Drive-in Theatres: The Open Air Cinema Experience

You might be interested in this article if...

-You’re a Movie Buff that enjoys the retro feel of a drive-in

-You saw movies at the drive-in when you were a kid

-You actually want to go see a movie at a drive-in

The drive-in theatre was an icon of the 1960s. Growing in popularity along with the automobile, it combined the excitement of a film with the comfort, convenience, and intimacy of the auto. Drive-ins provided an interesting and dynamic alternative to the cinema – honestly, there are just so many things you can experience at a drive-in that you can’t in a cinema. Furthermore, drive-ins were certainly more social environments for movie watching than cinemas.

Invented by Richard Hollingshead, Jr. to combine his passions for film and autos, the first prototype was set up in Richard’s own driveway and backyard. The idea was to provide an open air theatre that film goers could enjoy from the comfort of their own cars. Although the design was simple – a projector shining on a sheet nailed between two trees and a radio behind the sheet to provide audio – it worked, and provided Richard with the proof of concept that inspired him to bring his idea to life for the rest of the world.  In 1933 Richard opened the world’s first Drive-in Theatre along Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden, New Jersey. The Drive-in used inclined aisles that allowed cars to easily see the 60 ft screen over those parked in front of them, and also allowed cars to drive along the aisle without obstructing anyone’s view.

A Page from a 1933 issue of Popular Science. 

Originally audio was provided by large speakers that held to the sides of the screen. These weren’t ideal and would deafen the front row while the back row would have trouble hearing what the actors said. In response to this RCA would design an in-car speaker that hooked onto the car door that provided a consistent audio experience for the whole audience. Still, this would only allow audio in mono and would damage cars if the driver forgot to remove them before leaving the lot. Modern drive-ins provide audio through short range FM radio to utilize the impressive sound systems of modern vehicles.

An in-car speaker hanging from its post at a vacant drive-in

And like any other kind of theatre, drive-ins netted most of their income from concessions, and although it was easy to sneak in outside food - and who doesn’t? – most drive-ins did see lots of profit from selling quickly prepared, novelty foods. Hotdogs, ice cream, french fries, soft drinks, pizza, popcorn and burgers were all available to enjoy during the movie, but were often bought during the intermission between films. Moreover, ads would often run during intermission that encouraged snacking. Even today, some modern drive-ins continue to run these ads and have retro 50s diner style snack bars to attract lucrative business.

The real genius of the Drive-in was in its privacy. By watching the movie from one’s own car, one effectively had a private booth. This meant that viewers didn’t need to consider theatre etiquette while watching the movie. For instance, smokers wouldn’t need to worry about bothering others while they enjoyed their fags with the movie, talking wouldn’t bother anyone outside your car, and you could sneak anything into the movie from a friend in your trunk, to a mini fridge full of outside food in the back of your van. The privacy was especially valuable to young teens that would use it to drink, smoke, and make out without their parents being the wiser. Indeed, the media would label drive-ins as “passion pits” and placed them second only to “make out point” - where the car provided yet another comforting shield of privacy – as a place for teenaged sexual activity. But at the end of the day, it was just another rite of passage for teens about to experience independence and freedom for the first time, thanks to the automobile.  

But just because people could stay cooped up in their car didn’t mean they always did. As a matter of fact The Mustang Drive-in offers a play ground for kids to play on before the movie starts, and many parents and children socialize prior to the movie. Teenagers also often manage to pull themselves away from booze, pot, and sex long enough to pull out some lawn chairs and enjoy the movie with their closest friends. Truly, drive-ins were more social events than the quiet and rigid affairs at any Multiplex, and it’s easy to see how despite controversies they can promote a stronger community and provide patrons with timeless memories.

Drive-in theatres, and other drive-in facilities like banks and diners, would see a peak in popularity from 1950-1960 and in 1958 there were over 4000 drive-in theatres operating in the US. Everybody loved them, and their popularity would be echoed on through time in both literature and film as an ideal atmosphere for characters living in the 50s-60s.

                     The famous drive-in scene from the movie Grease


Despite being so well loved, the drive-in would only remain in novelty and nostalgia. Drive-ins would become obsolete as media evolved and technology brought consumers cable TV and VCRs to enjoy movies from home with. Exacerbating the problems were, failures to get new releases to screen on time, rising property tax, and retiring owners. Some drive-ins attempted to attract more business with exploit movies and in some cases even by showing adult content at less family friendly hours. Still it was hard to beat home entertainment systems and as a result, drive-in theatres are rare today.

According to a 2006 survey there are only 651 screens and 398 theatres left in business in the US.  Many will be closing down in the future, and few will be opening to take their place. Hull’s Drive-in of Lexington Virginia has gone non-profit in order to stay in business, and is supported by a group called Hull’s Angels. Still, many others close down and turned into cheap business venues like flea market grounds, storage depots, or even parking lots and scrap yard in worst cases. As an illustration, the Fort Lauderdale SwapShop is the world’s largest drive-in and also doubles as the world’s largest flea market.

