Spotted's Spottings (2024 France holiday #5 06/10/2024)

[Skizzer]

^ WHS.

 

SpottedLaurel's spots RULE.

[EssDeeWon]

Great Spots Mr Laurel!

[wuvvum]

Those two big Humbers have lived at that house for as long as I can remember, getting gradually shonkier with time - I still see the earlier one driving around occasionally.  He also has - or had - an estate under a tarp on the drive.

 

A bit further up on the same stretch is a house that has had a succession of old Alfas rotting away outside - first a '70s GTV, which must have completely returned to nature by now, then a 75, then a wide-body 155.

 

 

It's just occurred to me that this must officially be the oldest active thread on Autoshite.  Unless somebody knows different???

[Spottedlaurel]

Thanks all!

 

Those two big Humbers have lived at that house for as long as I can remember, getting gradually shonkier with time - I still see the earlier one driving around occasionally.  He also has - or had - an estate under a tarp on the drive.

 

A bit further up on the same stretch is a house that has had a succession of old Alfas rotting away outside - first a '70s GTV, which must have completely returned to nature by now, then a 75, then a wide-body 155.

 

 

It's just occurred to me that this must officially be the oldest active thread on Autoshite.  Unless somebody knows different???

 

I don't remember the Alfas, missed out there. I do recall there may have been something else at the Humber house, possibly even visible on my photo?

 

Perhaps when all my updating is done I'll go back and replace the dead links on older photos. That should keep me busy/not doing things that I really should be getting on with.

 

I think we were back to 2012?

 

1974/75 Ford Transit Mk1 Dropside by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1980/81 Ford Transit Mk2 SWB Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1981 Ford Transit Mk2 1.6 Clubmobil by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1978 Ford Transit Mk2 Custom 'Motown Gold' by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ford Transit Mk3 line-up by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Transit show action. Not something I'd intended to go to, but it was on the next field at Billing.

 

1969 VW 1200 Beach Buggy by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Would be fun for about three days a year.

 

Ford Escort XR3i and Volvo 480ES by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Variety.

 

1990 Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 1.6L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Solid arches! Still on the road it would seem, with the MoT check thing saying it'd done 142k at its last test. My Flickr description reminds me that I "got into a rather odd conversation with a passerby about magnetic pulses caused by solar flares".

 

Norfolk scrapyard miscellany #3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Norfolk scrapyard miscellany #2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A different yard to the usual one, and something unexpectedly brown to be seen. Seems to have a bit of a sagging headlining issue.

 

1985 Nissan 1800 Pickup (720) Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This has since been restored and converted back to being a pickup.

 

1970 Hillman Hunter 1725 GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

More Arrow content.

 

1969 Triumph 1300 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Missing moody owner.

 

1972 Toyota Crown Custom Coupe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1996 Toyota Cavalier Coupe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1980 Toyota Crown Super Saloon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1978 Toyota Hiace Rio Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1991 Toyota Camry V6 GX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1995 Toyota Camry V6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1989 Honda Civic CRX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

An excessive number of show photos by my own guidelines, but worth it? Saw a CRX on the move yesterday with elderly owner.

 

1988 Saab 9000i by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Tidemark not doing a lot of good here.

 

Laurel and equally square housing by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Always on the lookout for backdrops when I'm driving around. These houses were due for demolition.

 

1993 Citroen BX TZD Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Little surprise to find this has been scrapped since 2012. I saw the local BX hatchback again in the week.

 

1969 Triumph Herald 13/60 Convertible by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

In the same car park, with extra K-reg estate content. It torments me to see photos of the Camry in use, but one day it will go back on the road again.

 

1993 Toyota Camry 2.2GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sorry, more of them. If you've owned one you'll understand.

 

1989 Ford Orion 1.6 Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1990 Ford Escort 1.4LX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ah, the heady days of 2012 when things like this could be found on the same day. Not going to happen with this pair though, both seem to have been scrapped (or at least been taken off the road).

 

1989 Nissan Bluebird 2.0GSXi (T72) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

It's that Bluebird again. Do like a good car-port, something to be considered in the future. And crazy paving.

