonett, back in the days... If you're not familiar with the Sonett, it was a weird fiberglass 2 seat sports car, roll bars visible in the back, also present in the front, totally flat floor, freewheeling (went into neutral when not under power), which you could lock out if needed, (on snow or ice, for example), about 1600 pounds curb weight, front wheel drive, and ugly as sin in the first two incarnations. Absolutely no electronics (on any car then, for that matter). The third was pretty neat looking, but by then they weren't making enough to keep alive. They always were an extremely low production car--the serial number on mine was 000686. Loved that car! And you talk about suspension? Compared to it the MINI is a comfy luxury car. And we rallied (TSD) all over the St. Louis area.

Those WERE the days!

P.S. That car was a KILLER in snow--in Sweden they used them for ice racing...

 

Well, DaffodilDeb, that trumps any story I've got about my '67 VW bug.

 

Nope, I've always liked Beetles. I had a friend who modified his to do something like 120. He was pulled over by the state police somewhere. The trooper looked at the car and said..."Not possible." and let him go!

 

I had serious doubts about the 08 MCS as well, but now that i have read this thread it has put my troubled mind at ease. Now all that awaits is making the order and putting down the deposit.