A Family of 4 From the 1870s Are Brought To the Year 2012...
No, it did not happen (not that I know of). But this question should have some interesting answers.
Here is the outline: a family of four (father, mother, teenage son and teenage daughter) from the year 1870 are somehow brought to this year, 2012. I was going to say from the Old West but that would not apply to other countries. So you can make it any typical family from 1870 (I will pick a family from the Old West, though, because I like that history.)
The family members have a chance to ride in 3 cars together. Someone from this era driving; the people from the past as passengers. What three cars would you choose and why? You can post second choices or runners-up.
My choices:
1. 1974-'76 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five Limousine. I've seen what was considered to be a "fancy" coach in the 1870s and sometimes wonder how people would react to a self-propelled, fully-enclosed, smooth-riding and luxurious limousine. Of course, with heating and A/C and power accessories. I picked a '74-76 Cadillac because they were at their biggest then and the rear seat could be ordered in crushed velour. Brocade was common in the earlier Cadillacs (although cloth, knit and leather could be ordered, too) and while brocade looks good and wears well, it's quite a bit firmer than the crushed velour. And I would want the "time-travelers" to experience a really comfortable ride.
A second choice would be a stretch 1990s Lincoln Limousine. But they are so huge, it may scare those 19th century people!
2. Definitely a '60s/early-'70s muscle car. My top pick would be a '68 or '69 Dodge Charger R/T with 426-Hemi and 3.23 gears. It would have a stunning visual and mechanical impact. Many muscle car fans consider the '68/'69 Charger one of the best-looking muscle cars ever (and I agree) and the 19th century family would be in awe of its performance. That is one reason I would pick a 3.23 axle ratio... it could top 60 mph in 1st gear and 105 mph in 2nd gear and top out at about 150 mph. Back in 1870, a speed of 50 mph was considered fast! If for some reason a Charger was not available, then second choices would be a '70 Chevelle SS 454 LS6, a '70 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 or a '69 Ford Fairlane 428 Cobra-Jet.
3. A 1950s car. Because of the futuristic styling. The fins alone would get a lot of attention. 1st pick: 1959 Cadillac. Probably and Eldorado Convertible because they would be fascinated watching the top lower without manual assistance. Big fins and a lot of chrome. Other choices: 1958 Buick Limited (chrome everywhere). Or a 1957 Chrysler 300-C. Timeless fins, large size and powerful engine.
If there was one more choice (like there was more time left over than expected) I would pick some type of modern car just so the 1870s family could see all the computerized features and displays. Maybe a 2010 Cadillac DTS. But pretty much any late-model luxury or upscale car since most have full features.
Note: the teenagers would be late teens, like 18-19, not 13 or 14, so they would be old enough to absorb more information and remember the details.
Note: if you want to pick a two-seater, go ahead. In that case, the parents could go for a ride first, then the kids.
After the family rides in the above cars, it would be very interesting to hear their comments! (If they are not in shock and can still talk.) They would probably think the '59 Cadillac is something from another planet!
