[LHC] - Letara History Challenge - Rd 5 [Results being posted]



Rd. 3 RESULTS

Chapter 3: the renovated Lerance Raceway opens 1964

After several years of racing madness and record crowds around the Lerance Raceway, there was an urgent need to expand and improve the facilities. Several car companies stepped in to help refurbish the track and its amenities. Some major changes included the construction of many new spectator stands around the track, camp grounds were carved out of the landscape, a new Ferris wheel was constructed near the pit lane, and the access roads were widened for smoother traffic flow.

One of the major issues with the old track was that it used part of the regional highway as its long back straight, which necessitated the lockdown of the highway during race weekends. It wouldn’t have been such a big problem as it is a divided highway, if not for the crowds taking over the other side as well to watch the race. In a major reconstruction the highway is now completely separated from the back straight, and there are legal spectator areas inside the track along the straight. This should help tremendously to keep traffic flowing around the track.

The track itself was also resurfaced and improved. Several turns, including the 270 degree “rotunda corner”, were completely rebuilt with banking, in an effort to make racing smoother and even more exciting. Top banking angles are up to 7.5 degrees! These changes combined should make cars go around the track several seconds faster compared to a flat surface.

Racing regulations were also revisited. The new “R1 Class” is the domain of pure and dedicated racing cars. The stiff entry time limit ensures that only the best participate and that racing will be tight. Cost caps limit these cars to make racing more affordable. The imposed limitations only made the engineers think harder and be more creative. Thus, despite the imposed limits, these are still among the fastest and most sophisticated cars ever built!

The new “R2 Class” is open to street legal cars that make up to 250 HP. With even stiffer cost caps, even amateur and enthusiast racers can participate, although factory teams are of course still very welcome. These cars are naturally slower than their R1 cousins, but they are no less impressive to watch and should still provide much entertainment for the masses. Especially as the “common folk” can actually imagine themselves driving one of these cars off a dealership lot one day.

After initial scrutineering (see here), nine cars remain to race in both classes. Let’s see how they stack up on paper.


R1 Class


Left to right (now with correct cars in the photo): Wolfe Racing Razor GT Prototype @karhgath, Mocabey Monaco @SheikhMansour, Benetsch GBM-ISSV @Texaslav, Mons 356-Esque Rev.3 @cake_ape, Kamaka EXP-GT R1 Spec @LS_Swapped_Rx-7, Vizzuri Drago QV Corsa @Aruna, Zephorus Racing Design Silver Thunder '64 @Riley, Knightwick k40 Roadster sebring @mart1n2005, Rhania Ralcon-R @happyfireballman

With modern technologies more precise pace and statistics modelling can be conducted on these cars (see below for stats panel). These statistics are very useful for bookies while setting up their odds on race weekends.

Looking at overall pace, the spread between cars is pretty narrow - as predicted and hoped. On pure pace, the Wolfe seems the fastest, closely followed by the Mocabey and Benetsch. The Mons is a fraction behind the top three, as is the Kamaka and Vizzuri, although the top six cars are well within striking distance of each other. The last three cars are the Zephorus, Knightwick, and finally the Rhania, each about another two seconds slower than the one in front.

With such a close field, race wins will indeed come down to reliability and the driver’s ability to get the most out of the car. Looking at it though this lense, it looks like the Wolfe has it all sorted with very good reliability, drivability, and comfort. To top it off, it doesn’t even need to make a pit stop for fuel! The Mocabey trails the Wolfe in all stats, but it is not predicted to need any pit stops. The Benetsch has good drivability, but comfort is a little lacking, so drivers might struggle especially toward the end of races to get the most out of the car. This car will need a pit stop during the race. The Mons has pretty poor drivability in comparison, and comfort is also just average, so the driver will have to work quite hard to extract all from the car; reliability is good, however, so race finishes should be a regular occurrence. This car will not need pits stops, giving it a decent hope to catch up while the Benetsch is in for its fuel stop.

The Kamaka has stellar reliability, so it should finish races quite regularly. However, it is similar to the Mons in that it is not the easiest to drive and not as comfortable. It might need one fuel stop, or none, depending on how hard the driver pushes the car on that day. The Vizzuri brings up the tail end of the top contenders, as it also has decent reliability. It is hard to drive, but quite comfortable, so while the driver has to work hard, at least they won’t fatigue as quickly. With zero pitstops predicted, this car should still be a strong contender for an outside win.

The last three cars on the list are predicted to struggle with reliability, with the Zephorus relatively the most likely to finish a race, with diminishing odds for the Knightwick and Rhania. All three cars are quite uncomfortable to sit in. Where the Zephorus shines is its stellar drivability - if it can run without issues, it should be able to pace evenly. The Knightwick is also quite easy to drive, but the Rhania is quite a handful for the driver. Lastly, both the Zephorus and Knightwick will need a pit stop for fuel, if they make it that far of course. The Rhania will need to make a pit stop - if it indeed makes it that far.


