James May's 'Cars of the People'

[RichardA]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0467lbp/james-mays-cars-of-the-people-episode-1

"James May discovers how cars became an everyday part of people's lives. His journey begins in Europe, where he reveals a tale of war, fraud, double dealing and dictators."

Part one of three was last week (9pm Sunday, BBC2). Very interesting and worth watching.

[madasafish]

Watched it.
fascinating.

[peteo48]

Watched it as well.

Amazing stat about the Fiat 124/Lada which, in all forms, sold over 20 million units. 2nd only to VW Beetle.

[madasafish]

Aktiugh the Lada was based on the 124 bodyshell, it was appalling to drive. The engine was slow and clanky.

The 124 was a hoot to drive: I remember seeing 6500rpm on a (hired) 124 coupe in the early 1970s...

[culzean]

The Fiat 124 was produced in many countries, including Korea.  Unusually for a Fiat (Fix It Again Tomorrow) car, the Fiat made 124 was supposed to be quite reliable (or was that just relatively reliable compared to other cars of that period ?)

[peteo48]

Slightly surprised the Moggy Minor didn't make the cut - maybe in the next episode tonight.

[guest4946]

Not available in my area, unfortunately.

[Eddie Honda]

Not available in my area, unfortunately.

I'm in the same boat. Can't be bothered getting a UK proxy IP.

Quick, watch it here  : James May's Cars of the People - Episode 1

[RichardA]

The Lada Riva was quite common in the late 80s and early 90s, then all of a sudden the sales fell of a cliff. I've only seen one in the last 10-15 years (a couple of months back actually).

Depending on who you ask, Lada pulled out of the UK market back in 1998 either because they were unable to meet stringent EU emission regulations, or because Les Battersby drove one in Coronation Street - just like Steve Coogan's Gareth Cheeseman character allegedly killed off the Ford Probe! 

[guest4946]

Quick, watch it here 

Thanks, man!
Will watch it now.

[culzean]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/classiccars/6670541/10-cars-that-should-never-have-been-built.html?image=3

Interesting Daily Telegraph article - Lada Riva features alongside such classics as Morris Marina and Austin Allegro as 'cars that should never have been built'.  Also the Skoda Estelle - the author actually says 'young people today may struggle to understand Skoda jokes, considering the quality of their cars today' -

I remember one in particular - 'why does a Skoda have a heated rear window?' - to keep your hands warm when you are pushing it.

apparently 22 Million Lada Rivas were built, and at least one owner has fond memories -

http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/facts-and-figures/essays/all-the-cars-ive-owned/all-the-cars-ive-owned-lada-riva-1300-sl/

[peteo48]

Thinking back, the Lada Riva was very cheap to buy and the pitch seemed to be you could buy a new car fpr the price of a second hand one.

Similar sales pitch to Dacia now.

[madasafish]

Thinking back, the Lada Riva was very cheap to buy and the pitch seemed to be you could buy a new car fpr the price of a second hand one.

Similar sales pitch to Dacia now.

At least Lada had thick metal so rust would not be a problem for years.
Some Dacias start rusting badly when driven.

[degzi]

One lad at college once modified a Lada Riva
It turned out quite good, last I remember of it was pushing it along the road to bump start it.

  ahhhh happy 1990's memories

[csp]

Most of the information content of the show was interesting and bought back memories but it was spoilt by the stupid Top Gear stunts. Top gear used to be a good serious program years ago before it was high jacked.