This should get you guys going...

[Steve Moskowitz]

An automaker (this is not an April Fools Joke!) in India has seriously proposed a new small car, minimalist in design and features to sell for $2,500! That's right, a modern day Model T type of car. Tata Motors Ltd. has also stated if the price creeps beyond the $2,500 stage they will not build it, it is $2,500 or nothing! Verrrrrrry interesting!

[Clipper47]

Look for it soon at a Walmart near you!

[West Peterson]

Boy, I sure would like to get my hands on a couple of Tatas.

[Rusty_OToole]

When you look at some of the ATV's they sell today they are not far off being a small car. I think they are in the $3000 to $5000 range.

I should be possible to make a small car the size of a Smart car or one of the old micro cars, King Midget type to sell for $2500 if you don't have to worry about the safety and pollution laws we have.

In Japan they make such cars. Through some quirk in the laws 600cc and smaller cars are exempt from certain licensing requirements - I'm a little fuzzy on the details. But I know they make them thru some legal loophole.

[Steve Moskowitz]

Help Wanted: Editor for Antique Automobile. Qualifications: I'll settle for one who does not grab the obvious joke!

[Barry Wolk]

I'd apply but I couldn't hold that one back either. Sometimes you have to take them where they lie.

[MCHinson]

Steve, I think that in baseball, they say that when you throw a nice slow ball right over the plate the batter is supposed to knock it out of the park.

[novaman]

What joke??

[Earl B.]

West, are you going to get the Standard model or the Bodacious model.. I think you should get the Bodacious model....then you could have a pair of Bodacious Tatas.

[Steve Moskowitz]

Matt, I realize that but with a board meeting coming up in just two weeks I would THINK our esteemed editor would be on his best behavior. I actually threw up an Ephus(sp) pitch and expected him and others to wiff!

Guys, let's not cross a line here as we are dangerously close, if we have not already gone over a line. Something tells me we have.

[Guest aussie610]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Steve Moskowitz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Matt, I realize that but with a board meeting coming up in just two weeks I would THINK our esteemed editor would be on his best behavior. </div></div>

Maybe he doesnt really want the job .

Cant see what is wrong with a joke though, good to see the human side of the posters and position holders.

[mrpushbutton]

and if they can find a way to import these tin cans to the US there will be people who will buy them!

[MCHinson]

Yes, it has probably already crossed a line....

I'd rather they just remanufacture original style Model T's at the original price. I would be glad to buy one or two. Heck, I would probably pay $2,500 for a new Model T. ... and they can call it whatever they want to.

[Jay Wolf]

"....then you could have a pair of Bodacious Tatas"

Even if I got them my wife would never let me keep them, we just don't have enough garage space and there are laws agains just leave those out.

[charlier]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mrpushbutton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">and if they can find a way to import these tin cans to the US there will be people who will buy them! </div></div>

One has to wonder how a vehicle at such a low price could pass all the safety and emissions requirements needed to be sold in this country??

Then again, with the US dollar's decreased value against many foreign currencies is it $2,500 or closer to $3,500-$4,000?

BTW, will Tatas come with dual front airbags??

What about optional side airbags?

[Amphicar BUYER]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: charlier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BTW, will Tatas come with dual front airbags??

What about optional side airbags? </div></div>

I am also wondering if it would still fit in my garage when it's cold outside?

Do you think Victoria's secret will carry car covers??

Will they float???

[Guest aussie610]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jay Wolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> laws agains just leave those out. </div></div>

Yeah its called littering

[Restorer32]

I have lived in India. A $2500 car is entirely conceivable. Of course, you may have to modify your definition of "car". Those 3 wheeled 'Bumble Bees" were ubiquitous in 1970 and I see they are still clogging the streets today. Remind me sometime to tell you about my 47 mile ride down thru the foothills of the Himalayas from 6000 ft to sea level in a '60's Plymouth with no brakes whatsoever and with the engine turned off for at least 45 of those miles.