Theoretical pace and statistics of the R1 class cars.



R2 Class


Left to right: Swanson 255 RC (FL) @Ludvig, Torshalla Griffin II @Maverick74, Mara Irena 4.0 R2 Touring Car @AndiD, Primus Astrona 4200RS @Happyhungryhippo, Martinet Vespae R2 @Ch_Flash, Liberty Falcon Racer @FidleDo, Kessel 250 KO @GassTiresandOil, Vaughn Endura @Knugcab, P&A Sportsman Mk.III Flat 6 Race Spec @lotto77

The R2 Class was also put to the test to obtain theoretical pace and statistics. First, with smaller engines and a shorter race, none of the cars will need a fuel stop. The fastest of the bunch is the cute bowling shoe Swanson, followed within striking distance by the Torshalla, Mara, Primus, Marinet, and Liberty. Outside a realistic striking distance runs the Kessel, and much larger muscle cars Vaughn and at a considerable distance, the P&A.

Looking at the secondary stats, it start looking even better for the Swanson. It has stellar reliability, top of the pack drivability, and very good comfort. Based on the statistics alone, it looks like it will be very hard to beat the Swanson. However, any mistake will be capitalized on by the moderately reliable Torshalla and Primus and superbly reliable Mara, which should still be within striking distance for a win. Each car has its strength and weakness: the Torshalla has great comfort reducing driver fatigue, the Mara has bomb-proof reliability and should still be running when every other car has blown a gasket, and the Primus has good drivability, although overall predicted to be the weakest of the “top 4 bunch”.

While on pure pace the Martinet and Liberty also look good and close enough to punce, their reliability is predicted to be problematic. Both of them have OK drivability, but poor comfort, so they will struggle to keep up a bit. But if they do on a good day, and they don’t brake down, then they could still be a threat for an outside podium or even a very lucky win.

Looking toward the bottom three cars, on pace alone they really have to hope for retirements of the faster cars to hope for a podium finish. They do have decent reliability, especially the Kessel, which should keep it in contention in most races. The Kessel also has good comfort, so it should come alive more toward the latter part of the race. The Vaughn has overall good stats, so it should find that it can extract good pace from the car. The P&A doesn’t have the best reliability, but it is not terrible. Where this car shines is with its comfort. The driver will have no problem with pushing through to the end of the race (if the car makes it that far, that is).



Theoretical pace and statistics of the R2 class cars.



With the above information in hand, eager Letarans wanting to test their fortunes will be able to make “informed decisions” regarding their bets come race weekend. What do you think, how will these races pan out?



to be continued




21 Likes

Um, not to rain on your parade, but you used my 3C1 car in that photo instead of my 3R1 one. I am not bringing a landbarge to a car fight.

3 Likes

Haha, something looked off! I’ll correct that momentarily. Too many damn cars with similar looking names in my car manager. :smiley:

Edit: corrected.

1 Like


Can we race the luxobarge anyway? :point_right: :point_left:

(Maybe to celebrate Letara’s Xth anniversary, we run the winner of the government assignment, representing Letara’s “President,” in the 197X R2 race?)

Crap, i did everything except look at the cost cap :person_facepalming:

1 Like

Oh I had no idea.

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Yeah, it’s one of those things one wouldn’t notice unless they read what the tool tips say about each safety item. But basically, the basic safety of one decade will always be worse than standard safety from the decade prior.

Of all the mistakes one could do, i copy-pasted wrong. And only on the funniest of the trims, for f*** sake.

My disappointment (with myself) is immesurable and my day is ruined

4 Likes

Welp, the one time I forget to switch back to USA plates after experimenting with how Euro plates look when it is required to use USA plates, I knew something felt off. A real shame in that two hours of time and effort into the limo was lost thanks my idiocrasy. Regardless, good luck to the other goverment entries, and may the best car win. Can’t wait to see who comes out on top along with @TheYugo45GV.

4 Likes

The 1969 Kinnister BA and BL

BA22

Featuring a 2.2 liter inline four engine and an ample exterior cargo bed, the Kinnister BA22 is an excellent truck for the money.

The BA22 is, despite its size, very drivable and comfortable, and its high ride height and small stature allows the BA22 to be simultaneously very nimble and surprisingly competent offroad.

BL22

To contrast the BA22, the BL22 uses the same chassis and engine to achieve a very light, expressive coupe.

The BL22’s low purchase price is contrasted with excellent drivability and comfort, making for a perfect nimble city car.

11 Likes

Ah, damn it. The timing could not have been worse.

