Upper Middle Petrol Head:

This 1968-9  HK Holden panel van is a prime example of what was, by the late 1970s to early '80s, fondly known as a "shaggin' wagon."  The origins of these iconic machines have their basis in Aussie surf culture, as vividly portrayed in Kathy Lette's 1981 coming of age novel,  Puberty Blues .   The phenomenon began simply enough with surfers' use of panel vans and station wagons - anything from VW Kombis through to Holdens, Fords and Chryslers - as mobile change rooms, and simple but comfortable beachside accommodation in which they could sleep or pursue other horizontal activities.  Early examples were simple affairs: a roof rack for the 'boards, a foam mattress, and curtains, but only if your mother was prepared to sew them.    They weren't status symbols at first, with older - and thus cheaper - ex-tradie vehicles being all the rage.  It was the sea, not the road, that early adopters worshipped.   However, by the late 1970s, a ne...

  This very, very tough Falcon hardtop - brought to us courtesy of the South East Queensland correspondent - has me a little confused.  It has the front-end and interior of an XC (1976 - '79), but the personalised rego - 75 EXB - suggests that it's an XB (1973 - '76).   The 1952 FX ute shown above and below also oozes toughness!  To me, it's nailed the restomod thing beautifully, combining a largely unmolested shell - save the insertion of some quite tasteful tail lights -  a striking orange paint job, perfect bright-work, and a really, really nicely retrimmed interior.  It's not obvious what mechanical upgrades it's received, although there are definitely some front discs peeking out from behind its cool five spokes alloy wheels. Did you enjoy these photos?  If so, you can see more of the South East Queensland's Correspondent's work here at  https://aureliatheitalianproject.blogspot.com/ .  Click the link to follow progress on his ...

I've been waiting to capture this lovely Saab 900 Turbo for a very, very long time, often seeing it while its owner does coffee not far from UMPH HQ and I  simultaneously  do something else that precludes stopping to make a closer inspection.  Fortunately, the opportunity to properly ogle one of the most original examples of the highly innovative Swedish marque in Tasmania finally arrived at the February, 2022, installment of Classics by the Beach at Hobart's Sandy Bay. The car is strikingly original, featuring the super-classic Saab snowflake wheels (I don't know if that's what they're officially called or colloquially known as, but how could they not have attracted that moniker?), TURBO badging, headlight wipers, a sunroof, rear spoiler, a nifty three-spoke steering wheel that's vaguely reminiscent of a Momo Monte Carlo , an unusual but not unattractive green interior and the quirkiest seatbelt buckles I've ever seen.  The duco and interior are first rate...