[Steve Braverman]

Today's car prices are totally inflated anyway. Why is it that other merchandise, such as computers and other electronics have come way down in price while cars have only gone way up. Today's entry level econoboxes start at about $15k. Microwave ovens and tube televisions used to be a major purchase, my microwave cost $20 at Sears and a 27" TV can be bought for about $100.

A decent car can be a year's salary for some people. Henry Ford would not be happy. I think a $2,500 car today might be a little optimistic, but a decent car for $10k shouldn't be.

[Barry Wolk]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: charlier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

What about optional side airbags?

</div></div>

That's a visual I could have lived without.

Bring back Dagmars! Bring back Dagmars! Bring back Dagmars! Bring back Dagmars! Bring back Dagmars! Bring back Dagmars! Bring back Dagmars!

[West Peterson]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: novaman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What joke?? </div></div>

I don't have a clue. My Saturn may be on its last legs, and my son has just become of driving age. Since those Tatas will be so affordable, all I was trying to say is that I'd like to get a pair before dealers inflate them.

What's so funny about that?

[Jay Wolf]

"'60's Plymouth with no brakes whatsoever and with the engine turned off for at least 45 of those miles"

At least a 1960 Mopar would have had a rear pump in the torqueflight. any thing after the mid 60's you would have been free wheeling.

[Ron Green]

It will be interesting to see how it keeps up with traffic and the aggressive drivers on our major expressways. Could be that one of its selling points would be it can be used as a coffin in the event of a major accident.

[Steve Moskowitz]

I do not think it will be imported to the US but they are projecting selling a million of these. I remember when the Honda's came over in 1970 for $1,500. I was an Olds rep and the dealership I ended up owning was a Honda dealer as well. Never been so scared in my life as driving dowm the road in one of those.

[Jay Wolf]

As I remember that was 600 CC powerhouse,

Now a 600 cc is a small motorcycle.

It brings back memories like:

Close your vent windows we need to get it up to 55 mph.

[TG57Roadmaster]

TTFN! *

The new company's marketing slogan, or another way to sign off?

Go to www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/subaru360.html

to see a 356cc barnstormer like the one my brother had in the Navy in Hawaii back in '71.

It's almost as breathtaking as a Citroen Ami 6!

TG

(* Ta Ta For Now!)

[Jay Wolf]

here is one for $5K

http://www.atvandscootersales.com/Lil_Bugg_Car.html

this is the greatest line in the Ad.

"Safe and dependable for MOST driving conditions"

So are there driving conditions where it is not safe

or are the conditions where it is not dependable/

Note it has 3 wheels so it is motorcycle and not subject to safety standards.

[MarkV]

Danger Danger Will Robinson! It will be a cheap piece of crap, look, Detroit cant even pull out any decent car for less that a million dollars! All of the cars these days are plastic pieces of junk with bad quality and high prices and bumpers made of plastic! And terrible styling! And I thought the gremlin was bad! (sorry gremlin guys!)

[Bill Stoneberg]

Back to Tatas for a minute.

I have been in India and everyone drives Tatas. They are a large Indian manufacturing consortium. Their cars are not bad, roomy but small because of the lack of space and millions of people over there.

Whats better are the Russian Lexus clones, now that is comfort.

You dont see American cars or Trucks at all over there.

[CarlLaFong]

I bought a Honda 600 new, actually I ended up rebuilding them as a sideline and probably bought and sold 30 or 40 of them. They were a pretty good car. They weren't freeway flyers, but would cruise at 55 all day. You had too keep an eye on the oil level and change the timing chains. My brother also had a Subaru 360. It was best for surface streets only. It was a ball to drive, though. Silly ladybug styling with it's red paint (sorry Micro Museum, they came in more colors than one per model), suicide doors and that cool ring ding ding exhaust note. Girls thought it was cute. It was.