Re: [VAL] Lightweight Airstreams

["Colin Hyde" <chyde@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Vanessa,
I suspect these old cars (new then) probably had high numerical differential
ratios which acts as a torque multiplier, then they towed at much slower
speeds (probably 50 mph or less most of the time) to keep the rpm down. I
believe that back then engine rebuilds were quite common on vehicles during
their life span. I've seen photos of Wally towing a late 40's Airstream
around Europe with an ex military Jeep so I guess anything is possible. He
was probably towing at even slower speeds. I spent some time in Asia many
years ago and I was always amazed at what they could tow with very under
powered vehicles, by our standards. The little 3 wheeled Tuk Tuks in India
only have 175 cc's and we often had a driver and three passengers along with
a pile of luggage on board. You could hear the strain the driveline was
going through but they always managed to do the job. I think their top speed
was only 30 mph.
Colin Hyde
GSM Vehicles Inc.