Guess AMCW’s efforts to assemble a factory just bombed. Had the cars made and everything, then the 'net gets shut off. Get it back, and the round’s over.

Well, there’s 10 points down the drain, a round up in smoke, and us left with nothing to show for it.

6 Likes
The 1970 Alira Stafford
Because big things sometimes come in small packages

The all-new 1970 Alira Stafford is our most exciting new release in decades. This being the first car from our new European division, we went all out to create something truly unforgettable and innovative. Designed and engineered in our new Lyons, France facility, and then produced in our Storia, Letara factory, this car is both by and for Europeans. Featuring advancements like independent front and rear suspension, fuel injection, rear-balanced front wheel drive and our signature third headlight, the Stafford is a driving experience straight out of the future!

We offer three bodystyles this year, a sedan, wagon and shooting brake. The shooting brake has sport-tuned suspension, special wheels and some other minor changes to give it that little bit of extra driving involvement. All of these cars feature our brand new 1.9L B60 longitudinal 4cyl, making 103hp and mated to a 3-speed manual. It features partial aluminum construction, fuel injection (no finicky carbs!) and quad overhead cams.

The Stafford features a handsome, simple interior made with real burl wood. It comes with standard vinyl seats or optional fine leather sourced from our supplier in Corinth. The dash and upper doors are color matched to your exterior. The premium experience for a practical price!

Gallery

19 Likes



Rd. 3 RESULTS

Chapter 4: Diplomatic limousine - 1970


Left to right: Vizzuri Laonda Special Tipo 555 @Aruna, Heron “Executive” @doot, Anhultz Superkroon I @Elizipeazie, Liberty New Yorker II Crown @FidleDo, Kessel Entourage @GassTiresandOil, Rhania Guardian @happyfireballman, Primus Senator Letara-Spec @Happyhungryhippo, Wolfe L440 Govt Special @karhgath, Wraith Chillingham @Knugcab, Planar Danazine F6L @lotto77, Swanson 555 LP @Ludvig, Torshalla Naktergal 3400 @Maverick74, SAETA Bravo 3L @Petakabras, Mocabey Airig @SheikhMansour, Levante Nuova 130 - 3.0 Diplomat iniezione @TanksAreTryhards, Benetsch Buhrie Diplomat (38L) @Texaslav

With Letaras international reputation for successful and peaceful negotiations increasing, there is also an increased need to host foreign dignitaries. Especially after the establishment of the ICPN in Fiegheni there is an urgent need for diplomatic transport between the airport, Lerance, and Fiegheni. Foreign heads of state must travel in opulent vehicles that excel in several areas including comfort, prestige, and of course safety. It would be quite a debacle if the car broke down mid-trip, so reliability is also high on the priority list, as is the car’s handling and capability to get out hairy situations if need arises. In order to secure a fleet of such vehicles, the Government put out a Call for Proposals to see what solutions the various car manufacturers could come up with to solve their problem.

In total, the Government received 22 proposals. The Procurement Office carefully vetted them for compliance before handing the portfolio with the remaining 16 cars over to the Internal Affairs - Secret Service office.


At the Secret Service office each car was evaluated by Junior staff. Their task is to narrow the proposals down to the top six. These, then, will be evaluated in detail by the Senior Financial, Senior Safety, and Senior Diplomatic Relations Officers.

Here are some exerpts from the Junior staff’s notes (ooc: in alphabetical order of user name)

Vizzuri - Quite expensive units, but below average to maintain leading to overall just above average costs. Looks are good with few miscues, but it does have a “presence” and would fit a presidential limousine role. Safe, prestigious, comfortable. Pretty fast too and has modern technologies. Will send it up.

Heron - Cheap to buy, but more expensive to maintain; overall still a reasonably affordable offer. A little plain looking, but overall still has that presidential limousine feel. Lacks prestige and also the least comfortable of the bunch. This car shines in reliability though, and has OK safety. Twin drum brakes are not sufficient for such a large car. One of the slower ones in the line-up. Will not send up.

Anhultz - Purchase price a little over average and moderate upkeep leads to medium overall costs. A little plain looks but there are some interesting touches here and there to make it stand out. Superb bomb-proof reliability, with everything else middle-of-the-road or better. Will send up.

Liberty - Medium purchase price but very cheap to maintain, it has a relatively low overall cost. Its overall looks are a little bland but not bad except for the gaudy lettering, and the brown colour is drab. We must note the amount of detail that went into making the flags and car emblem however! (OOC: I must mention that both the RL accurate USA flag including ALL stars and the Letaran flag are custom made by hand from individual pieces! Madness!). The car has decent comfort, and average ease of driving. But it does have low prestige and the worst reliability of the bunch. Will not send up.

