> But the original point remains, market forces tend towards 
> a virtual
> monopoly of sameness. Fundamentally all cars function the 
> same way because
> people are used to cars functioning the way they do. If 
> there were a
> radically different way to build a car, even if it were 
> technically
> superior and econmincally cheaper, there would be a lot of 
> inertia against
> moving away from the tried and true.

French cars to variable extents tend to be quite different 
than most others in quite unexpected ways. Varies of course 
with year/model/brand but is often quite noticeable. Good 
examples have occurred in gear levers, oil filler caps, 
differentials, spark plug covers, suspension, ... .

Looking at the detail of a French car, especially an older 
one, can convey an impression of the alternative future 
portrayed in the Dune movie. Something like scifi future 
modelled on Victorian English technology.

Wheels tend to be round.


        Russell

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