General Rather Skinny Ground Clearance

[John R Smith]

Is it just me, or are other 500 owners finding that there is not much room 'twixt car and terra-firma at the front end? We were out at the weekend, and I grounded the front several times on our rough lanes (the sort that are potholed and single-track). Looking under the front, there is a lip that sticks down which, although rubbery, looks as if it it is going to get worn away at this rate. Does it serve a purpose, other than to scrape up the weeds in the middle of the lane?

John

 

[Venters]

Is it just me, or are other 500 owners finding that there is not much room 'twixt car and terra-firma at the front end? We were out at the weekend, and I grounded the front several times on our rough lanes (the sort that are potholed and single-track). Looking under the front, there is a lip that sticks down which, although rubbery, looks as if it it is going to get worn away at this rate. Does it serve a purpose, other than to scrape up the weeds in the middle of the lane?

John

I find it's not too bad.

When ever I need to get get tax I park at the PO nose first and the 500 sits quite fine with the bumper above the kerb. Where as the marea I need to stop before the kerb or I burst my front bumper.

 

[John R Smith]

Oh well, it looks like it is just me then. So none of you have friends or relatives who live down unmade farm tracks?

John

 

[Venters]

Oh well, it looks like it is just me then. So none of you have friends or relatives who live down unmade farm tracks?

John

Fortunately not.

 

[Littala]

The lane to our cottage is very cobbly and bumpy in parts, it's nearly 200 years old, like the cottage itself. I drive down it at no more than 5 MPH in the 500, as I too have noticed the front end overhang is pretty low, and I'm wary about scuffing it. I think it looks sporty though, with its low front end.

 

[Gordini]

We live down an unmade road with potholes etc. The 500 is fine. The 147 sometimes scrapes, but that has a long and low overhanging front end.

 

[Vic20]

Looking under the front, there is a lip that sticks down which, although rubbery, looks as if it it is going to get worn away at this rate. Does it serve a purpose, other than to scrape up the weeds in the middle of the lane?

John

It's probably there to do with aerodynamics under the vehicle and help fuel economy as well giving a degree of strengthening to whatever has the lip on it.

 

[Mark Elvin]

I have to say, to date I have not had any issues with the ride height, but thanks for the heads up, one to watch out for.

 

[John R Smith]

Well, perhaps these Cornish potholes are particularly deep

I don't think I shall be ordering an Eibach lowering kit, that's for sure . . .

I wonder if the 1.4 has less ground clearance as well as a bigger turning circle?

John