Kessel - This is a very cheap car to buy and also pretty cheap to maintain, leading to overall lowest costs of the bunch. Belying its price, this car looks absolutely gorgeous befitting a true presidential limousine, even though it’s a sedan. But with its low price and expensive looks, corners were cut just about everywhere else. It has the lowest prestige of the bunch, and despite having an advanced 70s safety package, it is the least safe of the entire field too. With other key statistics only mediocre, we must conclude not to send this one up.

Rhania - This car has a medium purchase price but very high upkeep, so overall costs are quite high - second highest in fact. This is certainly a wildcard proposal, it being the only full-size van - not something we’d be interested in. However, it is the only car left with 6 seats, so it must be given some consideration. Its looks are quite bland and unappealing, even for a van. To start with the good, it has really good safety and comfort, mostly due to its size. But also due to its size, it’s slow to go, and even slower to stop; all-terrain tires certainly don’t help it in this matter either. It’s not very reliable, nor prestigious. Overall, it is an interesting wild-card, but we will not send this one up.

Primus - This car is quite cheap to buy and average to maintain, so overall costs are very reasonable. Its looks are quite decent, but could’ve done with some more refinement. Safety and reliability are about average, but prestige and comfort are both among the lowest in the bunch. Despite it being relatively easy to drive, it does have under-powered front brakes leading to long stopping distances. This car suffers too from too many corners cut, especially in the entertainment department. Will not send this one up.

Wolfe - Just below average purchase price and about average upkeep make this overall a below average cost offer. While its looks don’t exude opulence, it does have a premium sedan feel and the details are quite nice on the car. It’s quite easy to drive, is reliable, and has decent comfort. It does have below average safety and its brakes are a little weak, but overall it is a solid offer. Will send up.

Wraith - This car has slightly above average purchase price, but by far the most expensive maintenance package, leading to overall the highest cost of all cars. Its looks are good for a presidential limousine with the red leather top giving a nice accent to the car. This is the most prestigious car of the bunch and it is pretty fast too for its size (at least in a straight line). The car is the hardest to drive of the entire field, and also suffers from not being able to stop in a timely manner - perhaps rear disks would’ve helped it in that regard. Despite its size, it’s not overly comfortable and only has average safety. Will not send up.

Planar - Slightly above average purchase price and average maintenance leads to slightly above average overall costs. This car too looks more like a premium sedan than a presidential limousine, but it does seem well crafted. Despite having a fully hand-made interior, its comfort rating is only average; perhaps let down a little by a the entertainment package. The car has decent drivability, but its other statistics are at or below average; especially its reliability is quite low. Will not send up.

Swanson - Average purchase price and slightly above average maintenance leads to slightly above average overall costs. This car’s looks are quite unique in the line-up, with a nice blue colour and brown leather top; the roof window is a nice touch too. This car is very reliable, quite safe, and has decent prestige and drivability too. Comfort is about average, though. It is fast, handles well, and stops on a dime (comparatively speaking, or course - it’s still a big car). Will send up.

Torshalla - Purchase, upkeep, and overall price are about average for this car. It’s looks are more akin to a premium sedan here too than a presidential limousine, but it is undeniably well crafted and designed. With its front wheel drive system it is simply by far the easiest to drive of the bunch, and it has decent brakes too. However, its reliability is only average, has below average safety, comfort, and prestige is almost the worst of all. Will not send up.

Saeta - With about average purchase price but below average upkeep, this car has overall slightly below average overall costs. Its looks are a little outdated; it looks more like yesteryear’s premium sedan. That said, the bright blue colour is an interesting take here, elevating its looks slightly. It has overall decent scores with some just a tad above average (drivability and comfort), and some a bit below (prestige and especially safety and reliability). It is a quite fast car that also manages to stop. It is close, but just outdone by some others; we will not send this one up.

Mocabey - Price wise this car is about on par with the Swanson in all aspects, so it is just a little above average overall costs. The car looks like a presidential limousine from a distance, but up close it lacks detail and is quite bland. It has superb safety, good comfort, and really high prestige; it is only slightly let down by its slightly below average reliability and relatively poor drivability. It is the fastest car of the bunch, and despite being also one of the heaviest, its stopping distance is second of the bunch. Quite a feat. Will send up.

Levante - This is quite an expensive car to buy with about average upkeep, leading to quite high overall costs. This relatively small car doesn’t look too much like a presidential limousine, but the details are nicely worked out nevertheless. The car is relatively easy to drive, has just above average prestige, and is quite fast, but its other stats bring it down: reliability, safety and comfort are all below average. Will not send up.

Benetsch - Average purchase costs and slightly below maintenance leads to overall below average costs for this car. This car has a quite unique look that suits a presidential limousine well. It is quite comfortable, has decent drivability, just above average reliability, but only average prestige. It does handle its weight well. Will send up.



to be continued




16 Likes

Seems like the Wraith is a quite typical 1970 US barge then, lol. :laughing:

1974, AMCW Letara Headquarters


Kadinya sighed. This decade had been a real mess from the moment her boots had touched the ground here.

