Re: SEPTA PCC #2538 on the 56-Line August 1980
Author: mook
Date: 06-18-2010 - 10:40
73-75 anything was gutless and often near-undriveable. Ferraris of that era would be easily outrun by most economy cars today. That was the period when 5mph bumpers were first added (huge chrome bars in most cases) increasing weight in the wrong place for handling and ride, and early emission controls (pre-catalyst) made it near-impossible to actually use the engine. 10-15 mpg was common; an "economy" car might get as much as 25 on the highway. For a teen or college person, it was a time to either ride the streetcar (if available) or buy a 60s car (which was all we could afford anyway).
Drew: antennae still work! Digital TV over the air works fine, and with many stations having subchannels the number available (though not the quality of programming) has increased dramatically. Of course you do need cable to watch HBO or ESPN or Speed ... or you can just go out and watch trains. ;-)