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Random # 149, the 2nd Bit: Toyota Cressida (Revisited)

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This semi-luxo, mid-sized sedan from Toyota has had a bit of an evolution since it last appeared on the pages of this 'blog*, with it now sporting some classic JDM-style mudguard-mounted rear-view mirrors, a new set of machine-faced mags and a Rising Sun glare-strip.  It's unlikely its previous owner would have ever envisaged its transformation.  However, whoever may have been its last custodian could hardly argue that some love and attention hasn't gone into its makeover. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images. * Just use the search function (magnifying glass icon) on the UMPH banner page to find the earlier post featuring this car or, for that matter, nearly any vehicle that may take your fancy. 

Random # 181: XP Fairmont

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This outstanding XP Fairmont sedan was spotted in West Hobart on a late Tasmanian autumn day.  It was fitted with low-back bucket seats, trimmed in rich red vinyl, and featured extra bling on the leading edges of the front mudguards and in the centre of the bonnet, as befits the more up-market Fairmont line-up, which was a trim level above the Falcon range on which it was based. The white louvre in the rear window was a nice period touch.  However, the classic 'twelve-slot' wheels seem to be from a later Falcon or Fairmont . The entire car was beautifully presented, with lovely paint, shiny chrome and a very tidy interior.  The red coloured exterior was particularly elegant and, in combination with the matching dashboard, seats, door linings and carpets, created quite a classy look. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

Random # 180: E-Type Jaguar Coupe

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UMPH has a no comment policy in respect to E-Type Jaguars, because there's nothing left to say.  Enough said? U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

Random # 179: Pre- "F" (?) Series Ford Pick-up

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Every so often, a Ford F Series truck finds its way into this 'blog.  UMPH isn't sure if this early pick-up from Ford is actually an F or not ; it's certainly of right the general size and configuration but its styling suggests that it's an earlier offering, possibly before the moniker was coined by their marketing people.  It's a lot rounder than the classic F s tended to be, too.  Can anyone out there shed some light on what it might actually be?    U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

Random # 178: Nissan ET Turbo

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Be under no illusion, people!  This now relatively benign-looking circa 1985 Nissan Pulsar ET Turbo was one of the absolute kick-arse cars of its day.   During the mid-80s, there were really only two hot-hatches within the price range of UMPH and his mates:  the ET and the Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo.  That's not to dismiss the V8 and rotary  performance   options of the day, of course ; it's just that the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evos hadn't even been thought of back then, and the Golf GTi was a bit pricey, meaning that the range of small but properly quick cars was pretty limited.  UMPH has fond memories of driving his friend Fur's ET a couple of times.  Rather than dob himself in, he'll just allude to the time he parked it in Salamanca Place, smoke pouring off its four-wheel discs, and having a passing taxi stop to offer him his fire extinguisher.  Let's just say it was outrageously quick! Another mate, Norm, bought one to replace his tr

Good Bye, Tasmanian Living!

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I have just had my fourth, and final ever, article published in Tasmanian Living. I think most people know that I have been a proud contributor to the magazine since its first edition. However, I no longer feel that I can write for them, given that one of their editors has seen fit to re-punctuate my work with humiliating results.  Anyone who knows me will understand how absolutely mortifying I find it to have school boy errors such as it’s (a contraction of it is) rather than  its (the possessive of it) being inserted into my work, as well as the most egregious of errors, feral apostrophes (the plural of Subaru and Nissan being rendered as Subaru ’ s and Nissan ’ s). There were other edits that I was less than chuffed with, too. Why did he or she do it? I am at a loss to understand how anyone with an editorial role could be so ignorant of basic English. As pretentious - or petty, perhaps - as this may sound, I take my writing too seriously to have it ruined by ill-co

Random # 177: Ex-British Columbia MG TD

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At first glance, there wasn't anything particularly different about this immaculate MG TD .  However, closer inspection revealed that it was a left-hand-drive version and, judging by the car club badges adorning the car, it was from Canada's British Columbia.  If it is an ex-BC car, it's sure to be at home in Hobart, given the similarities between Tasmania's capital and the Canadian west coast province's largest city, Vancouver.  Both feature stunning mountains as backdrops - Hobart's being  kunyani /  Mt Wellington, while Grouse Mountain is Vancouver's equivalent.  Each was sited to take advantage of their proximity to the open sea, with Hobart having been built on the shores of the River Derwent and Vancouver situated  alongside the Straight of Georgia and English Bay.   Parks, markets and an abundance of outdoor spaces are common to both cities, too, as is a thriving cafe, pub and dining culture.  Hobart's Salamanca is arguably a credible, a