Upper Middle Petrol Head:

This flash red Morris Minor ute belongs to pastry chef Alistair Wise, who some say is Tasmania's answer to Adriano Zumbo (but better!).  Alistair also owns Elizabeth Street,  North Hobart, institution  Sweet Envy ( http://www.sweetenvy.com )  and  operates the classic ice cream truck  Big Bessie , which is a regular at Hobart's better festivals and events.  Alistair and Big Bessie (internet image) U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com .) All iPhone images.

Identifying some Holden models is a bit esoteric for UMPH.  Take, for example, the FB and EK series, which to the untrained eye are very similar. Reference to Holden Heaven ( http://www.holden.org.au/model/ek-holden/ ) suggests that this is an  EK , as the earlier FB is said to have had wider-spaced front indicators (hard to tell from photos alone) and, more tellingly, didn't feature the red badge built into the chromework shown in the magnificent example depicted here.  Please feel free to leave a comment if UMPH needs setting straight.  It's also hard to fathom is the logic of Holden's model designation.  It's quite widely accepted that in normal people's alphabets the letter E  precedes the letter F .  It would therefore seem reasonable that an EK would be the version that came before the FB .  But no, not in Holden-Land ; GMH's interpretation has it the other way around!  ( E H s are later than E J s, too.  Is there ...

When it comes to Aussie-built Falcons,  XW and, more specifically XY ,  GTs tend to garner  all the attention, which is actually a bit of a shame when you consider how attractive the earlier  XR version is. The XR carried over the round rear light assembly comprising of an indicator surrounded by a circular tail / brake lens that had been a Falcon signature up until the XW .   The series that followed the XR  into production - the  XT  - was a segue between the last of the round indicator rear light assemblies and the square versions featured on the XW and XY , with a horizontal rectangular bar as the indicator but still within a circular chrome outer.  XT tail light (internet image) XW tail light (internet image) XY tail lights (internet image) The car shown here, photographed outside Langdon's Body Works in Argyle Street, Hobart, is not a GT.   However, it does illustrate just how p...

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.