Filling the void left by the absence of drive-ins by using the same personal entertainment technology that killed them, guerrilladrive-ins are hosted by groups of film buffs that crave the retro experience the drive-in offered. These drive-ins are more like get-togethers with friends or clubs that care about movies, and only require a multimedia projector, FM transmitter, DVD player, and a large flat surface like a warehouse, barn or simply a large wall to watch the film on. Although not as charming as an authentic drive-in, there is much to be said about the great memories guerrilla drive-ins create as well as the extremely flexible movie selection which often features independent, foreign, or niche movies.

A Guerilla Drive-in at a Warehouse

Still, drive-ins are finding ways to survive. In London, Pseudo-drive-ins like Volvo’s Urban Starlite Drive-in don’t even require a car as new Volvos are already parked in the lot for guests to enjoy the movie in. At intermission orders are taken from roller skating waitresses and brought to your car from a retro styled diner. On the more conservative side, locations like those owned by Premier Operating in Ontario Canada are actually still going strong. With locations in Oakville (The 5 Drive-in), Hamilton (The Starlite), and Smiths Falls (Smiths Falls Drive-in) all being popularly received by consumers in their areas, it’s likely that these drive-ins will continue to attract nostalgic customers.

FT-86: The Return of a Legend

You might be interested in this article if...

1.  You are a sports car enthusiast without a lot of money

2.    You are a fan of the legendary street racing AE-86

3.   You love the purpose build racing design of the MX-5 Miata, but find coupes more appealing

Ever look back on cars from 20+ years ago and wonder, “why don’t they make something like that now”? Many of the cars from the past had unique appeal that just seemed to slip away into history, never to return to the market. The Honda CR-X Si illustrates this well as it disappeared from Honda’s line up, and has only been replaced in spirit by the CR-X inspired Hyundai Veloster. The British Roadster of the 1960s illustrates this phenomenon as well, disappearing from the market in spite of desperate outcries from enthusiasts. However, unlike the CR-X, the British Roadster would be singlehandedly resurrected by the MX-5 Miata 30 years later, and has taken a place in automobile history since. We are about to witness another second coming. The second coming of a car that is perhaps more legendary and more notorious than either the CR-X or the British Roadster, a car that changed the face of both street and track racing in the 1980s – the 1986 Toyota Corolla, aka the AE-86.

The original street racing machine

Lately Toyota has been dreaming about the good old days before Scion, where sports cars didn’t require impressive specs or a massive MSRPs. When sports cars were simpler and racing was about intuition and the feel of your tires holding tight to the road while you tackled corners at the track or on a mountain pass. But Toyota didn’t have the space or manpower to make this dream possible, and so it formed a promising alliance with Subaru to get the job done. Subaru would handle engineering and manufacture the car out of its plant in Gunma Japan, while Toyota would design the car and fund the operation.

The design was inspired by the AE-86 and retains many of its traits, including rear seating, a hatchback, and an FR drive layout. In addition, Toyota had 3 very specific goals to meet with the design: Firstly, it needed to be light weight and efficient. Second, handling ability needed to be maximized while keeping the car affordable. Lastly, it needed to carry 4 people and at least a set of golf clubs. Toyota would name its new sports coupe the FT-86 (FT after Toyota’s pure sport hybrid FT-HS concept, and 86 after the AE-86).

The FT-HS pure sport hybrid concept

The FT-86 will be the world’s first coupe to carry a boxer engine, and the Subaru sourced 2.0L boxer will make 200hp (That’s 100hp/L!) and 151 lb-ft of torque. The FT-86 will also boast a 0-60 time of just seven seconds. And because the 86 only weighs 2662 lb it has a power ratio of 13.31lb/hp, which is even better than the Miata’s 14.5lb/hp. Furthermore, thanks to Toyota’s dual port direct injection technology the boxer redlines at 7500 rpm and boasts 29.17 MPG on premium unleaded.

Subaru Sourced 2.0L Boxer

All that power is channelled through a close ratio 6 speed manual transmission that shifts with precise feeling short throws. An automatic dual clutch transmission is also available for those that want it. The shift points are well timed, smooth and seamless. For those that want more control there are paddle shifters that allow manual gear shifts. In addition to the auto and manual drive modes, a semi-manual mode allows drivers to downshift for corners before returning to auto mode.

