[78-L] Corvairs &c.-was: half track tapes

[Steven C. Barr]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Biel" <mbiel at mbiel.com>
> P.S.  Yes I know the rear engine on the Corvair is what killed Ernie
> Kovacs.
>
No...it WASN'T the rear engine! It was an independent rear suspension
(also used on VW "beetles," which likewise would have their rear wheels
"fold under" in extreme-cornering situations...either suddenly turning
themselves AROUND, or (worse yet) OVER! Corvairs used this same
approach...and the Corvair rear suspension was also used on the Pontiac
Tempest (I owned a '62!)!

Once I figured out how to use this to my advantage...I could drive up to a
"T" intersection at c. 30mph and then turn the steering wheel suddenly in 
the
direction I planned to continue! The rear end would temporarily lose its
"grip" and swing outward (called "Drifting" these days?!)...and hitting
"the gas" once I was pointed along the new choice of roads resulted in
the front end of my Tempest taking off down that road, with the rear of
course following!

Sadly, most American drivers were familiar with their over-weight cars...
which UNDERsteered (i.e. tried to keep going in the same direction!)
rather than OVERsteered (like Corvairs, my Tempest and VW "beetles!").

Steven C. Barr