AR1
JP..If i'd have had the keys to one of those at 21 I would have soiled myself - I had enough problems handling a Fiat 127.
It was the first reheat take-off which set the scene.
We only soiled ourselves looking at miniskirts - and kids these days think it's all so new......ahh, flower power, free love etc.....
To be fair, the Lightning handled well thanks mainly to a relatively lightly loaded wing and enough static and dynamic directional stability. Mind you, inertial roll/yaw coupling could be a problem at higher incidence.
Never had a Fiat. Did, however, have one of the first 3 litre Capris. No handling whatsoever - light back end with a live rear axle system designed by the Romans.
The 60s - Lightning by day (or night) + miniskirted nurses just down the road + cheap beer. The trick was to get them in the correct order!
JP