Lude Generation

When the Acclaim was released, this was a brochure sent to internal employees so they knew how to handle the expected criticism that it was a dressed up Honda...


(click to see it in large)


"Who designed it"
"Honda."

"Why can't you design your own cars?"

Interesting read, I'm sure, BL considering a model liaison with Honda as a potential point of criticism is a bit rich. If theyd've kept the collaboration, BL / Rover would probably still be around.

prelude91 wrote:Interesting read, I'm sure, BL considering a model liaison with Honda as a potential point of criticism is a bit rich.

Very different times. Honda, Nissan et al were still "jap crap" in the British public's eyes back then, so that prejudice was very definitely, very real at the time. My dad bought a brand new Mazda 626 (4 door version of this);

and it was a great car, but despite being brand new and way better than any of the Ford/Vaxhaul etc crap around at the same time, was just considered to be 'crap' by all the kids and their dads at my school.

prelude91 wrote:If theyd've kept the collaboration, BL / Rover would probably still be around.

Yep, agreed. If Vickers hadn't sold Rover but had strengthened the ties with Honda, I think they could still be going. The 200/400/600/800 either wholey (or at least built from) Honda platforms were good cars and sold very well. But some knob ends had stupid big-headed ideas about firstly being able to go it alone and then to make a fast buck from selling to someone else that didn't have any relevant technology to share... and that, as they say, is history!

MMm, including the 'gang of four' who ripped the business off after the brief liaison with BMW. Rover 75 shows good british engineering, combined with BMW investment, shame it didn't continue, either. And to a degree, you're right about 'jap crap' of that era, engines and running gear, great. Bodywork, bit more suspect, even Honda. 3g probably represents first era of sound quality control in all areas for the big H

.

Interesting, wurly, that you use the moniker 'Vickers' rather the British Aerospace. Bet you're of an era that recalls names like 'Supermarine' and 'Folllands' , too.

Wurly's of an era where he can recall Liszt tearing the piano scene a new one.

Works for me,, convo about Spitfires etc.. brewing here, I feel

Not that old, I'm just a bit of an engineering and engineering/old manufacturing company geek.

Wurly, I'll join you in the queue