<VV> Mercedes swing axles (NO CORVAIR for the grumpybums among you!)

[Alan and Clare Wesson]

>I think these are two different discussions.
>
> One is on the quality of engineering of Mercedes versus Lancia, the other 
> is on the build quality.

Yes - they are better on both counts. The diagram shows the engineering; you 
will have to come here to check out the quality!

> Hand-built cars are _not necessarily_ of better build quality than 
> "production" cars, but they are generally made with superior materials and 
> sometimes put
> together better.

That's exactly what I meant!

> I've owned several hand-built (and semi-hand-built) cars and for the most 
> part a production-built car is easier to work with.

Agreed - as Lancias were built labour-intensively, sometimes they are harder 
to repair. As cost was no object in the construction, this sometimes 
complicates life in repairing them. But it's worth it.

>  I can't weigh in on build quality.

Trust me! And the values speak for themselves as well!

Cheers

Alan