Posts

2025 Ford Falcon Hardtop Tasmania Tour

-
Image
  1970s' Aussie Ford hardtops as far as the eye could see!  Well, almost.  Saturday the 22nd of March’s Hardtop Anniversary Tour display on the lawns of Parliament House in Hobart, Tasmania, was certainly the biggest assembly of two-door XA, XB and XC Falcons and Fairmonts, and P5 LTDs that I've ever witnessed.  What a glorious sight! According to my mate, Nick - whose gold XB GS was part of the display and can be found via this link:  https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2020/01/1976-xb-falcon-gs-hardtop-reminiscence.html - there were 157 hardtops present, including 17 John Goss Specials (my personal fave, especially in Horn Car guise!), 17 Landaus, several Cobras, plus numerous XA and XB GTs, GSs and other variants built between 1972 and 1978.   They came from every state and territory of Australia, converging on Tasmania to participate in the 2025 running of the annual event that celebrates the famous 1977 Bathurst 1000 "one - two finish" wh...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Architect’s Eye: an HT Holden Monaro 350 GTS

-
Image
  Semi-regular contributor Mark Drury's keen eye for design isn't limited to architecture, as he's amply demonstrated through these photos of a magnificent 1970 HT Monaro GTS captured in Hobart's Salamanca precinct.  It's just the sort of car that we at UMPH love to bring you!      Strangely, 1969's H T was the model that followed the H K of 1968, and preceded the H G , which was released in 1970.  Holden's nomenclature department clearly weren't overly committed to alphabetical order!  Not that there's really that much difference between the trio during their very limited combined production run of just three years, with the major one being the introduction of the HT's optional top-spec 350 cu V8 over the HK's largest 327 power plant.  Other changes were either fairly minor or cosmetic in nature.   We can't say much more about the car - the photos do the talking, really - but do love the combination of its slightly lowered stance and ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Random # 335: 1968 Series 2/A Land Rover SWB.

-
Image
  Let's be honest:  1960s' Landies never rolled off the production line with paint as glossy and perfect as it is on this example!  Unless it was a special build for the Queen, that is ...    The entire vehicle's presentation - its galvanised bumpers, windscreen frame, spare tyre holder and other external trim, plus lights, glass, mirrors, wheels, mud flaps, interior and canvas canopy - were all absolutely pristine.  It really was that perfect!   It was nicely optioned up, too.  The capstan winch and Thomas-style free-heeling hubs are both functional and era correct. 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.  If you missed last week's Classics by the Beach coverage, here's a link:  https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2025/03/classics...
Post a Comment
Read more

GC Galant Hardtop and GD Galant Hardtop, Sedan and Wagon Brake Master Cylinder Replacement

-
Image
There's some confusion surrounding replacement brake master cylinders for GC Galant hardtops and the GD Galant line-up produced in Australia, by Chrysler, between 1974 and 78.  This affects at least two major suppliers' databases: those of the Australian Brake Service, better known nationally as ABS, and online parts retailer Automotive Superstore. Both companies list only one master cylinder for 1970s rear wheel drive Galants on their websites.  This is incorrect; the 11/16th (17.48 mm) units that they state will fit Galants of that era  are only suitable for GA and GB Galants, GC Galant sedans and wagons, and ‘76 GD Galants without boosted brakes. GA and GB Galants were not sold in Australia with boosted brakes.  GC Galant sedans and wagons didn't have boosted brakes, either.  GC Galant hardtops did, however, come standard with boosted brakes, as did GD Galant hardtops, and the majority of GD sedans and wagons from early ‘77.  (Just check your car's ...
1 comment
Read more