The Toyobaru alliance is really aiming to change the world of sports cars, and has been diligent in producing an affordable, purpose built enthusiast’s car that meets all its initial goals. Indeed, Toyota’s Chief engineer Tetsuya Tada said that the FT-86 was meant to be as affordable as possible so enthusiasts could actually buy the car, and that compromises would be necessary. Nevertheless, Toyobaru has found revolutionary ways to maximize value for money with clever engineering. The 86 was designed with a 53/47 front/rear weight distribution and boasts the lowest center of gravity of any production vehicle. This was achieved by capitalizing on the flat shape of the boxer engine, and by placing the engine very low and closer to the center of the car. The engine actually sits at about knee height from the driver, having its center of gravity only 17.7 inches above the ground puts it 1 inch lower than the Porsche Cayman’s! However, this also means the Subaru model won’t have room for AWD.  Next, the 86 uses light 17 inch alloys wrapped in 215/45R17 rubber which reduces unsprung weight and provides more precise handling compared to other less practical, vanity inspired wheel and corresponding elastic bands. The 86 also comes standard with a Torsen LSD to help it push out of corners even faster. To keep the price down, conventional Macpherson front struts and a double wishbone rear suspension systems were used. All this equipment culminates in exquisite handling that has even been compared to the agility of the Mazda MX-5 by many automotive journalists and magazines like Auto Car.

Spy image of Ft-86 testing at the Nurburgring

The premiss for the FT-86 is actually very similar to the Miata’s; if they had sprung for materials and components that would have really optimised the FT-86’s potential it would have been too heavy and too expensive.  The car is further devoid of most driving aids, excluding Electronic Stability Control, which is required by law. A lot like the Miata, the FT-86 relies less on computers and puts the driver back in control of the action.

While on the track automotive journalists describe the 86’s cornering as firmly planted with slight understeer. Because of the balanced tire size, the 86 oozes from between states of traction at its limit and provides ample notice before control is lost. The coupe is very tame despite its RWD and 200 hp. However, once the car hits straighter roads the driver may find himself wishing for an extra 100 hp.

Although Toyobaru didn’t necessarily need to provide sleek styling in their pragmatic coupe, they certainly did. This car looks so good, it’s boarder line pornographic! Its lines are flowing yet disciplined and focused. The coupe’s stance is aggressive but refined and svelte. Everything from the curves in the b-pillarless doors to the extremely well defined, and handsome LED trimmed head, and tail lights looks like they were planned meticulously. No doubt about it, the FT-86 has defined a style all its own and looks absolutely enchanting in black.

Photo from the Geneva Motor Show

But besides its great looks, the design was deliberate and practical. Visibility out the back window is better than one would expect and the overall Coefficient of Drag is only 0.27! To put that into perspective, the Mazda RX-8 has a Coefficient of 0.3.

RX-8, left, and FT-86, right

The good looks don’t stop there though. Although the interior of the FT-86 is sparse on fluffy features and soft touch surfaces, it is driver oriented. Everything from the position of the gages in the cluster and supportive racing styled seats to the position of the shifter and handbrake make driving the FT-86 feel natural and harmonious. Everything the driver touches, save the alloy pedals and fabric seat, is leather wrapped. The steering wheel is tilt and telescopic, and for the most hardcore racers that don’t have a second to look away from the road, automatic climate control. There is even a shift light on the rev counter!

Scanned page from a Toyota Modellista catalogue

In spite of its good looks and performance, the FT-86 isn’t as impractical as one would think. Despite being only 220mm longer than a Miata, there is seating for 4 if you’re willing to squeeze into the backseats. There is also 10 cubic ft of cargo space under the hatch that can be increased by folding the one piece rear seats. And a space saving spare is tucked under the hatch floor. Finally, the coupe doesn’t skimp on safety equipment either and comes standard with VSC, front driver and passenger airbags, and side and rear curtain airbags.

Concepts have been around motor shows for over 2 years now, but the production version will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in December. The same model will be available in spring of the 2012 model year and have an MSRP of about $25k. Toyobaru’s sport coupe will be sold in the entry level sports category and compete with models like the Civic Si, Scion tC, and VW GTI.

Rumour has it that a turbo model will be available on the model year following the initial release of the FT-86. Moreover, Subaru’s sibling BRZ (Boxer, RWD, Zenith) model has been designed to accept a convertible top, and an extended wheelbase that might allow a 4 door model. And although these options would satisfy many enthusiasts from North America, Toyobaru has confirmed nothing.

You can learn more about the 86 by checking out the links below, or join the hype and be the first to read news about the FT-86 by signing up with its enthusiasts’ site ft86club.com.

Links to official/teaser videos :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UebLu0-wg54

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caAW1oZXQnc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMYf9StnBoQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrgVsFYXdyQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpNjjIZxuN0&feature=related

Additional Reading:

*Specs Leaked from an official toyota training manual!* http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2096

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/impressions/2013-subaru-brz-prototype

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Toyota-FT-86-2.0/259779/

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_subaru_brz_prototype_first_drive/

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-subaru-brz-sports-car-prototype-drive-car-and-driver-subarus-engineering-toyotas-deep-pockets-page-1

Official Forums:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/

http://www.subarubrzforum.com/index.php

http://www.fr-sforum.com/

The Sunday Drive

You may be interested in this article if...

