Driving a 1914 Bearcat

[Lilias]

This my first time on any kind of forum, so please forgive me if I'm not doing this right. I'm writing a mystery novel taking place in 1916, I want my character, a woman to learn to drive on a 1914 Stutz Bearcat. I can barely drive my modern car. What would my character have to learn?

[jrbartlett]

Go to the fourth page of the Stutz discussion forum, about midway down, and look for the title "Need info for novel." You'll find a lot of info on just this subject.

A few thoughts about your character. She's physically strong -- not anyone could drive a Stutz, a renowned "man's car" that took real muscle to steer, shift and brake. For the same reason, she's determined to stand out as different, flamboyant. Stutzes were famous cars even then, like now. So she likes a little flash and style. She's particular enough that setting the spark lever "just so," and hitting just the right speeds to make the gear changes correctly, come easily, as just the way things are supposed to be. Conversely, she doesn't mind a little wind and rain in the face or in short, bobbed hair. After all, this was part and parcel of driving a Bearcat, as opposed to a more civilized car. Or maybe she does mind, but is willing to pay the price for the stylish figure she cuts going down the road. Your choice.

[Lilias]

Thank you for your reply- I will go looking at that spot! You've described the owner of the Stutz quite well- the poor learner is a more timid creature. I'm looking forward to messing around in this forum-it's surprising the things a person becomes interested in while writing, which is the joy of the journey.