Hey guys, I (fortunately?) have never driven a car without AC, well besides when my AC rarely won't work, but I was surprised to learn that the Islero had optional AC but the Espada had it standard. My first question, which probably has been answered before, is how many isleros were built with AC? More importantly, I was wondering what it is like to drive without it? I know I must be young and dumb for not yet having this experience, but how bad was it to not have AC? In Texas, I think it might be pretty insufferable especially in traffic, but maybe italy is more like Cali... Please share your experiences and enlighten me
Hi Jack! I’ve owned both. A first series Islero without the A/C and a series 3 Espada with the A/C. I have to point out that I live in Switzerland where the climate is somehow milder than in Texas! Most of the time, I didn’t have problem with the Islero, but I grew up in the 70s and 80s in cars that didn’t have it so I guess I’m used to it. I spent some time in Italy in hot summer and yes it was super hot in there, especially in traffic. But I’m not sure the A/C system of the Islero would cope with hot climate either. It is weirdly designed and blows in front of the passenger. The Espada was much better with the A/C on. You could see that it was not an aftermarket addendum. I can recall an interview of Paolo Stanzani stating that he had put a great deal of effort in the design of the ventilation system. But still I would say that it is undersized especially since there is so much glass around. It is nothing to be compared to a modern A/C but works fine when the temperature is not so hot. I think some upgrades can be made to the system to make it more efficient, maybe somebody has a clue?
Think about it for a minute, 1960s Italian Air Conditioning. Remember the line either the engine gets hot or we do!
I have a feeling that traffic has only gotten worse since then, as well as an ever increasing amount of hot concrete. Funny how ineffective the AC would have been in hot climates, which is its main purpose no? I now see why so many chose to forgo the option, especially considering the toll it took on engine heat and assumedly power. I must say it is very interesting to me how technology has changed our relationship with cars over the generations. I'm sure there were a few changes made to stagecoaches that affected the overall experience, but horses? How much about the saddle or bit or stirrups could have completely changed how we interact with them? Car technology is special...
Vintage car ac is close to not having ac at all. It was better than nothing, but most systems were inadequate (unless upgraded) regardless of brand of vehicle in my experience.
Seems somewhat similar to car audio systems. I feel like the average car stereo has come a very long way, even in my short existence.
Yup. Look at computers, cell phones, and tech. It's always changing, and fast. Cars run faster, stop shorter, get better gas mileage, are more comfortable and so on with one exception...the old world charm. There is just something magical getting close to something iconic, trapped in time, like an old Duesenburg, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc that makes all of the shortcomings disappear. I love the new stuff - don't get me wrong, but if you really want to see me loose sleep it will be over something that favors form over function...every time.
I enjoy all the things that modern cars can do, but my favorite cars I appreciate for simply what they are.
