[DeTomaso] "Throwaway Cars" tale

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/15/13 13 31 55, cengles at cox.net writes:


> Bob said, "They're throwaway cars."
> Cold and succinct.
> 

Exactly right.

The Ferrari F40 used a unique, stand-alone computer as well, made by 
Magneti-Morelli.   When that thing fizzles out, the car stops, and there's no 
getting it going again.

I'm sure it's possible to adapt some aftermarket hardware, but it's 
probably a non-trivial task.   I would think that there would be room for an 
enterprising individual to come up with generic replacements for these high-end 
computers, because I think the computers themselves are relatively simple.   
While the volumes sold would be quite low, the potential for markup is 
astronomical.   Nobody is going to throw away a $250K car, if they can buy a $20K 
computer to keep it going.   They won't like buying a $20K computer, but 
what choice will they have?

As to your original point--yes, I love my old cars (all of them) and am 
grateful for their simplicity.   My newest car is now 32 years old, and that's 
how I intend to roll, forever!

Mike