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North West AutoMarty


Marty

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I prefer the early cars....Much sharper 8)

Is it fair to say that people nearly always prefer the earlier versions of cars? I keep seeing people say that. Despite any improvements that might have been made mechanically, people still seem to prefer the earlier ones visually. Maybe that's somehow linked to the fact that if we like the car then our fondness extends mostly to the first version that caught our attention. Also we probably see the earlier ones less so they seem more refreshing? Is that it?

 

Certainly goes for me R14, the BX as mentioned, SL's fromer Datsun 180B, must be loads more.....

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I'd agree with you, surely it's only in that first version that you get what the designer intended - most times the facelift just adds stuff to try and bring it into line with more recent stuff, yet the basic shape is still there underneath. Marina or Ital anybody? This era was probably worst - you've got the 70's designs which makers tried to update with sloping plastic grilles, big bumpers and the like. Datsun did it on most of their's :cry: Only one that really worked was C230 200L with round lights getting twin rectangular lights.Perhaps we should be positive? Rather than think of the rubbish examples, let's call up a few good ones - Cortina MkIV to Cortina 80 (MkV) was good IMO.As you point out though, often the facelift model has some handy mechanical upgrades/revisions when the maker realised they'd bodged the first version - Escort Mk5 to the 'punched under the chin' look version, for example. Final ovaloid version of Escort probably better still (relatively speaking of course).

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You're right. Loads of examples come to mind, Fiats 500, 126, 127, Alfasuds, especially the early Sprint, and the list goes on. And though I'm no fan, just look at how the later MGBs were ruined not just by placcy bumpers, but also by US import regs about headlights , the solution to which was to raise the suspension height! However, on the subject of headlights, I do think the later Lancia Fulvias with the UK spec raised outer headlights looked really cool.

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Im ashamed to say I prefer the Mini Clubman nose to the original, and I prefer the Maestro to the Allagro (and I have owned both).I like cars designed by people with rulers and set squares and who wear kipper ties.

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I always thought Capri 2 to Capri 3 was an example of a successful facelift, too.

Until You metioned the Capri 3 Mr.Welfare, I couldn't think of a SINGLE facelift that I prefer over the original, but You're right there, the Capri 3 is a fine looking car....Nicer than both 1 & 2 IMHO.... :)

 

I suppose in keeping with their status as the kings of Shite, it's definately the French Facelift that offends me most....Off the top of my head I can think of Renaults 9, 11, 12, 18, 21, 25, Espace....Citroen GS/GSA BX CX....Peugeot 205, and Talbot Alpine/Solara....All of which lose a little appeal for me once they've been facelifted, and definately by the time the tacky end of production "Limited Editions" arrive! :)

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Agree with both SL, Carlton Mk1 always looked a bit odd frontwise to me. But the equivalent Rekord looked much better (obviously)! :lol::lol: Mk2 Grannie I think just about counts as a pretty extensive reskin, apparently the centre section (apart from the back of the roof) is the same. Early Mk2s really give me the horn, especially the 2.8iS. That bloke in Essex ('Affordable Fords') has had a white T-plater for ages that I would be well tempted to take a punt on if he still has it come Spring.

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That bloke in Essex ('Affordable Fords') has had a white T-plater for ages that I would be well tempted to take a punt on if he still has it come Spring.

He probably will, given the prices he charges! :shock:

 

He has TWO Tickford Capris at the mo....Now, where did I put that spare nine grand? :)

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I should add - the usual excuses from me too - lack of space, funds and spousal consent also. :( Neighbours probably wouldn't appreciate the finer points of the 'unusual' design - specially as it would be all they could see from their front window!

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  • 5 weeks later...

Deja Fu* - Spied my old Rover up on Fleebay:

 

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Who says old Rovers dont hold their value? I paid £4K for this 11 years ago - and the garage bought it back off me 14 weeks later for the same price (long story)

 

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*Deja Fu - the feeling you have had your head kicked in before....

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  • 4 weeks later...

Recent spottings - shite kwolity photos though due to nakia camera phone.

 

D plate Maestro 1.6L

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D Plate Grananadenada

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Whats under this tarp?

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Lovely

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Even better

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Ohhhh, marvelous a Moggie Marina Van

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Then I returned to my car and found this near by..

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And someone had relieved me of my stereo, and speakers - bastar......

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  • 1 month later...

Dunno I wondered that - I hung around for as long as I could hoping to catch the owner (lots of car club badges on the front) but he didnt show up and by the time I had seen all my patients and come out again he was gone....

Date of Liability 01 03 2007Date of First Registration 29 07 1983Year of Manufacture 1976Cylinder Capacity (cc) 1722CCCO2 Emissions Not AvailableFuel Type PetrolExport Marker Not ApplicableVehicle Status Licence Not DueVehicle Colour BLACK

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