It's not often that four-wheel-drives feature in a Classics by the Beach post. That's not to say that off-roaders don't qualify as classic cars, though, as this extremely tough Nissan Patrol clearly proves.
Other than some minor cosmetic and electrical work that was sorted by the new owner, it's an unmolested, as-original example of the model, featuring a three-speed floor shift transmission and a big six-cylinder petrol engine. It hails from the North-West coast of Tasmania, where it was one of two Patrols belonging to a bloke who used one as his work-horse while the other - today's example - lived a more cosseted life.
The Patrol's main mods - a set of big Sunraysia-style wheels - are soon to be replaced with a set of split-rims, while a new period-style roof rack is planned to accommodate the owner's surf boards. This is clearly a classic with a cause, still doing the practical things that it was designed to do!
Its upholstery deserves special mention, as, despite all appearances to the contrary, it's totally original. The vinyl's in such good nick that one could be forgiven for thinking that it's just too shiny and fresh to match the era of the car, yet it hasn't been touched. The carpet lining the rear canopy is original, too.
There were actually three Morris 1100s on the day, all parked together: these two white examples and a deep red one that already features elsewhere on uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au. All three were immaculate but the car shown above and on the left permitted closer viewing of its engine bay, which was about as neat and tidy as you could imagine.
The embossed M O W O G logo in a map of Australia on the rocker cover has me fascinated. According to Google, MOWOG stands for Morris, Wolseley and MG but what's the Australian connection? All three marques are sub-brands of the British Motor Corporation but this suggests that at least some of these cars' components were manufactured - rather than just being assembled - in Australia. If you can shed any light on this, please feel free to leave a comment.
I'm also quite impressed by the donut-style air filter surrounding what looks to me to be a single side-draft SU (Skinners Union) carbie. Is it a standard item? Were 1100s often fitted with SUs? Again, feel free to leave a comment.
This Mk III Austin Healey Sprite - incidentally, a car that came stock with twin SUs - looks to have been freshly restored, with perfect duco and a lovely interior. The 13" Superlites and Motolita-style steering wheel set it off beautifully.
It's hard to credit how understated, classy and tidy this VN / VP-ish HSV Commodore is, especially when compared to some of the less-restrained - but nonetheless magnificent - later offerings from Holden's performance arm. Of course, it's also very, very sad that there will never again be another Aussie-built Commodore or, indeed, a Holden or GMH product of any kind made in this country.
There's quite a classic Volvo scene in southern Tasmania, with a surprising number of tricked-up station wagons of a similar era to the one shown here. (Yes, there are several featured on UMPH.) This one was was finished to "old school" - aka "old's cool" - spec with a set of period mags, a sun visor and roof rack, replete with luggage. Very Viking indeed!
Is this one of the toughest 92 year olds you've ever seen? I'm not entirely sure what it is but one of its tail-lights is embossed with the word Stutz, so I'd hazard that that's what it is (I'm confident that Stutz is or was a vehicle manufacturer). It has more than a passing resemblance to a Bentley 4 1/2 litre of the same era, including a frame mounted forward of the front axle that's suggestive of a supercharger. Whatever make the car is, it has a menacing presence and is simply awesome!
What a car! A true GT in every sense of the word, being fitted with a V8, 14" alloys and a very pared back exterior. I also love its unfussy paint job that suggests that its owner would rather drive it than endlessly polish and preen it. Brilliant!
The owner of this Leyland Mini - possibly the chap standing just in front of it, to the driver's side - should be very proud of it. It's easily as good an example of a Clubman as you're likely to ever see.
As an aside, do you ever wonder why some cars do get featured on this 'blog while others just as interesting don't? The amazing Torana shown above is a case in point; it is very definitely the sort of vehicle that I love to photograph and write about but, in its case, it was included in an earlier post. So, rather than repeat content, I try to concentrate on stuff that's not been shown before but do suggest that readers use the search facility - the magnifying glass icon - to find content that interests them.
As usual, thanks go to all the car owners who brought their prized possessions to the bay. The show simply wouldn't exist without you! I also particularly appreciate those who take the time to show and explain their vehicles' histories for our enjoyment.
If you liked this post, please feel free to look about the rest of the uppermiddlepetrolhead site and maybe consider following it. There are literally thousands of classic cars, car shows and motorsports events from Tasmania and around mainland Australia. And, finally, please, please comment on and share any of the numerous articles featured!
U M P H
(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)
Excellent as always!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI believe the Stutz was a restoration project undertaken by John Kennedy in the back rooms of David Short auto around 15 or 20 years ago. I recall chatting to him about it when stripped back to just a chassis. John was formerly a submariner engineering officer with an interest in classic bikes and vintage cars. I haven’t seen him for years and hope this sighting of the Stutz means he’s still around and active.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Stutz was a restoration project undertaken by John Kennedy in the back rooms of David Short auto around 15 or 20 years ago. I recall chatting to him about it when stripped back to just a chassis. John was formerly a submariner engineering officer with an interest in classic bikes and vintage cars. I haven’t seen him for years and hope this sighting of the Stutz means he’s still around and active.
ReplyDelete