Upper Middle Petrol Head:

By the owner's own admission, this Mk II Jaguar is not concours.  However, that doesn't make it any less special or striking, as evidenced by the steady stream of compliments directed its way while UMPH fired off a few frames in North Hobart's Elizabeth Street restaurant precinct. The car looks good, yet isn't too precious to use and is a pleasure to drive, says the owner.  He would, however, have preferred the car to have had power steering fitted, as wrangling it around is a bit of a work-out. The engine is a blue-printed 3.8 litre with two, instead of three, SU carbies.  It was prepared locally be an ex-Lotus works mechanic with a motor sport background and Jaguar expertise.  The owner's very impressed with the work ; he says it went way beyond the new rings and bearings that usually constitutes a Jag rebuild.   U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com .) All iPhone images.

This is the true tale of a survivor and a testament to Toyota engineering.  This noble old Corona - spotted in Byron Bay, New South Wales - was in amazing but very original, un-restored condition. The paint was faded, there was some minor rust and the interior was past its prime.  However, it was straight and clean, and started at the first turn of the key, before being driven off by its wavy-haired, cheese-cloth wearing female driver.  How very Byron! U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com .) All iPhone images.

What better way to promote your Italian restaurant than an Italian flag on wheels?  This basil, mozzarella and tomato-themed Fiat 127 was photographed in Tewantin, Queensland.  Bon appetito!   U M P H ( uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com .) All iPhone images.

UMPH captured these photos of this immaculate XM Falcon ute in Lakes Entrance, Victoria.  It was perfect in every way, from its glossy paint, straight panels, glittering chrome and lovely interior, through to the tasteful alloy wheels that were the only ostensible signs of modification.   U M P H ( uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com .) All iPhone images.

There are two types of vehicle that, above all others, scream carefree beach lifestyle.  One of them is the Mini Moke.  The other is the classic VW-based beach buggy, like the one featured here. This particular example, seen in Noosaville, Queensland, exhibited all the Baja style that defined the beach buggy look of the 1970s.  A fibreglass tub-body atop a Beetle floor-pan, an air-cooled VW engine and big wheels with generous amounts of rubber evoked the era perfectly, although some of the accessories suggest that it may have been constructed more recently. That's www.beachbuggy.com.au , in case you wanted to see more ...  U M P H ( uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com .) All iPhone images.

This LH or LX Torana was spotted in the forecourt of a service station in Huonville, south of Tasmania's capital city of Hobart.  It has been painted in 1970s Peter Brock racing livery and also features half-cage roll-over protection, so it's probably intended for historic racing.  However, its current pristine state suggests that it may not yet have been used in anger.  The twin exhausts are indicative of a V8 donk, but it's unclear of what capacity, and it features a floor-mounted four-speed 'box, too. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au .) All iPhone images.

UMPH spotted this fairly tidy Karmann Ghia in Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.  It may not have been concours standard but, hey, it's pretty good for a car that would be in the vicinity of fifty years old!  Let's see how many Hyundai Excels even make it to such a venerable age.    U M P H ( uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com .) All iPhone images.