Classics by the Beach: Sunday the 3rd of February, 2019

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Today's post is book-ended by two of the nicest Leyland P76s that you could ever hope to see.  Not only was each one in absolutely amazing nick, they were all but identical, having both been finished in the same deep golden-orange duco and featuring the same interior trim, as well as being fitted with the 4.4 litre V8 engine option.  The only obvious difference that I could see was that the car featured above was wearing some period-appropriate five-spoke mags, complete with very cool 76 logo centre caps, whereas the one that ends the post had original hubcaps instead.








There can be no denying the sheer classic beauty of the Dino.  It is as graceful, elegant and sleek as any car that has ever been and is truly timeless.








I'm reasonably confident that this Renault Caravelle is a long-term Hobart car, having featured at quite a few local French car shows.  It's in lovely condition, with beautiful sky blue paint, straight, rust-free panels and a pristine interior. 







How I've never seen this big Chevrolet SS before is a mystery to me.  It's not like it's subtle or small, afterall!  It's a very, very impressive car in every respect and a credit to its owner.











Generally, I'd say that I lean to Ford over GM products.  In the case of Corvette Stingray -v- Mustang, however, I'm going to be controversial and say that the car shown here easily beats your regular 'stang and even has a slight edge over the Mighty Shelby GT 350.   





Selfie!



Whilst I do try very, very hard not to repeat-feature cars too often, I have had to make an exception for Rob's awesome 1962 Aussie-made Beetle.  The last time it was shown in UMPH was one or two Picnic at Ross posts ago when it grabbed my attention with the easy way that it held the 110k speed limit over Spring Hill on the Midlands Highway.  Its secret weapon?  It has been super-charged with an era-appropriate blower that allows the car the cruise effortlessly with pretty much anything on the road. 


To describe the quality of its restoration as perfect would be to significantly under-sell it.  However, Rob tells me that despite its flawless duco, chrome and trim, plus its stylish era-appropriate accessories, it has never picked up a gong of any description at a VW or all manufacturers' car show here in Tasmania or on the mainland.  I'm going to suggest that some judges' taste buds must reside in their ... mmm ...... bottoms!  




As promised, here's the second P76 in all its perfection.  I had a little muck about to see if I could pull off something a bit arty, maybe a bit 1970s Leyland brochure with my images.  I hope you like them! 
 






U M P H

 (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

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