Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Eighty-Nine Si
As a former pilot (!) of hopped-up VW Type 1s, the multiplicity of compound curves creates significant lift (i.e., drag) in motion.
|
I just put 1800 miles on mine this weekend, and I never left the ground once. Of course it's stock except for the electronic ignition, maybe that's it.
You are correct: It's the multiplicity or complexity of the shape, not the compound-curvedness that is the problem. Basically the roof falls off far too rapidly, creating involving vortexes; and the nose high stock stance creates a positive angle of attack.
That's why the classic California look features a radical rake. Negative angle of attack, the tires are shrouded to lower the frontal area and, I believe, the rake pulls air off the lower sides into the underbody—counteracting the tendency for the air on the sides to be pulled upward by the too-fast roofline.
NeilBlanchard -- Thanks for the 3-view. That floorpan's a beauty. I take it those are lightening holes. Very dieselpunk.