Classics by the Beach: May, 2021

Fewer photos and more chat.  I don't know why May, 2021's, Classics by the Beach rolled that way but it did.  I chatted with the owner of this immaculate Mini Cooper S (more on that in a minute).  I got chatting with Eddie about his amazing Lotus Cortina replica.  I also had chats with a particularly accommodating fellow about his very luxe V12 Bentley Continental, as well as Phillip, who proudly showed me around the XP Falcon hardtop that he's owned for the last 48 years.

This ostensibly stock Cooper S is very, very nice.  Anyone who knows their classic cars understands that the 1275 cc, four cylinder Cooper S was an absolute weapon, well capable of giving cars with massive power advantages - we're talking big V8s -  a jolly good thrashing whenever the straights gave way to some twisty stuff.  But this car's next level, thanks to a turbo-charged 1275 cc motor from a MG Metro.   

According the Mini's owner, the Metro turbo is more or less an A-series donk, in that its external dimensions and internal capacity mirror the original Morris and Austin 1275 cc powerplant, making for a relatively easy installation.  However, there's some internal "webbing" that I take to be a form of structural reinforcement that caters for the considerable extra stresses that result from being force-fed.  There's a bit of additional plumbing required, too, plus some further room required for the snail, but this has all been beautifully resolved in this car.  The single SU had to be reconfigured to operate under pressure rather than by vacuum but that's beyond my capacity to explain adequately, although it's clear that the owner understood and was able to sort it very capably.    

To my mind, this is an absolute gem of a car, combining high performance with a marque appropriate power boost.  Sure, you can K-swap a screaming Honda engine into a classic Mini, fit an after-market twin cam head or any number of other mods onto your A series block, or even do a motorcycle engine transplant but this seems, to me, more satisfying.

Such elegance!  There are other photos of this beautiful Fiat 2300S coupe on the UMPH site (https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2016/11/random-72-fiat-2300s-coupe.html) but it's just too lovely not to feature again.  And if the model excites you like it does me, there are two more examples captured recently at Auto Italia, available via the following link:  https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2021/04/auto-italia-2021-part-2-fiats-that.html .

Reckon this is a Customline?  I did, too, but it's actually a Thunderbird Victoria.  It matters not, though;  it's a gorgeous looking car and that's all that counts! 

No one I spoke with knew where this stunning Lamborghini Espada hails from.  There might be one in Hobart already - a silver example - but I'm not sure.  Either way, it was a treat to see and attracted a large crowd of admirers.  

Here's Eddie's better-than-new Lotus Cortina replica, finished in Monaco red, which was Roger Clark's preferred Ford Works Rally livery.  I've written about the car before, so, rather than repeat myself, I invite you to check out https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2019/01/mk-1-lotus-cortina-replica.html .  Eddie seems quite bemused by the fact that his car keeps picking up trophies wherever it's shown.  I can't understand why this seems to surprise him, though; the car is absolutely stunning!  

Full marks for this faithful replica special edition Lotus Cortina steering wheel, beautifully hand crafted by Eddie himself and hand-stitched locally in leather.

Forty eight years' ownership qualifies Phillip's XP as a certified member of his family.  Would he consider selling it?, I asked, already knowing the answer.  Phil responded with a resounding No way!  It's already in my will.  Lucky sons indeed!

If you get a chance, ask the chap who owns this V12 Bentley to demonstrate its ingenious dashboard.  It caters for those who prefer fewer distractions by showing a facia of the finest timber but, at the flick of a switch, can display a sat-nav or, for anyone with a hankering for an old-school analogue display, three beautifully crafted guages monitoring the state of its high-tech engine, plus a clock.  It put me in mind of the rotating rego plates on James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 which is apt, really, seeing the world's greatest ever spy started out in an 1931 supercharged 4 1/2 litre Bentley.

Thanks to all the exhibitors and, more specifically, everyone with whom I had a chat!  It was a very pleasant way to spend an autumn morning.

Coming to UMPH soon: too many cars to wave a spanner at but at least two more installments of Auto Italia '21 (Alfas and the rest ... ), as well as a few local cars.  Or, if you'd prefer, there are literally hundreds and hundreds more posts like today's, featuring classic, sports and performance vehicles from Tasmania and all around Australia.  

Why not check it out?!  And if you like what you see, how about sharing?!?  😃.

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)