Classics by the Beach: Sunday the 5th of January, 2020

For several years now, Upper Middle Petrol Head has been bringing you all the most desirable cars.  I think you'll agree that the photo above is a case in point and a great introduction to 2020!

See!  There's not just Daniel's white one, but this truly magnificent red example, too, resplendent with its awesome Cibie lighting array.  Seriously, who doesn't love a Galant hardtop?! 

This lovely rust-free and apparently original Serie Speciale Fiat X1/9 is also very cool.  It still has its ladder stripes, features the optional Cromodora alloy wheels and would appear to be about as honest an unrestored example as you might ever find.  Here's hoping that it's soon joined by a certain metallic orange, ex-UK version featured elsewhere on this 'blog! 

I'm very taken by this no-nonsense 'step-nose' Alfa 105.  It's a testament to the styling of the 105 that they almost look better the sparer their accessories list, with this one looking great sans bumpers and optioned with only a set of Superlite style alloys and a tasty Nardi sports steering wheel.  

Some people's options lists go a bit further than others', running to marque-themed clothing.  Mike's looking dapper in his period Porsche gear and there's no doubt that Woody's acing his Pantera-couture!

While we're on a Pantera theme, Woody and the team at Talon Bodyworks, Moonah, have done a brilliant job repainting the engine bay of the V8-powered behemoth shown above and below.  It's hard to credit how well it's come up, given that it was until recently coated in a heavy black tar-style paint.  Nice work, men!

This EK Holden is old-school cool in its purest form!  It is ostensibly stock, save the five-spoke Aunger wheels and period-perfect Venetian blinds, and is also in pristine nick.  I'm sure its owner is thrilled with it.

Talking of old school cool, this excellent XR Falcon also has it in spades!  A 289 cu V8 coupled to a four-speed floor shift, low-back bucket seats, an early GT steering wheel, immaculate duco and a set of nifty black and white Superlites has the look nailed!

Whereas the EK Holden and XR Falcon shown earlier both have a bit of the bad boy about them, this mint-condition HR Premier has 'one owner, only ever driven to church on Sundays' written all over it!  Except that its current owner clearly prefers being at Hobart's best free car show over hymns and homilies, and that's what sees the car gracing Sandy Bay's Long Beach and not the car park at St David's Cathedral!  

Jeremy 'To Be Frank, Can Be A Bit Of A Tosser' Clarkson describes the Alfa 147 GTA as a 'bonkers' car.  Yep.  Hard to argue that particular point, Jezza!  A 3.2 litre V6 driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual - or a Selespeed 'box, if that floats your boat - apparently makes for a wild and wilful beast.  Even the 'lesser' 2.0 litre four cylinder twin spark version is said to be lively, so the extra 1,200 cc is bound to add a fair chunk of excitement!  

For me, this interior is sooo Italian and is what sets Alfas apart from other brands.  Similarly, Alfa's stylists have let one of the car's greatest features - its engine - speak for itself, being proudly displayed in its raw state and without being hidden beneath some cheesy plastic cover like the majority of other contemporary cars' motors are.  I'm told it sounds awesome, too!

That's it for the first Classics by the Beach for 2020.  However, there are plenty more car shows and automotive-themed events coming up, including a display at this year's Sandy Bay Regatta on Sunday the 26th of January.  I might see you there!

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)