Classics by the Beach: Sunday the 7th of November, 2021

It wasn't my intention to make a feature of Ford hardtops and coupes but, somehow - perhaps subconsciously - that's what I seem to have done at November 2021's installment of Classics by the Beach. First I succumbed to this Queensland registered Galaxy's gravitational pull, and soon found myself similarly drawn into two magnificent classic Capris' orbits, too. After that, it was an easy segue to a very, very imposing Mustang that rounded out the theme.

It wasn't just Ford's two door offerings that had me in their thrall, though; save a couple of Jags - an S-Type and a Mk I, I've been reliably informed - and an HZ Holden, I seem to have continued to focus almost exclusively on two door cars, be they coupes, roadsters or utes. Again, probably a subconscious thing that's also reflected in the makeup of the combined UMPH collection, with only one of our five vehicles featuring direct rear passenger access.

This Fiat 124 BC was particularly tidy. Its paint, chrome and trim were all first rate, as were its lovely Bathurst Globes, which I understand were inspired by the wheels fitted to the Ferrari Daytona. How fittingly Italian!

The S Type.

And on the subject of classic wheels, this Galant hardtop's Superlite / Panasport / Watanabe styled 15" Rotas look particularity good, nicely complimenting the car's old-school rally look that includes a full array of Cibies, a Momo Corse steering wheel, a gauge pod and a pair of leather Recaros. Very tasteful. Very tasteful indeed!

Logic dictates this one to be the Mk I.

The 13" Hayashi Racing wheels that adorn this Celica couldn't have been better chosen for the car! Their extreme simplicity, coupled with the contrast between the blacked-out and polished surfaces, are just stunning. The centres look like they're floating within the rims. Other than the wheels, the vehicle looks ostensibly standard, although there are hints - a non-stock front sway-bar, for instance - that suggest that it may be a bit of a sleeper.

Thanks to all the owners for bringing their cars down to the bay for what must easily be Hobart's best, and most enduring, car show. The event couldn't exist without you!

Are you a fan of classic, sports and performance vehicles? Do you enjoy car shows and motorsports, especially when there's a bit of Tasmanian scenery thrown in for good measure? Then how about looking about the rest of the Upper Middle Petrol Head site, sharing or subscribing?

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

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