[Palmetto]

I bet the first Minis surprised a bunch of folks at the autocrosses in those days. It didn't take too long for most of the people who showed up to our autocrosses to figure out that the Yugo had some ringer drivers, but occasionally some people were surprised by what sort of car autocrossed well. Miatas are incredible, as are Si versions of Civics and CRXs.

Our club president got a job as a test-track driver for Michelin. He brought a C4 Vette down one day for a race, which I thought would be too big and ponderous, but he hustled that thing around like a far more powerful Miata. I had a lot more respect for Vettes after that day, especially in the hands of a pro driver.

My favorite trick to decrease lap times - let the club president ride a lap in my car with me in the passenger seat. My next trip around would usually drop in time significantly.

[MineralMan]

"some people were surprised by what sort of car autocrossed well. Miatas are incredible, as are Si versions of Civics and CRXs. "

Even back then, there were a lot of surprises. In that same autocross the Mini won, there was a guy in a 62 'Vette that turned in a great time, despite all the wheel spinning.

But, the most impressive car I saw that day was a '55 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. It beat the 'Vette by a bunch, and did it with the smoothest sound, no spinning tires, and just a perfect run around the course. I can't imagine anyone autocrossing that car, but back in 1964, you could buy a used one for around $5K.

I've never gotten over hearing and seeing that Mercedes run the course. The sound of it was just amazing and it had virtually no body roll at all. It just went.

Of course, now, it's a totally unattainable goal to own one. There aren't many around, and the price for one is completely off the chart.