RE: [A/S] Towing with Big Iron and Low CoG - "ideal Relics"

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The old Big Iron cars may in fact have a significantly lower center of
gravity, and other characterists well suited to towing a travel trailer.

Since these cars were body on frame (not unit body) designs, a heavy duty
version could be an impressive tow vehicle.

This would be especially true of station wagons, convertibles, and "hard
top" convertibles.  All of these used a heavier (actually reinforced)frame,
which would both stiffen the vehicle and lower its center of gravity.
Unfortunately, most of these cars had mediocre suspensions compared to the
European inspired (and more capable) suspensions of today.

The first really good suspensions on an American car were on the Chevy Monte
Carlo and Pontiac Grand Am in the early 70's.  These models featured
positive caster geometry in the front end and also had heavy duty sway bars
front and rear (essential to minimize body roll and lean) and wide 15"
wheels with big radial tires. They also had pretty solid power trains and
some other high performance models had the same sort of suspension with big
block engines and strong transmissions. Some of the later Pontiacs had 400
plus cubic inch(6.8 liters or so) engines.  Lots of torque and ideal for
towing.  They should run on today's premium grade fuel without a problem. A
big Caddy convertible of that era had a monster engine in the neighborhood
of 500 cubic inches (over 8 liters!).

I have no idea how many of these "ideal relics" are around in decent shape.
Also, there is the problem of availability (and cost of spare parts for
repairs, etc.).

Oliver Filippi