Random # 98: Ford Van (Challenge Met!)
As UMPH reader Humpty points out in his reply to Random # 95 (http://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/random-95-ford-escort-13-litre-coupe.html), Ford Escorts are culturally significant to several early 1980s alumni of a particular Tasmanian residential college.
Back then, four students at that august institution owned Escorts: three had panel vans - one of them belonging to UMPH himself - plus there was a single sedan.
Humpty suggests that the diminishing stocks of Escorts mentioned in Random # 95 can, in part, be attributed to the demise of alumnus DHR's white van, which was rolled by its owner in suburban Launceston in 1983.
He also writes that, in consideration of the close association of Escort vans with the group, UMPH ".. will have to come up with a van" for publication.
Challenge met: this classic 2.0 litre van was recently photographed at the Coal Valley Vineyard and Restaurant, Cambridge.
It appeared to be largely original, featuring factory-optional driving lights, after-market but era-appropriate 13" Superlite wheels and an Autotechnica sports steering wheel.
Even better as an answer to a challenge, it combined the colour of UMPH's 1975 version (earlier rectangular headlights and metal grille) with the later styling of DHR's long-gone white edition.
U M P H
(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au .)
All iPhone images.
It is a vision of Great Beauty and generates many nostalgic memories. The only note of inauthenticity is that you would have been unlikely to find the originals parked at a winery.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Much more likely to find said vehicles at the Red Lion, Foreskin Tavern or even the Emu.
ReplyDelete