Upper Middle Petrol Head:

Symmons Plains in Tasmania's north.  Image by Scotty B Photography. I've recently come to the conclusion that whilst driving racing cars is an absolute hoot, getting in and out of the damned things is a proper pain in the bum!  John Madigan's Improved Production series Alfasud TI is no exception; climbing over - or more accurately  through  - the car's six point roll cage and into its narrow, super-supportive driver's racing seat requires yogic levels of flexibility and  dexterity that I don't really possess .   Baskerville.  Image by Callanrs2000 Motorsport Media. The strapping-in procedure was similarly fraught, fighting with broad slabs of webbing, adjusters, buckles and, worst of all, the six point system's too-snug crotch straps!  Just as well John was there to close the door for me, because I had no chance of reaching the door-pull by myself. Owner John behind the wheel.  Image supplied.   Now securely trussed-in, I was s...

  Team UMPH were quite excited to see this ripper Fiat 127 vaguely heading in the direction of Classics by the Beach, Hobart's regular first-Sunday-of-the-month cars 'n' coffee, hoping that it was going to make a stop at the Sandy Bay venue.  Fortunately, it did!    The yellow lenses aren't permanent. According to owner Oliver, who bought the car in Melbourne during the Covid 19 lock-down, its body remains pretty much as-was but the suspension and brakes have had an upgrade, including trick new shocks all 'round, imported from Italy; lowered front springs and rear control arms; and cross-drilled and slotted front rotors.  The handling package is nicely completed by a set of four 13 x 7" Superlite -style wheels.  Inside there's a tasty Momo Prototipo  steering wheel, a nifty gear knob and a pair of very era-appropriate bucket seats, the latter because, being a tallish bloke, Oliver didn't really fit into the car with the original pews in place.  It...