Thanks to Leslie at the AntiqueCarsClub blogsite I've just discovered ModernMechanix.com, an amusing Web site devoted to yesterday's mechanical marvels. Among them a bicycle that replaced the wheels with "legs" and an amphibious aircraft that doubled as a submarine. Don't ask why! But the story I especially enjoyed was "The Trailer Grows Up" by Julian Leggett. Rather than dwell on the perils and pleasures of vintage trailers he outlines why modern versions are vastly superior in both comfort and safety.
I've never had a desire to travel with a trailer especially after being scared half to death by one while returning to Toronto from the Indianapolis Speedway. As the car and its trailer approached our Corvair on a 2-lane highway, the trailer began swinging back and forth, on the verge of being totally out of control. Luckily the driver had the intelligence not to slam on the brakes.
During the weekend my buddy Mel and I were discussing the merits of the Smart, which we both like very much, especially with today's fuel prices. But Mel was quick to point out that the large objects he'd recently brought home in his Mazda 3 hatch would never have fit in a Smart. That prompted me to suggest that some entrepreneur should develop a small trailer for the Smart, suitable for carrying goods that won't fit in the tiny space behind the seats. Think it's not powerful enough for a trailer? The other day I saw one pulling a 15' powerboat, apparently with relative ease. So there's my free "get rich" idea of the month, folks. I'll take 10%, please.