1. You HATE your commute to work
2. You are a new driver and/or owner of a car
3. You live in a densely populated city

The Sunday drive is an old part of North American auto tradition. It is defined as a small trip in a car with no intended destination that is undergone for pleasure alone. This was very popular in the early '20s because in those days the car was used less out of necessity and more for leisure. It was a family activity, a romantic getaway, or even a chance to adventure places you've always wanted to. So much like the country that lifted it to fame, the auto mobile was full of opportunity. Henry ford himself was an early supporter of the Sunday drive for obvious reasons. However despite what the Sunday drive has meant to North Americans in years past it is quickly fading from our lives.

Economically minded individuals feel that the Sunday drive is a waste of time and gas - which has risen in price significantly over the past few decades from $0.40 per litre in 1979 to $1.09 per litre in 2011 - and would rather spend both elsewhere. Environmentalism and Social Activism have also become more popular among many modern young adults who feel that burning gas for the purpose of recreation is environmentally irresponsible and that using a privately owned vehicle over public transportation is socially irresponsible not to mention financially stressful. Furthermore, many dislike getting behind the wheel unless it is absolutely necessary because cars are associated with dreary office hours, sluggish or stressful commutes, and taxing trips to supermarkets. We use our cars everyday to perform mundane tasks and as a result a large number of North Americans feel that it is nothing more than an appliance to be purchased to fill needs and be as practical as possible. Almost half of Canadians feel this way about their cars and the numbers for the US are only slightly lower. America is the place where the auto mobile became famous and beloved by all, but has our love dwindled from newly wed passion to older couple frustration? Whatever the case, we could use some relationship counselling.

Although it may be crude to compare our relationships with autos to marriage, there is no doubting the similarity between our situation and those of couples in marriage counselling; both are slightly sensational and irrational, being difficult at times to feel positive about, but neither will consider something as serious as a divorce. Surrendering the auto mobile is something that just doesn't sit well with North Americans, and for good reason. The auto mobile represents a personal freedom that most North Americans feel passionate about protecting and serves as a right of passage for teenagers about to taste independence for the first time. The car is also an iconic representation of our personalities and identities. Additionally, It provides flexible and relatively reliable transportation that makes us feel in control of our lives. Lastly, they have been our loyal inanimate companions for over 100 years and take a well deserved place within our cultural heritage that would be painfully empty otherwise.

One day the auto mobile will be a thing of the past, but not today and certainly not tomorrow. We really are in this together and despite society's concerns about the shortcomings of our modern - and sometimes not so modern - cars they are all we have and instead of getting caught up in sensational talks about what's wrong with driving our cars we should spend a little more time getting caught up with what's right about driving our cars. Some of you may remember embarking on Sunday drives with your parents as a child that may have ended with ice cream, or pissed you off because you were torn away from MSN and facebook. But the fact remains that they certainly were afternoons that we will remember for a long time. More likely you remember how you felt when you first bought your car and fell in love with the freedom from your daily grind and the notion that you could simply drive off with the sun at your back if life became too stark. These memories and fantasies are no less appealing, and no more impossible than they were when we drove our cars off the lot. The fact of the matter is that we love our auto mobiles, we've just forgotten why, and Sunday is a great day to remember.

Although I don't aim to discourage anyone who is truly devoted to Environmental or Social activism, I do wish to encourage anyone who already owns a car to fully appreciate the benefits of recreational driving. Below is a list of tips for econo/enviro/socio minded individuals that help to unload some guilt from the Sunday drive so there is more room for fun. Some of these tips are also parts of the Sunday drive that make it so fun and relaxing to begin with.

Tips for driving with more environmentally responsibly:
-You've heard it 100 times before: take care of your car
-Keep the air pressure at the correct level to reduce rolling resistance ( under inflated tires drain 6% more fuel  than properly inflated tires at the same speed )
- Drive in the highest gear at the lowest speed without the engine struggling ( lower rpm means fewer explosions taking place burning less fuel and a high gear means that the energy netted from those explosions goes the farthest )
- Plan your route ( getting lost is fun but if you're worried about burning too much fuel on your trip plan a route that meets your fuel to fun ratio )

Tips for driving with more social responsibility:
- Bring your friends or family along with you or be brought along on someone else's drive
- Plan a social activity that you can do while out and about like a picnic or teaching a younger member of the group how to drive

Tips for driving with more Economic responsibility:
- Use websites like gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas en route
- Invite someone else along and use their car instead