Random # 178: Nissan ET Turbo

Be under no illusion, people! This now relatively benign-looking circa 1985 Nissan Pulsar ET Turbo was one of the absolute kick-arse cars of its day.

During the mid-80s, there were really only two hot-hatches within the price range of UMPH and his mates: the ET and the Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo. That's not to dismiss the V8 and rotary performance options of the day, of course; it's just that the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evos hadn't even been thought of back then, and the Golf GTi was a bit pricey, meaning that the range of small but properly quick cars was pretty limited.

UMPH has fond memories of driving his friend Fur's ET a couple of times. Rather than dob himself in, he'll just allude to the time he parked it in Salamanca Place, smoke pouring off its four-wheel discs, and having a passing taxi stop to offer him his fire extinguisher. Let's just say it was outrageously quick!

Another mate, Norm, bought one to replace his trouble-plagued RX7 and found it to be a more than adequate option. All of the go with none of the woe!

The example shown here wasn't in real bad nick. However, the photos aren't great so, if anyone's inclined to seeing a few decent shots of an ET, the attached link is recommended: https://www.shannons.com.au/club/first-car/QDNE991Z2037TTFF/1985-nissan-pulsar-et-turbo/.

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

All iPhone images.

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Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

Once upon a time - six or seven years ago, actually - there was a lovely pale yellow GC Galant station wagon getting around Hobart. It was totally nanna-spec; its paint was umarked, the chrome work and hubcaps were immaculate, and its very original interior was pristine. Then someone stuck feathers in its dashboard. Next, the windows were adorned with Tibetan prayer flags. And a hubcap went missing. And the the rear bumper was pushed in, mangling the bodywork behind it. And a mudguard got dented. And rust set in. I fear for this sweet, innocent KE36 Corolla. Somebody please save it before it's too late. Nanna needs you to do it. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) Photos by GlamRock.

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