Classics by the Beach, 1st of November, 2015

What is it, exactly, that makes a classic car classic?  For some people, it's about pedigree, and the history and mystique of a marque; others may feel that nostalgia plays its part, with their favourites being fond reminders of earlier times.  It might also be that classics are a rejection of too much 'progress', whereby contemporary vehicles have become a little bit soul-less and more like appliances than classic car buffs would prefer. 

Whatever the answer is, UMPH is still regularly amazed at the breadth and quality of Hobart's classic car scene.  This Sunday was no exception, with many, many cars he'd never seen gracing Sandy Bay for the monthly get together.

Take this Mazda RX2 for example.  Owned for twenty years by the same bloke, it features a stock 13B rotary engine, five speed 'box and four-wheel disc brakes.  It's tastefully finished in blue metalic duco and Simmons wheels, and features a nice set of Recaros in the cockpit.  It's a fabulous example of a 70s Japanese performance vehicle and proves that classics don't have to be from Italy, Germany, France, England, Australia or the States.  

A disc rotor peeking out from behind a rear wheel.

The owner of this ex-US MG is new to the classic car scene.  However, he readily admits that he's already hooked and is looking forward to getting more involved.

The white MGB shown here belongs to BUMPH (that's Brother of UMPH, in case you're wondering).  He's had the car for at least twenty-five years, possibly longer, and had David Short do a full restoration eight or ten years ago.  

Talk about the passing parade!  UMPH had been going to pay this menacing looking XA GT some attention when he heard it fire up and begin driving off.  Fortunately, its driver wasn't in a hurry, allowing UMPH to snap off a few quick shots before it rumbled its way out onto Sandy Bay Road.  

This isn't Tasmania's only Lancia Fulvia Zagato (please see June 2015's post for details).  The one shown here is quite simply stunning!  Every detail - from the exquisite paint, to the race-inspired interior and the beautifully set out engine bay - is an absolute delight.  

Also looking a million dollars was this Triumph GT-6 - a 2 litre, six cylinder coupe with a four speed 'box, plus overdrive - based on the Spitfire.  Every last bit of it literally sparkled and gleamed.

It's not hard to see where the MX-5 designer took his cues from, is it?

What a ripper!  The V6 Capri shown below looked absolutely brilliant, right down to the last detail.  It appears that the (Rostyle?) wheels may have been widened slightly.  If they have, it's a very subtle, tasteful job that does no harm to the car's originality.  

Here's a yet another British classic, albeit a slightly slower one.  Again, it's an illustration of the breadth of classic cars on show down at the Bay and was a real joy to behold.

Over-head ... bolts?  It would appear that the head on this low-light Morris is pretty much a lid for the cylinders and not too much more.

Another car that UMPH's never seen before.  Interestingly, it's a right-hand drive job in contrast to the US import lefties that are more commonly encountered here in Australia.  It's a manual, too, which seems likely to be a less common transmission choice.

The paint on this late Kombi would arguably be better than was applied to it when it was brand new.  The Porsche-style wheels are a nice touch, too.

Putting the elegance into concours was this extremely curvaceous Jag.  It looked stunning, no matter what angle it was viewed from.  

A great looking Aussie classic this time.  There was another GS - a white one, parked around the corner and away from the main pack - that UMPH only noticed as he was leaving.  A pity, really, as it also looked to be in great nick; it would have been good to have taken a few quick photos.  Next time, perhaps ... ?

Rounding out the day:  Pat's X1/9 on the left and UMPH's on the right.  Fingers crossed that UMPH's headlight motors can be sorted, which will pretty much see the car finished.  For now, at least ... 

Until next time ...


U M P H.

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au).