JowettTalk

A few years ago I took the opportunity to do an Ice Rally driving course in Finland with the Goodwood Road Racing Club driving a selection of new Porsche. This included 3 days of action packed driving with instruction from a set of world class driving instructors as well as some relaxation on a Skiddo Safari and a Husky sled safari. I have just been invited to go again but this time for only 2 days and with only one safari. Cost..
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£5730

OK perhaps the cost of a good 2 week holiday, but this one you will never forget.

When I came back from doing the course the UK was gripped by the best ~(snow wise) winter in my memory. So after a few minutes learning how my Subaru handled differently to the Porsche in a deserted snow covered car park I went on the snow covered roads that nobody else dared to venture on. I had learnt in just a couple of days how to handle a car at speed on sheet ice, on snow covered steep downhill gradients and around twisting ice and snow covered bends at rally speeds. That said, the Finns had a lifetime of practice so no wonder they are so good at it. Everyone just drives around on unstudded tyres fairly normally on ice and snow covered roads. Over here few venture out and those that do just clog up the roads...except perhaps in Scotland.

Get those cars prepared for winter.

When you say Subaru, I presume you mean Jowett?

Jowetts are not that good in ice and snow as John Blanckley and I found on a couple of Monte rallies. We had fitted chunky mud and snow tyres and needed to cut off the tread as it fouled the wheel arches. But still the balance and grip was lacking. Following the Scandinavians down twisty snow covered mountains was an experience. Perhaps with lots of practice we could have handled the Jowett better.

I think the basic problem is the car is too heavy, but maybe the tyres needed to be thinner for the ice and packed snow.

Can anybody share their experience of the Jav in the snow?