What's a "q-ship"

[schulz@tif623.ed.ray.com (Peter Schulz)]

Arun Rao asked:

> 	OK, that does it ... I've suffered in ignorance long enough.
> 	I confess: I haven't a clue as to what Q-Ship means. I saw
> 	it first in Scott's login, and seem to encounter it now in
> 	every car rag that I see.  So, anyone willing to enlighten
> 	me (quiet, QUIET: I can't hear all of you at once!)?
> 
> 	-Arun
>
I believe that "q-ships" is an english term from world war II armed merchant vessels, disguised to look like unarmed ships. In order to deal with the U-boat threat, convoys had some merchant vessels that were converted to carry machine guns and cannon.  The armament was hidden from view and behind doors/etc. and was brought out to deal with attacking U-boats.  The unsuspecting U-boats would think that the were attacking unarmed merchant ships.

So there you have it.  

another synonym:  sleeper

Basically, don't judge a book by its cover.

Or an 160 hp??  Audi 5000 csq.  
It just may have a highly massaged motor making over 300hp!

Peter Schulz
1990 Coupe Quattro  with just 162 hp...