The Sunday Column - March 29, 2015

Sometimes, it's good to put things into perspective.

Case in point: Last week I had the good fortune of riding in my friend Craig's 36 Ford sedan. This is a project that he has been working for the past few years and for the most part it's finish - just some slight paintwork and a few other odds and ends. Sitting in this car was a throwback. An example was the seats - they felt springy and cushy, not firm and supportive like modern cars. The dash is just painted metal with a set of dials and knobs. Your only source of ventilation? Opening the windows or lifting a latch behind the hood. If you want the access the trunk? Lift up the back seat.

As for the ride itself, it felt like a normal car - somewhat at least. Power came from a flathead V8 and was able to keep up with traffic. A three-speed manual helped get the power to the road. But you had to careful with shifting as one wrong move and you'll end up with a crunch. (gear synchros were non-existent). Ride-wise? It was pretty comfortable, but you'll end up in another area code as body roll is very evident. Stabilizer bars were not a thing till the 40's.

So why do I tell this story? Well for the reason as I stated above. Cars have improved so much since the 36 Ford. They are safer, have more equipment, and are better on fuel. But also some things haven't changes. Vehicles then and now still boast a engine that run on some form of fossil fuel, pack engines as large as eight-cylinders, have four tires, and much more. Its interesting to see how far we have come, but also how much has stayed the same.

Other items from the week:

• This week saw Jeremy Clarkson get booted from the BBC from his kerfuffle. This was the right idea considering Clarkson's past incidents and what BBC learned in a investigation.
  • Not surprisingly, Richard Hammond and James May are expected to leave as well.
    
  • Rumors have begun flying of a number of networks and even Netflix about hiring Clarkson. (Oh boy..)
    
  • The BBC itself announced that it would continue with Top Gear. However I think this will end being a flop for one reason. Top Gear = Jeremy Clarkson. Clarkson = Top Gear.
    
  • I'll leave the whole Jeremy Clarkson mess with this. Check out John Krewson's piece on Road & Track about Clarkson. Sums up my feelings in a way that is brilliant.
    

  [*]General Motors could be in huge trouble if a Bankruptcy judge reverses a decision on the clause of that no one could file lawsuit on vehicles built before 2009 due to the company's bankruptcy.

  • This could open GM to $10 billion in potential liability over this ignition switch mess.
    
  • Many are waiting for the judge to make a decision of whether or not a number lawsuits can be filled for lost value.
    

  [*]This week is the New York Auto Show, and the end of auto show season for another year.

  • The lineup of debuts appears to be very solid with the likes of Cadillac, Chevrolet, Honda, and Scion showing off some important vehicles.