Dolomited youth

[2F45T4U]

I have two mates of mine after a Dolomite One 19 and the other just 17! Awesome huh?

[mbellinger]

The future Adam, for sure.

My son, who is 9, desperately wants a Toledo.




The only problem is it must have a sixteen valve Vauxhall engine and almost 200bhp. My 1300TS copy is of absolutely no interest at all to him.

[trackerjack]

I am going to be a kiljoy here................tis my experience of young drivers with one or two exceptions are car killers and sometimes themselves too,so I would prefer that a driver gets a few miles in before getting a classic like a Dolly.

[2F45T4U]

My first car was a Dolomite. I got a 1300 when I was 16, it was beyond saving. an 1850 for my first on the road car. I crashed it... twice... I repaired it.. twice... (paid for it the first time, done it myself the second) I now drive a Dolomite Sprint. I also have a 1990 1 lite hatch back. It has far far better handling and braking charactoristics but still way behind a modern car.... This hatchback is the kind of cheap car that new drivers will get and learn in. I would put so much more faith in a driver who has driven a Dolomite for a while than some clapped out s##t box (like my Micra!)




Dolomited youth is a great thing!

[1300dolly]

I agree with adam on this, not every 17 is a complete idiot behind the wheel, some older folk are just as dangerous, if not mores so than a yoof, alot of yoofs trash their cars but luckily its normally into a wall/ditch or into the side of their mates car when racing at night, most rtis i attend on the main roads during the day are drivers over 30 who have lost control or failed to stop in time after driving too fast.

And don't anyone start quoting stats on age related crashes, stats are all too easily twisted to prove or disprove any given scenario.

[triple tango]

And don't anyone start quoting stats on age related crashes, stats are all too easily twisted to prove or disprove any given scenario.

9 out of 10 statistics are meaningless

[VYO 372M]

My first car was a Dolomite 1500 HL in 1988 when I was 16, had Triumph's ever since.

I can only really speak for myself but it didn't do me any harm.

Steve

[Spunkymonkey]

And don't anyone start quoting stats on age related crashes, stats are all too easily twisted to prove or disprove any given scenario.

9 out of 10 statistics are meaningless

Oh, purleezzzeee! That is just so unscientific! It's actually 8.92 out of 10 (of those statistics which expressed a preference)

As for Triumphs as first cars - mine was (fwd not dolly) and I started to learn to drive (off road) in the same one while I was getting it ready for the road. 24 years later, still got a 100% accident free record

One area that older cars can help young drivers is in the lack of modern gadgets and systems. I'm currently teaching my partner to drive (somehow she never got around to it), and try teaching someone the importance of correct braking when the ABS makes those "oops" moments virtually impossible. Emergency stop? Just jump on the pedal as hard as you can - the car will put you right Ditto with belts and airbags - there's very little of that "if I screw up it's gonna hurt" feeling that can help to keep your youthful enthusiasm in check! I'm not knocking modern safety devices exactly, but learning to drive and gaining early experience without them does tend to keep you that little bit more focussed!

[Jon Tilson]

90% of all quoted statisitcs are made up on the spot...

A dolmite is an excellent car to learn on as it is very communicative and should teach mechanical empathy.
It can also teach home maintenance cos its doable...

I cant think of a better first car than a dolly 1300...

Jonners.

[2Toledos]

I cant think of a better first car than a dolly 1300...

Jonners.

I'll second that; my first car, too, was a Dolomite 1300. The good thing (well, one of the many I could name) about the 1300, is that, if nothing else, it teaches you patience behind the wheel. You'll soon learn that, in a 1300, you have to plan ahead a little bit more than in cars with more power. Unless it's well tuned; the car has limitations which are soon learnt... only a complete fool would try something rash in a Dolly 1300. Just my 2d worth !

[mrg444]

i'm 19 and on my first dolomite (a 1500 in sandglow)
its my pride and joy and i wouldnt risk crashing it anywhere

[DavePoth]

A Dolomite Sprint makes a much better first car...

[miniman]

I agree with adam on this, not every 17 is a complete idiot behind the wheel

Have you seen some of his videos?!

[2Toledos]

A Dolomite Sprint makes a much better first car...

In an ideal world Dave....and the insurance on one for a 17 year old, would be

[Stagger]

A Dolomite Sprint makes a much better first car...

In an ideal world Dave....and the insurance on one for a 17 year old, would be

Dolomite Sprint, 18 years old, 1 year NCD - £450 TPF&T
Well, it was in 1983 anyway.