Spottedlaurel

Fantastic to see it getting to this stage, it must be very satisfying. I'm sure I'd be rushing to get it finished, your patience is admirable.

Yes, some great stuff to be seen in those photos. Predictably I was particularly on the lookout for Japanese stuff, found 3-4 Daihatsu Charades. I liked this shot, not just for the Datsun content: https://victoryguy.smugmug.com/Northern-Scottish-Omnibuses/i-k2dHcXB/A

There is someone around my way who uses one quite regularly, seen it out and about a few times in the last year. Shiny brown A-reg, must be a known car.

Excellent! Likewise, '88 Sunny has been accepted for the concours. Now means I've got to make more of an effort to get it ready, which to be honest it does deserve.

It's reminded me of this oddity I saw back in 2010, last MoT expired in 2016 and no longer on DVLA so presume scrapped: 1998 Ford Tracer 1.3 (Mazda 323) + 1991 Ford Sierra 1.6 Laser estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Believed to have come from South Africa.

Did John Childs ever sell Sao? I know of them as they took my Laurel in as a part-ex against a Perodua in 2008, and Streetview shows they still had old Dacia and Yugo signage in place as recently as 2016. The sort of place that would have tried Sao....

Excellent stuff Nigel. Fantastic that it managed to survive and now has a future.

Driving a Mini amongst the big stuff must have been somewhat daunting at times. That tent looks surprisingly modern.

Well done for persevering with it!

Some excellent stuff above. I have a few, in no particular order...... Triumph 2000 Mk1, Woodham Walter early 1980s by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr 1962/63 Jaguar Mark 2, mid-late 1970s by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr 1984 Austin Metro Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr These belonged to grandparents on my dad's side. Wish I had a photo of the E-Type he owned alongside Gran having the Mark 2 - it was a tatty coupe which got used for taking hay down to the horses. In the past I believe he had all sorts of interesting/sporty stuff. Metro van was a gift to them after their succession of older heaps, they had it from new until it rotted away. My other Grandad was no car enthusiast, as I think will be evident from photos below, but he did take a few photos so I've been lucky to acquire a reasonable record of what he had. Grandad's Austin 12/4 (?) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr 1965 Morris Oxford at 21 Runsell View, Danbury c.1970 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr 1972 Morris Marina 1.3 Coupe (#1) + Farina + Horse by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Rubbish photo of the Marina - the first of four - but it's the only one I have. 1974 Morris Marina 1.8 Saloon (#2) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr 1974 Morris Marina 1.8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr 1977 Morris Marina 1.8 Special (#3) at Mexborough, late 1970s by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr 1979 Morris Marina 1.7 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Marina, Wolseley and Talbot Alpine at Attleborough 1980? by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr The Wolseley belonged to an uncle, it was part-exchanged against an FSO and DVLA says it's on SORN. Haven't been unable to unearth photos of the Astra estate and pair of Orions which followed the above, but a later Sapphire makes an appearance: Sierra Sapphire at Bicknacre, 1991? by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Sierra Sapphire at Runsell View, Danbury, Essex 1991? by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr He was never going to go anywhere that day, but still cleared the driveway and got it out of the garage. An early one from my dad: Ford Anglia 100E, Essex c.1967 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Possibly his first proper car after scooters and an Isetta.

I think it was only a couple of weeks since I last visited a local charity shop, but when I popped in there yesterday they had more stuff to tempt me: I would only have gone for the three older Superfasts, but my son wanted to buy a HW car so I got the two '90s Matchbox to make up the quantity (£1 each, two for £3). I have MIB examples of all three of the old ones, so if anyone wants them for what they cost me plus postage let me know. The Marzal has faded a lot, but is nice for being the early version with skinny wheels. Various HWs (and a solitary Matchbox) acquired over the last year or so:

Some great updates on here over the last few days. Particularly pleased that Sam went for the Majorette transporter. I have one or two of their other commercials in that scale and they're very pleasing things - that one will look great with a set of their 1/60-ish cars on the back. I've been a bit limited on my purchasing this year, just a few HWs and these odds and ends: Patrol breakdown truck and delightful Simca + trailer both purchased through AS - thanks! Anyone want the Crown Vic as a project? I only bought it to make up a quantity. I also got this blue Majorette Hilux a little while ago, but it's a bit of a puzzler when I compare it to the orange one I already had: Parts of the casting are identical, but it's lost some detail like the door shuts and it has a different number. The way the baseplate has been altered looks like they've just gone over the top of the previous number and "MADE IN FRANCE" text. Can anyone shed light on this small mystery? Did they produce cheaper versions outside France?

There was enough there to keep us occupied for the middle part of the day. They were relaxed about people coming and going whenever, so we didn't have to commit to the whole thing. Perhaps we should try and organise something for a few of us next year?

Market Jew Street, Penzance old postcard mid 1970s by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Aircraft carrier taxi and Dutch-registered Mini amongst a pleasing variety of stuff here. Maybe a Rediffusion Escort van too? The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds old postcard early 1970s by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr Line-painting the old way. Swedish exotica too, with a SAAB 96 and what is thought to be a Volvo P1800.

Local show visited yesterday. Something about having one on a Saturday that makes it feel a bit more informal. I wasn't the only ASer there, Colin had bought his splendid Cortina along and it was great to catch up with him. I think the owner of this lovely Cavalier is/was a member here too. Quite a mix of stuff in attendance, the club who'd organised it have a membership with a wide range of 'proper' racing cars and classics. Some modern hi-po stuff there too. Good to see cars with plenty of patina there, like these: My photos don't do the Alvis justice (a 1948 TA14 apparently). It was certainly a car with character. At the other extreme, there were things like a 1906 Darracq with copious amounts of brass and wickerwork and this immaculate FG with just 32k on the clock. An enjoyable trip out. In other news, I'm currently pricing-up new tyres for a couple of members of my fleet. Turns out I can get a full set of four fitted to the Sunny for less than the price of just one preferred choice of Michelin on the RX.....