First, there had been several delays in the assembly of their factory building, leading to the factory only being ready for tooling up in 1967. She’d known there would be delays, she’d planned for it, but hadn’t anticipated the amount of chaos that assembling a new factory would cause.

Then, the ship bringing their factory equipment over had sunk under mysterious circumstances. The remains of their old paddle-steamer now rested at the bottom of the ocean, along with the plans to make three new cars to represent the brand.

This, however, hadn’t stopped her from finding work for the factory. Kadinya had explained her situation to the Letaran Government, and received some tooling for some “desperately needed vehicles.”

When it arrived, she knew this was not the original plan for the place, but it would make money, enough to justify the continuation of the Letara Project. The tracks were laid in, the equipment was set up, and AMCW produced the first vehicle on Letaran soil


The AMCW Regent class Diesel Locomotive. Technically, a pre-existing Letaran design under some heavy badge engineering, built with their manufacturing techniques and built to Kadinya’s exacting standards.

The decade was profitable. However, it remained a painful truth that this factory was now dedicated to shining monuments of the rail industry. Sure, it could be converted to make cars, but Kadinya found herself in an unusual position: People were coming to her to find work, people were bringing her contracts to make more rail equipment, from locomotives to passenger coaches to freight wagons.

All things told, Kadinya had honestly forgotten they were supposed to be a car company. AMCW had adapted to the situation they were handed. With a growing lumber industry, trains were needed to move that freight, and who else was making locomotives on Letaran soil?

But, now she had to pen the letter back home, explaining to her Emperor that the closest thing to a “car” they’d sold in the last ten years had four axles, a 1800 horsepower diesel engine, a generator, and hauled passengers in large coaches behind it. To explain that they’d lost this factory for auto-making, though she would continue to operate the AMCW Locomotive Works alongside her usual duties. And to explain that, even seven years later, no one knew what actually happened to sink their ship, creating this setback in the first place.

On one hand, the surprising profits would surely show that this had indeed been the better plan to salvage a bad situation. On the other, she had been ordered to set up a car company, and ended up making locomotives.

“In the end,” Kadinya said to herself, “What is a locomotive but a car that rides on rails? Both move passengers or freight.”


(OOC: Figured I had to give an in-story reason for the missing decade. We spent it making trains.)

14 Likes



Rd. 3 RESULTS

Chapter 5: Consumer car segment 1964-1974 - city cars


Left to right: Aero Free 3L, Aero Free Access, Aero Free Access 71 @Edsel, Primus Publica CL, Primus Publica GLS, Primus Publica ST @Happyhungryhippo, Knightwick K45 1100 @mart1n2005, Immortale Automotive Bundt @Admiral_Obvious, Knightwick K45 1275 Crown, KHI 1325M “Sparrow”, KHI 1325M “Traveller”, KHI 1325M “Harrier” @doot


Once again we start the reviews with the city car segment. The perception of these cars was that they should be nimble, easy to drive, good on gas, yet provide some practicality. Although most at home in the city, expectation is that they should be capable enough for trips between cities as well. The best in this segment would get you (± some family members and ± your groceries) from A to B within the concrete jungle reliably and in relative comfort. With the City segment offering more cars than in the previous decade, there is a wide choice for Letarans. Let’s see how they liked them



Right in 1964 the smallest and cheapest cars to ever have been sold in Letara hit the market: the Aero Free 3L and Aero Free Access. These cars re-defined the term micro-car, and became better known as nano-cars. Truly, an average full size adult could barely squeeze into them
 and that was it. No room (or even a seat) for a passenger or any luggage beyond a single briefcase or purse. These cars were marketed as the ultimate mode of personal transport, with emphasis on ‘personal’. And cute. They were very cute indeed. And as mentioned, they were by far the cheapest options to buy and maintain. But that’s where the good ended, unfortunately. They were superbly uncomfortable - especially the 3L had back-breaking seats. They were the least safe cars on the road barely scraping over the minimum crash safety requirement, they were surprisingly hard to drive (we’re guessing this was due to the fact that your elbow hit the side of the car with each steering motion), they had the worst brakes on the entire car market (this 306 kg “beast” only managed to stop its bulk from 100 km/h in 70 m! note that this an estimation only because it never ever came close to 100 km/h), and they were superbly slow. So were they worth it? Yes, they were the cheapest, but you could only transport yourself and a backpack, in a slow and unsafe manner
 so most Letarans who wanted such a mode of transport opted to buy a bike instead. Where the Aero did find a small market was as a personal transport vehicle on factory grounds, but otherwise they remained a novelty item among a few micro nano-car enthusiasts.

