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Showing posts from January 14, 2018

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.