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Classics by The Beach: August, 2025

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  This WB Holden Statesman Magnum  is a  bit like Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond, sitting somewhere between that of  a  well-toned gentleman who's more than capable of taking care of himself  and a thug in a well-cut suit.  Sort of elegant and slightly menacing all at once.      According to Unique Cars Magazine, the Magnum was Aussie motor racing legend Peter Brock's “take on a high performance luxo-tourer.”  They also reckon that when it came to go-faster options, would-be owners had free range to choose pretty much anything that the Holden Dealer Team had at their disposal, including some serious engine and suspension upgrades ( https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/1984-hdt-magnum-buyers-guide/ , accessed 03 AUG25).    This means that almost no two Magnums are the same, which at an educated guess is what this car’s rego plates allude to. This included mods to the standard 5.0 litre V8 to Group 3 spec, boosting pow...
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From Craig at Large: an Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint (Tipo 106)

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  Today’s magnificent Alfa 2600 Sprint - photographed in Paris, France - is brought to us by Craig, who’s currently touring Europe with his missus.   According to Wikipedia ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfa_Romeo_2600 , accessed 07 June 25) , it’s one of only 6,999 ever built and is powered by a 2.6 litre, 145 bhp twin-cam in-line six, equipped with triple twin-choke Solex 44 PPH carburettors. Having never heard of said carbies, a bit of online research found a set on eBay for the very, very reasonable price of US$6,643.72 or AU$10,236.86 !  ( https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/266579517061?srsltid=AfmBOooZb1mrloC1whn4dkHMWaBRiVKm9gZCj9greofsNYME9cZ0DCNK .) A bargain! The Sprint version of the 2600 (there were also Berlina - aka sedan - and Spider variants) was designed by  Giorgetto Giugiaro ,  for  Bertone, which is quite evident when you compare his work on Alfa’s four cylinder 105 series coupes from the same period.   There was a 2600 Sprint sol...
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Classic by the Beach: June, 2025

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  The inaugural 2025 winter instalment of Classics by the Beach - Hobart's regular first-Sunday-of-the-month cars 'n' coffee - kicked off rather nicely for three reasons.  Firstly, it wasn't nearly as cold as it might've been, Sandy Bay Beach being infamous for its bitterly cold conditions when the wind howls off the River Derwent; secondly, the turn-out was larger than expected; and, thirdly, there was a bigger than normal contingent of cars making their debuts at the long-running event.  This lovely Alfa GTV6 was, as far as the UMPH team is aware, new to Classics.  The white duco was stunning, the body looked super-straight and the wheels - Ronal A1s, possibly - suited the car perfectly.   VK Holden Commodores don't come much nicer than this very, very original looking 308 cu V8 SS.  It's in immaculate condition, appears to be totally stock and features a set of original HDT wheels.      Team UMPH are big fans of the MX5, especially th...
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