Upper Middle Petrol Head:

Today's photos come courtesy of Winnie, who snapped them recently in the Honda Museum in Montegi, Japan.   Ironically - sadly, more so - they appeared in my in-box the same day that the car's famous driver, ex-Mitsubishi WRC boss Andrew Cowan, passed away. RIP, Andrew Cowan, motorsports legend. U M P H (uppermioddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) Photos by Winnie.

I'm no Kombi expert.  However, this lovely example would appear to be one of the earlier versions, being as it is fitted with only a single rear brake / tail light lens per side.  It's as basic as they come, featuring sliding front windows and a very spartan interior.  Just how I like 'em!  U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

This very, very funky Triumph Herald was an absolute treat, having been fitted with some cool Bathurst Globe  wheels, a lovely wooden sports steering wheel and a touch of faux ocelot (a big cat of some description, anyway) on its driver's racing harness.  It was straight, clean, rust free and looked great with deep, lustrous cream over maroon duco and red and white interior.     U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

Pre-restoration, at Ed's Anyone who has followed the Australian rally scene will know about Ed Ordynski and his exploits in Galant VR4s and Lancer Evos during the 1990s.  Like most rally drivers, Ed began in club-based competition, initially campaigning a Corolla in South Australian events i n the mid-1970s  before following the well-trodden path into Datsun 1600s and ultimately going on to become a four-time winner of the Australian  Group N Rally Championship, amongst other accolades*.   One of Ed's Datsun 1600s (internet image -  Rallysport Magazine ) Apparently, Ed has donated one of his three Datsun 1600 rally cars to a South Australian  motorsports museum.  I would love to see it the next time I'm in SA!  There is, however, another ex-Ordynski vehicle that I know for a fact is now residing a little closer to home and that I'm very confident of not only seeing, but taking a ride in some time soon.   The ...

The October 2019 edition of Classic by the Beach, southern Tasmania's best free car show, was well up to its usual high standard with cars from all eras, countries and manufacturers on display.  The weather was pleasant, there were plenty of attendees and the backdrop was, as it always is, lovely!  Please enjoy the following photos!     U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au).