Upper Middle Petrol Head:

This lovely 4.9 litre (302 cubic inch) V8-powered Fairmont has got it all:  classic Coke-bottle styling, great condition, period features (a vinyl roof, mesh sun-visor and rear-window Venetians), as well as having been optioned-up with bonnet scoops and very classy factory-fitted alloy wheels.  The interior was luscious, too ; the velour upholstery was unmarked, the dash wasn't cracked and the centre console set of the T-bar shift very nicely indeed.   It was easily as good as the best example UMPH could find on the 'net when he was researching the model, matching it in specification and condition.  Have a look at this and see if he's wrong:   https://www.shannons.com.au/auctions/2007-shannons-sydney-summer-classic-auction/F5520FX7SD7YME18/ ! U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

This early 1970s Ford Capri might've been really beautiful, had it not been for the grotesque scoop that dominates its bonnet and ruins the entire shape of the car.  It's also been blighted with some ludicrously thin - motorcycle-like, almost - front wheels.  Such a pity. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

Thanks go to Jo, owner of this magnificent Hillman Hunter, for allowing UMPH to snap off a quick few pictures of her recently acquired pride and joy.  It's clear that Jo's been well and truly caught the classic car bug.  When asked what attracted her to the car, her answer was simple: because new cars are rubbish!  UMPH couldn't have said it better himself!!     U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

The 2018 classic car scene got off to a ripper start with a bumper turn-out at the year's first Classics by the Beach gathering at Hobart's Sandy Bay.  The weather was perfect, the cars were superb and the whole event had an almost carnival atmosphere as owners, enthusiasts and passers-by enjoyed the spectacle.   As usual, the cars featured in this month's UMPH post are just a small sample of the many excellent vehicles on display and were photographed mainly because they're either new to the event or haven't previously been been shown on this 'blog.  There have been, quite literally, hundreds of fabulous classics on display each and every first Sunday of the month gathering that are depicted in earlier editions (just search Classics by the Beach in the top right hand corner of the UMPH home page to find them).   This excellent XA Ford Fairmont was in amazingly good nick with straight, rust-free panels, lustrous metallic duco, an unblemished interio