The Gullwing Edition: Classics by the Beach - Sunday, 7th of February, 2016

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From the minute Patrick Devine announced that he would be displaying his immaculate 1956 Mercedes-Benz SL300 Gullwing at Classics by the Beach, it was always going to be virtually a one-car show.  It didn't matter that there was the usual collection of beautifully restored classics and one or two vehicles that UMPH had never seen before; Patrick's German super-machine deservedly stole the show!    


The distinctive doors that give rise to the Gullwing moniker.










Owner Patrick Devine, centre, wearing the white hat.
Plenty has been already written about the car, including this 2002 article from The Age http://www.gardenseeds.com.au/news/2002/10/24/oh-oh-what-a-gull/.  What might not have been written about, however, is what a thorough gentleman Patrick is.  Surrounded by eager punters, he happily shared stories of the car's history and restoration and appeared not to be the least bit worried as its many admirers got up and personal with his pride and joy.

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 The BMW 635i below was one of the very best that UMPH has seen.  It looked great with its black paint and tasteful after-market wheels.




These other classic Mercs were parked in a semi-circle around the Gullwing, looking like a group of adoring followers gathered around their leader.  They weren't the only ones smitten by the Gullwing's charms; as mentioned, there was a steady flow of eager admirers talking to Patrick about his amazing car.



Below is a very authentic looking Valiant AP7(?), sporting what are apparently its original Tasmanian number plates.  UMPH suspects that all its period features - from the RACT and AA badges, the mesh sun-visor and the Venetians - are all genuine items from the era.  




A helluva lotta work has gone into this absolutely pristine Triumph.  It's also a study in period-appropriate mods, complete with bullet-style racing mirror, Superlites and a flat, three-spoked sports steering wheel.  




The Studebaker Lark shown below has been evolving slowly since it was last featured in a Classics post (http://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/classics-by-beach-07-june-15.html).  The panel work on the boot has been finished, it now sports red rockabilly wheels and somethings been done to the bonnet, too.





UMPH readers might remember Phil Blake's screaming Fiat 1600 Abarth replica from the post http://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/targa-tasmania-tarraleah-stage-friday.html.  It was a thrill to have seen it in action.  However, it was also good to be able to get up nice and close to take a peek.  For more information on Phil's car, please go to: http://www.themercury.com.au/sport/local-sport/targa-tasmania-flying-fiat-bitzer-a-frugal-thriller-to-driver/news-story/aa1d7df1ee9ddc118ad5591d8965efa5 . 








As usual, thanks go to all the people who bring their fabulous classic and sports cars to the Bay.  But extra appreciation does go to Patrick for sharing what is arguably the most special car to be seen at Classics so far.


U M P H.

 (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au).

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