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 the NA and NB series versions.  This particular NB - replete with deep red paint, a set of tasty five spoke alloys and a low-set boot spoiler - was magnificent.




Several decades before the MX5 stole the show, the British Austin Healey Sprite held a largish chunk of the roadster market, providing heaps of driving fun for not much money.  This one - a Mk1, aka a Frog Eye or, if you're an American, a Bug Eye - was absolutely gorgeous.     










Our chief photographer captured this gritty looking MkII Escort in a secondary carpark not far from the main action.  We're thinking it was meant to be part of the show - but if it wasn't, it should've been - so it's getting a run, anyway!   


The editor-in-chief reckons it's probably one of the sported-up 1.6 litre Kent-engined Aussie editions that were popular in the late '70s and early '80s, which is supported by presence of the gold side stripes.  Originally, these cars were also offered with a front and rear spoiler - the latter being the same rubber item found on the RS2000 - and cloth sports seats emblazoned with the word ESCORT repeated in multiple horizontal layers on the seats’ uprights and bases.  However, this car has no rear spoiler and there's race-style seating in lieu of the standard issue fare, making a call on its pedigree a bit ambiguous. 


The car features some uber-tasty UK-style RS2000 13" wheels and non-standard four wheel disc brakes, while the 2.0 badges - almost certainly indicating the presence of a Pinto upgrade - suggest it's a bit of a street brawler.  Whatever else is lurking under its slightly battle-scarred skin, it's earned a big thumbs-up from the UMPH crew!         


There was a strong showing of French cars, especially Citroens.  This DS Safari was extremely cool and even featured a set of traditional snow skis (cabel-tied!) to its OEM roofracks.










There's a bit of a story attached to this pristine-looking left-hand-drive Citroen DS.  Apparently, its Italian gentleman owner always wanted a DS but couldn't afford one until recently.  Unable to find a good example locally, he imported it from Germany but it was damaged en route to Tasmania.  It's since been freshly restored, looks magnificent and has only graced our roads for the last two weeks.  Congratulations, sir, on attaining your dream car!       








And this amazing Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato ... ?  It’s from last month's Picnic at Ross article (https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2025/05/picnic-at-ross-2025.html).  Well worth a look, we reckon!

Did you enjoy this post?  If so, why not browse the rest of the uppermiddlepetrolhead site?  There are loads and loads of classic, sports and performance vehicles featured, as well as stacks of car shows and motorsports events.  Even better, you can follow either the 'blog itself or do so via Upper Middle Petrol Head's Facebook page.  And please do like, comment and share!




U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

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