The only other city car released in 1964 was the Knightwick K45 1100. Given what the Aero was, it could be said that the only city car released in 1964 was the Knightwick. The K45 1100 was a small wagon with four full seats, so comparatively it was a very practical and capable car. In a way, the K45 1100 was a really good move on Knightwick’s part. With its small size it captured the city market, but it was truly a bridge vehicle and also competed with the Mara Irena 2.0 UK and Stellar Dragonet Estate, both released the same year in the full-size wagon segment (more on those cars in a future chapter). And despite its size, the Knightwick competed quite well too! It was roughly in the same price range as the other two, had similar capability and cargo space, was even a little more comfortable overall. Its only drawback - nay, difference - compared to the two larger wagons was that they offered more seats. But for those that wanted a relatively affordable wagon, wanted it to be small and nimble, and didn’t need more than four seats, the Knightwick was a very attractive proposition indeed, and it did quite well for itself.

The following year the IA Bundt was released. This was a bit of an odd-looking tiny car that had 2+2 standard seating of similar quality as the Knightwick. Due to its size, however, it was less practical and comfortable. Where it did shine, however, was with its absolutely bomb-proof reliability - the highest of any car in this decade! Really, the Bundt was indestructible. These cars were also among the first to introduce a new technology in Letara: transverse front-wheel drive. So while it wasn’t as easy to work on them as some other cars, you hardly ever had to, which its owners very much appreciated. But did people buy it? Well, there was one big hurdle for buyers to overcome. See, the car came shipped with just a single brake light, and its rear indicators and reverse lights all hooked up to the tail light circuit. Meanwhile, there was no actual tail light on the car. So before driving off the lot, people had to mount an aftermarket tail light to the rear bumper and redo some wiring. This, combined with its rather quirky looks dissuaded many from buying one. But those who did take the plunge enjoyed a long and hassle-free ownership.

After a three-year break, the next car to come on the market in 1968 was the Knightwick K45 1275 Crown, a slightly more expensive and more premium version of the 1100. This car had updated, more upscale looking fascia reminiscent of large luxury sedans (even though this was still a small city wagon), but it suited the car well. The car also received premium seats, medium compound tires (compared to hards on its cheaper sibling), and a larger and more powerful engine. Although the car released right into a small economic slump, with the overall upward trend in the economy and people’s optimism, it was still a very good move on Knightwick’s part to come out with a more up-scale model to replace the old 1100 and keep the Knightwick selling into the growing middle-class city market. And despite more competition in the full-size wagon market by 1968, it still held its own, tapping into several market segments, so the 1275 Crown was also considered a great success story.

Released in 1969 came the three Primus Publica vehicles, the CL, GLS, and ST. Price-wise, these three slotted in between the three Aero cars and the Knightwick K45 1100, making them the cheapest non-budget city car on the market. All three cars offered four full-size seats similar to the Knightwicks, and were roughly the same size overall despite being hatchbacks and a sedan. The Primus cars provided some nuanced differences between them: the CL being a basic family hatchback with a standard interior and no radio, the GLS sedan with a premium interior and standard AM radio and a slightly larger engine with twin single barrel carbs, and the ST a sporty family hatchback with premium interior, standard radio, and an even slightly larger and hotter tuned engine that featured a two-barrel carburettor and performance intakes. Car magazines also noted that these cars had a more expensive long-term upkeep than the other city cars on the market - certainly higher than what their equipment would warrant. The CL was truly a bare-bones car with quite abysmal comfort, and as such it didn’t quite hit the mark in a market that started to ask for more than the bare minimum. The GLS was a more interesting proposition, being the first city sedan on the market. So for those who wished for a small sedan, this was virtually their only option. Also, it was the most comfortable of the three, and was only outdone by the 1275 Crown, so overall it wasn’t a bad showing. Its higher upkeep was offset with its relatively cheaper purchase price compared to the 1275 Crown, so it did manage to carve out a niche for itself. The ST in its own way also managed to become successful too. Indeed, it was quite a fast car with a top speed of over 170 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time under 10 seconds. Such figures were only achieved by select premium and luxury sedans, and dedicated sports cars. So when people considered that if the ST was sold as a sports car, it would’ve been the cheapest of the bunch, it suddenly started to make a lot of sense. The idea to combine a family city hatchback and sportiness was very novel and quite appealing to the up-and coming youth who were thinking of establishing a family, but didn’t quite want to let go yet of their youthful enthusiasm and rebellion. So as the first ‘hot-hatch’ - as it later became known - it was quite a hit among young adults who now had more money at their disposal to buy their first car.

