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Random # 192: Chevrolet Stationwagon (in Which UMPH Posits an Alternative Theory on American Car-Styling Whilst Simultaneously Defending Batman's Sexuality)

According to the owner of this magnificent Chev wagon, about one million of them were produced in the USA.  Sadly, they're now a bit of a rarity, making this example even more special. A lot has been written about American car styling in the 1950s and 60s, with many people theorising links between the designers' penchant for tail-fins and the so-called Space-Race .  UMPH isn't so sure ; he reckons there was something Gothic afoot, at least in the earlier manifestations of the style, as evidenced by the almost hearse-like profile of the car shown here and its horizontal, wing-like, rear fins.  If that's not enough to for you to think this theory is at least plausible, consider the Batmobile. And not the ridiculous re-make Batmobiles, either!  The real one, driven by the one true Batman, Adam West !!   Now, is this Gothic or a land-bound space ship?  It's Gothic.  It just is.  The name of Batman's home town, Gotham City, might just be a clue, to

Random # 191: Morgan Three-Wheeler

UMPH aims for honesty in his car-related writing, preferring to rely largely on his own knowledge and what he can glean from the proud owners of featured vehicles, so he's not even going to pretend to know much about Morgan three-wheelers.  Instead, he invites you to enjoy the attached photos of a lovely example of the model spotted in Hobart in early 2018 and, if you want to know more about it, suggests you visit Wikipedia via the attached link:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_3-Wheeler .   U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) All iPhone images.

Random # 190: XC Ford Fairmont GXL Sedan

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.

Random # 189: Old-School Ford Capri

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.

Random # 188: Hillman Hunter Sedan

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.

Classics by the Beach: Sunday the 7th of January, 2018

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