Upper Middle Petrol Head:

This rather handsome Mazda 929, hailing from sometime between 1976 to 1978, is a refreshing Series 2 update of the earlier, somewhat dowdy LA2 Series 1, produced from 1973.  Unlike the Series 1 sedan and station wagon - both of which featured a semi-snub nose when compared to the coupe version's longer, pointier bonnet and front end - all three styles of this second iteration had an elongated frontal area.   Today's example, captured recently by the Canberra Correspondent, looks to be in amazing nick.  The paint, panels and chrome are all first rate, while the reflectorised windscreen shade suggests that there’s a nice dash-pad being protected from the sun.  The pressed steel wheels look great, too; I believe they’re the same as those fitted to the RX4.   Mazda fans and lovers of 1970s' cars will know that the 929 was the piston-powered twin of the aforementioned rotary RX4.  What many people don't know, however, is that Mazda produced rotary...

  Weird or wonderful?  Wonderfully weird, perhaps?  I can't seem to be able to make up my mind whether I like Saabs of this era or not. They're undoubtedly well designed - aesthetics aside, which we'll get to soon - solidly-built and innovative.  They have a cult-like following, too, which speaks to their inherent qualities. I can't disagree with the Canberra Correspondent that they made turbo-charging regular daily-drive, family-type cars mainstream (even if they were almost exclusively daily-driven by the families of architects and gallery owners).  They were definitely quite capable vehicles in their time.  But I'm not sure that the looks department of subsequent iterations of the original version held up so well, especially when it came to turning the two-door into a four door.  The more recent plastic bumpers didn't translate well, either. And the cabriolet?  Tact dictates that ... . What I really, really do like, however, are this parti...

You need to be here! Looking for one of the best road trips in Tasmania, combining fast, sweeping bends on well maintained roads, with spectacular scenery and a tasty lunch?  How about Hobart to Strathgordon, in the renowned World Heritage Wilderness Area, and back, in one comfortable day?   Coast to coast perspective:  Hobart to Strathgordon compared to the width of the state. The route in detail  Click to enlarge . At roughly 315 kilometres and a conservatively estimated four and a half hours for the return journey by car, it makes for a proper day out, especially if you pull over to drink in the views of Lake Pedder and the surrounding mountain peaks, visit the Gordon Dam ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Dam )  or treat yourself to lunch at the Strathgordon Lodge.  All three options are highly recommended! The Gordon Dam (Wikipedia image). Also recommended is a stop at Maydena's Fika Time Cafe and General Store ( https://www.faceboo...