Another great piece David and thanks for quoting my little passage! Agreed re the 124 Fiat. The BC (first update) was the best of the three with the 4 headlamp combo and larger rear lamps. The final CC was a mess. As I said, when it comes time for fundamental change it is difficult for the designers having already outstayed their welcome with too many warm overs of a great design. The Ferrari 348 is nice enough and links the Testarossa but is seen as a mis step after the 308/28. The radical Ducati 999 is seen as a ugly duckling after the various 916 iterations (regularly quoted as the best looking motorbike ever made anywhere). So, what a poison chalice for designers. A tough gig. Cheers Steve