The following year, in 1970, the KHI 1325M “Sparrow” was released. This car was thus far the most expensive city car on offer, although its upkeep costs promised to be quite reasonable. The KHI was a relatively larger hatchback, and the first city car to offer full-size seating for five adults. It had a standard/standard interior, which given its price point seems a little underwhelming. Some other equipment on the car also seemed
 interesting and unique, such as the simple single-shoe front disks (most cars had switched to front disks by now, or at least had two-shoe drums), solid rear axles (all other city cars had moved to fully independent suspensions), and the only boxer engine in the entire city segment. Some of these were perceived as negative points, some as positives, some just as a quirky and interesting fact to talk about. In any case, the Sparrow was aimed at the inner-city market as a more ‘conventional’ offering as a family transport vehicle without any fancy bells and whistles. In the end, the Sparrow didn’t really seem to offer anything above what was already offered by the Primus and several cheaper full-size family hatchbacks at a cheaper price - in fact it was more expensive but offered less comfort than most. As such, it didn’t really take off in the Letaran market.

1971 was an interesting year, as the facelifted Aero Free Access hit the road. This car had an updated fascia that made it even cuter looking, and came in a baby-pink colour to really hammer home the fact that it’s cute. The other upgrades included a basic AM radio in the dash, which made it now actually bearable to sit in this car for a slightly longer period of time. The engine also received an update, so now it puts out a whopping 8 Hp (compared to 9.1 Hp of its predecessor
 wait
 right, the new car has modern hypereutectic pistons, so it is at least more environmentally friendly with lower emissions). Anyway, we digress. Overall, not too much has changed on the car, so its perception has not really changed much. The good news for the car was that it did show good utility as a local transport option between offices in industrial settings, so engineers and managers could zoom from office to factory floor. Also, the Letaran government did appreciate the car’s environmental friendly nature, and after some research also saw its benefit as a mobility device for disabled people who otherwise would have a hard time getting around. So the government started to issue some grants and free parking passes for qualifying Letarans who owned or wanted to buy an Aero, which slighly helped its sales to be not exactly zero among the general population.

Also released in 1971 was the KHI 1325M Harrier, the only city car at a premium price point during this decade. It was aimed to be a competitor to the Publica ST as a sporty ‘hot-hatch’, now that the idea has caught on. This car was truly head and shoulders more expensive than anything else in the city segment, so the public expected to see some fireworks. First, the car swapped its rear bench for two jump seats in an effort to reduce weight. KHI recast the 1.3 L boxer engine in full aluminium and tuned it hotter with a two-barrel carburettor and SOHC, similar to the Publica ST. Despite these efforts, it was still slower than its hot-hatch predecessor, and not a threat to any sports car either. It also sacrificed too much comfort in the process, as well as reliability. Overall, it seemed like a bit of a hastily pushed out effort as a response to capitalize on the new hot-hatch craze, but in the end it cost too much and under-delivered. As such, it didn’t appeal to the masses much, and KHI had to get back to the drawing board to come up with something else to entice buyers to come to their showrooms


In 1973 the KHI 1325M “Traveller” was released. The Traveller was the latest sibling in the KHI stable, and it was for
 well
 the traveller who wished to go off the beaten path once in a while. It had a fully capable 4x4 drivetrain with a locking differential, offroad skid tray, all-terrain tires, and a larger, more powerful engine.The Traveller, unlike its more conventional siblings, did have that something extra with its offroad-oriented build - something of a mastermind vision by KHI. Its offroad capability was only ever matched by dedicated SUVs that were all significantly more expensive, so the Traveller managed to carve out its own niche just like the Primus ST did - by bringing something new and fresh to the table. So for those who didn’t want a sporty hatch, but an offroader hatch, the Traveller answered their prayers - even though most immediately swapped their tires for something bigger than the low-quality 135s on the stock car




to be continued




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How did the Traveller succeed!? Anyways, big kudos to the ST- that car is really nice looking, super happy to lose to it! RIP Sparrow. Too quirky for this world. Wonder if it’ll be in a Doug DeMuro video in fifty years.

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Letara, 1970

“Ludger, what happened?”, said Mr. Huppenbauer, but this time in a calm voice. It were his last days for the company, as with age 65, he is to be retired soon. “The Imperator is an excellent success, why did you call me to say it’s not considered?”

Looking at the black sedan parked next to the cafe, Frehse shrugged. “I thought governments are uncle scrooge, and I ordered the Letara-spec car in a quite down-to-earth-configuration. But Letara really wants to impress with their fleet. I’d better have ordered a V8 Imperator in consumer-spec and slapped the Sentator badge on it.”
“Yeah, that’s understandable, I see what you had in mind. At least the government liked our car in general, but thought they’d spend more than we calculated.”



