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

Sandy Bay's monthly celebration of classic and sports cars has kicked up another notch, building in size from the first post-covid-19 get together in June.  It's very likely that the weather - an unseasonably pleasant, sunny day in the mid-teens - added incentive for owners and admirers, ensuring that the July edition was quite a spectacle.

The first vehicle to take my eye was this lovely Triumph Herald, finished to a very high standard in sky blue.  It's equipped with a Datsun 1200 motor breathing through a 45mm Weber side-draught carbie, and features a Celica five-speed 'box, Triumph TR7 rear end and meaty tyres on widened steel rims.  It does, however, run four-wheel drum brakes but they're of good size and are quite efficient, according to the car's owner.  A half-cage and some racing harnesses add to its safety.

It's a recent purchase, having been bought from a bloke whose wife thought he had one too many special interest cars - four or five, I believe - and suggested that he select his least-favourite and sell it.  I'm also told that it was prepped with Targa Tasmania in mind but was never entered, although its new owner hopes to do some track days in it soon.

The car shown above and below is a Bentley.  As I know nothing about Bentleys, other than Ian Fleming's early novels having had James Bond driving a 1929 4 1/2 litre super-charged version, I'll stick with UMPH editorial policy and say no more.  Other than this particular example being magnificent, stately and elegant, that is! 

This gorgeous Fiat 1500 Mk2 was my equal favourite on the day, sharing that accolade with the blue Triumph from the beginning of this article.  According to its owner, it used to be white and is a Tasmanian car through and through, having been bought new from Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealers Davies, in Launceston, and registered in this state ever since.

Its new colour scheme really suits it, giving it a refined, under-stated look.  Everything was straight and clean, including the remarkably unblemished hubcaps, below, and the regal looking red upholstery visible further down the page.   

Might this be one of Hobart's best known, longest owned MGBs?  I know there are some examples with long histories of family ownership but it'd be hard to top local motoring identity Stan Tilley's decades' long ownership of this beautiful 1966 example, wouldn't it?  

As a Mk IIIA, this Austin Healey Sprite would hail from much the same era as Stan's venerable MGB.  I have a real fondness for the IIIA, having owned one before I went to the light side and bought my first Fiat X1/9.  However, I have to confess that mine was nowhere nearly as nice as this one with its lustrous duco, unmarked chrome and first-rate interior, including what appear to be genuine tan leather seats.

Another A-H Sprite but, in this instance, it's a Mk I or "Frog-" or "Bug-eye" version.  The later iterations - especially from the Mk III onwards - were sumptuous by comparison with the Frog-eyes which were so basic that there were no external door handles and not so much as a boot-lid, access to the rear storage area being via the space behind the seats.  Heater / demisters were an option and radios a luxurious, almost fantastical notion.  Even the Mk IIs and IIAs made do with removable sliding perspex side windows, with wind-up glass not until the III.  However, despite their spartan accessory lists, all Sprites - early or late - are an absolute hoot to drive!  

It'd be hard to imagine a better looking Frog-eye than today's British racing green example.  Its beautiful paint job is complemented perfectly by a set of Superlite style wheels, and a tasteful wood-rimmed steering wheel and a matching gear knob.  Other than those three mods, there's also a discreetly hidden aftermarket gauge (not sure what it measures, though), front disc brakes and a twin pipe muffler.

What a car!  A magnificent 1975 Galant hardtop with an array of eight Cibies (four headlights, two Super Oscars and a pair of Type 40 - aka Tango - fog lights).

Matt's Datsun 280 ZX looks great, especially with its targa or "T-top" open.  In its closed state, two glass panels fill the void but get stored behind the seats when the sun's a shining!  

Michael and Terese C's 1967* Mercedes 230 SL - aka a Pagoda - is, like all their vehicles, immaculate in every way.  Its panels, paint, chrome and interior are all faultless!  It's a matching numbers car that's just had a major engine rebuild, undertaken mainly by Mike, "with some assistance," he says. 

*I should write this stuff down!  Mike, please feel free to correct me.

Did you enjoy this article?  If so, please feel free to share it via social media.  Comments are also very welcome, especially if you can provide some background or history for any of the featured cars.  





U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

Nikon D7500 images.