Classics by The Beach: May, 2026

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Too many choices and far, far too many decisions!  I eventually went with this magnificently restored 1975 Land Cruiser as today's opening Classics by The Beach shot. However, the VH Charger R/T E49* that follows was equally worthy but had its bonnet up, which isn't a look I favour - not to begin a photo sequence with, at any rate.

 

* I'm only assuming that this is an E49, based on the decals on the car's sides bearing the number 4 that I understand indicates the optional four-speed manual transmission.  All other VH Chargers - the base, the XL, R/T, R/T E38, and the three 770 variants - were three-speeders, with the 770s being exclusively autos.

The car was extremely hard to miss - given its vivid green duco - and at times almost impossible to photograph, considering the small crowds that it attracted.  It was certainly worth a squiz; everything about it - that paint, the chrome, its interior and the engine bay - were immaculate!   


Chris' beautiful 1970 VW Type 3 fastback was a contender for opening shot glory, too.  It - like all the cars featured in today's coverage of Hobart's first-Sunday-of-the-month cars 'n' coffee at Long Beach, Sandy Bay - was a first-timer on this 'blog, being either on its maiden visit or having somehow avoided the UMPH camera until now.







This 202-powered, four-speed floor-shift equipped HR Holden ute was simply beautiful!  Everything looked fabulous but the two-piece wheels, in particular, really took my eye.













All wheel drive is all we do, goes a popular Subaru marketing slogan.  That may well be true of their cars over the last few decades - at least until the introduction of their rear-wheel-drive BRZ / 86 collaboration with Toyota - but it wasn't always the case.


Take, for example, this 1990 Subaru Fiori. It's an 800 cc, inline four-cylinder (not a boxer!) Kei-car driving the front wheels through a four-speed manual 'box.


It's is a genuine one owner since-new example, just recently let go, its previous keeper having decided to relinquish her driver's licence at the age of 90.  There's a scuff on the driver's side door mirror but aside from that, it truly is in amazing condition.  The rear cargo area - configured like a van - looks like it's never been used, and the dashboard, upholstery and carpet is as good as new.  It was lovely to hear the current owner speak of the tiny Kei with such respect, knowing that he, too, is going to cherish and care for it. 







We at UMPH do love a Momo Vega!






Luke's done a ripper job doing up this very cool Datsun 120Y / B210.  The paint glows, the LED headlights and chin spoiler freshen up the front end, while the 13" Superlite alloys are bang-on for era.  The decals on the rear window are also a nice touch.  







Did you enjoy this post?  If so, why not browse the rest of the uppermiddlepetrolhead site?  There are loads and loads of classic, sports and performance vehicles featured, as well as stacks of car shows and motorsports events.  Even better, you can follow either the 'blog itself or do so via Upper Middle Petrol Head's Facebook page.  And please do like, comment and share!




U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)











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