They entered the sedan and drove out of town. “Ludger, it seems your front brakes are struggling, don’t push it too hard!”
“Alright, Friedrich, well, I told the engineers the car is mostly driven slow in a convoy, so
 we used the 2.4L six-cylinder setup instead of the heavy duty V8 configuration even after we bored it up to 2.8L. Little did I know that they want to have a chauffeur limousine to throw it around the track.”
“I am still sorry for Signore Banaschi.”
“Yes, that accident was unfortunate, he was competitive in R1.”
I have to explain why I was’t in R1: The host had enough cars and rejected me entering in both classes. I did an R1 car in case he needs one to have a field with enough entrants. In lore, Banaschi crashed hard in qualyfing, breaking both legs and ending his legendary carreer, and the car was so destroyed it couldn’t be rebuild.

“He is still in mental pain, but letting him direct our races keeps him on his beloved racetrack, and I was able to focus on the introduction of our customer cars. A win-win situation.”
“How are the sales? I read in the local magazines that our new Publica is a thing here.”

The Senator turned right to an abandoned gas station.
“This will become one of our new dealerships, we are expanding.”

“But, Ludger, those cars are very different. Since when do we build this as a sedan?”
“Letarans might be a little conservative sometimes. This car has custom chrome bumpers and even leather seats. Not to mention the seperate trunk. Otherwise, it’s pretty much like a normal GL. It sells like bread!”
“Nice, seems you took the time to study the market and did not repeat your mistakes 10 years ago. You have matured. What is that orange one? Looks sporty. I have never seen our new Publica with dual headlights, what’s that?”
Frehse threw some keys to Huppenbauer.


Huppenbauer squeezed his obese body into the small car. “The old one drove like a bus, but at least it had space like one in the interior. Those Frunians build cars for dwarfs!”
The slim Frehse entered the passenger side. “It’s not the Frunians, it’s your appetite, Friedrich. Now let’s go”

“WHAT THE HEEEEEEELLLLLLL???”
"Yep, that’s sharp. We make full use of the new and modern chassis, as you said, the old Publica was a bus, and the new platform allowed us to make something exciting for young people that fear the disadvantages of expensive sports cars.
“NOW I HAVE THE REASON FOR A DIET, THIS IS FANTASTIC! Ludger, you really made some innovative Letara-Spec Publicas! With the old one, we would have crashed at that speed, but the way it throws itself in the corners, it’s perfect. Now, where is the next restaurant?”

“Fritz, we have just eaten and you wanted to make a diet!”
“Nevermind, I’ll start tomorrow. And as Letara is now considered a success, would you like to follow me and take over my job as Hetvesian General Manager? You know, I’m retiring.”

“That’s an honor Fritz, but I love Letara. The best gift would be some cars in this decade I’ll turn into top-sellers again. You know, our competitors don’t sleep on trees anymore, they will surely develop an answer to our products.”

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South Korea, Kim Complex, 1974

“
and so, the Harrier failed to capture significant sales. Only the Traveller made any ground, as we’re all aware.” The presenter pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and mopped some sweat away from his brow, looking between all the people watching with nervous energy. Mostly they were the engineers, the people who’d been at KHI since the fifties. But away from the rest, sitting on a black folding chair in the back of the room, was a white-haired, aging man with strong, severe features. His Swedish descent marked him as very different from everyone else in the room, a complete outsider.
The engineering team glanced at each other, then back at the man in the black suit, who hadn’t said a word yet. The lead engineer, the one who spearheaded both the 1325 and the Sparrow, stepped forwards.
“Yes, that’s correct. We are chained to the same chassis for twenty years at a time, with such a tight budget for tooling that our cars are outdated when they hit the market. The Russians are making more advanced cars, by now.”
Taking a drag from his cigarette, the man looked around the dimly-lit room. The smoke rolled through the air and he exhaled. Tightening his tie, he tapped at his chin thoughtfully.
“To an extent, we can blame the government. But the Koreans have gotten too comfortable, I think. None of you took responsibility for what happened. You’re being acquired- don’t worry, the company will keep its name, and you’ll all still be paid. I respect Korean pride enough for that.”
The engineers looked nervously at one another, then back to the man. He continued speaking, looking around the room slowly, confidently, and with a predatory judgement of everyone who met his steely eyes.
“However, we will be
 making some changes, given our significant investment in purchasing this company. Staffing, policy, tooling. Things will not be the same around here. You’re all dismissed- but I want each of you to drop a car we can beat the Traveller and the 1325 with on my desk by Friday morning. Oh, and I want a word with your racing division.” He snapped his fingers, and like that, the meeting was over.

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Thanks for the writeups!, The inter-factory transport idea was unexpected, but cool. And I’m glad the Letaran government approved of the cyclecar’s accessibility and environmental advantages!

On a seperate note:

Was the middle car (KHI Sparrow) actually supposed to be 1970?

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