 

1983 Mercedes 300D (W123) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Mercedes Benz W123 Convertible by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Same colour, different countries. Segueing into the 2012 French vacation, have this Belgian oddity (with curiously headless/collapsed driver). That year's holiday spots to follow in the next installment.

[RobT]

Cracking spots as always, cheers.  Nice bit of old M&S shop frontage there too, must be in a posh area!

[Spottedlaurel]

More:

 

French Spot of the week?! Mazda E1600 Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was initially a bit of a mystery to me.

 

Mazda E1600 UK brochure scan by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Turned out to be an early version of this model (so would have round headlights). Anyone remember these from back in the day?

 

Renault 11 TXE + F6 vans by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 25 GTS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A few older Renaults around, obviously.

 

Peugeot 403 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Do like the painted plate.

 

Seat Ibiza by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Good to see normal black plates too, getting rarer.

 

Peugeot 104S 5dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 309 5dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen BX Millesime by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Skoda Favorit LX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Netted this lot all in the same car park. These Mutant supermarkets are clearly something to be looked out for (can't recall seeing any/many others though).

 

Citroen Mehari by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A jaunty, appropriately nautical colour scheme here.

 

Peugeot D4/D4B Van + MF 165 tractor by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Battered Fiat tractor by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Rural charm.

 

Citroen CX (GTi?) + C15 van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Only CX photographed that year.

 

Citroen Teilhol Tangara Dune by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Nice change from a Mehari. I believe it might have come to a UK show later not long afterwards. I think they saw me......

 

Fiat Croma 2.0TDi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

VW Passat GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 9 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Can’t exactly recall where this was, but not the smartest area of not the smartest seaside town.

 

1967-69 Peugeot 404 Injection Convertible by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Have a rather chic Peugeot to finish off this lot.

[Spottedlaurel]

Cracking spots as always, cheers.  Nice bit of old M&S shop frontage there too, must be in a posh area!

 

Bury St Edmunds, dead posh....

 

Citroen BX Estate Phase 1 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Apparently this is a Leader and really quite rare as a Phase 1 estate.

 

Citroen Visa Leader by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Nearly ran over a dog in this village.

 

Renault 21 Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I stopped for the Turbo and the other 21 handily pulled-in.

 

VW Jetta Beach by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Isn't a mouldy grey VW Jetta the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a beach?

 

Ford Escort 1.6 Mk4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Carrefour catastrophe.

 

Peugeot J9 high-roof van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 18GTL Type 2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another seaside town visit.

 

Bedford (?) CF280D Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Over-bodied.

 

Nissan Vanette Coach (C220) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Over-optimistic judgement of stopping distance.

 

Renault 5 Courtesy Car by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Beautiful downtown Sangatte.

 

Bit of a short holiday that year, so back to the domestic stuff......

 

1978 Toyota Cressida auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Known car on here I think. Where is it now?

 

1971 Mercedes 350SL £4950 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Early one.

 

1968 Morris 6cwt Pickup Conversion by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Was once a van?

 

1986 Nissan Cherry 1.3GS (N12) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Just needs T-Cut. I had previously seen this towing a Laguna and ended up meeting the owner, a local mechanic who came with a chap to buy some Camry panels off me.

 

1963 Vauxhall Victor Deluxe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another Victor with a bit of character.

 

1994 Rover Maestro 700L Diesel Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Pensioned-off former Rover dealership parts chaser.

 

1986 Vauxhall Belmont 1.6GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was rotting away at the same garage.

 

1974 Datsun 100A 4dr (E10) 1-owner from new by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I hope the old chap who has this is OK, he's had it from new. Now on SORN and off-road since 2013, and little surprise when it's mileage was dwindling such that it only did 73 miles between the last two tests. Must go that way again soon.

 

1983 Peugeot 104GR by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I'll finish with a photo of something that I didn't see at all, but Mrs SL did and she kindly got this shot for me. It's unlikely she'll start a thread here herself......

[Bucketeer]

Excellent spots.

I also appreciate that you go the extra mile and crouch to take many of the photos. Unless you're very small. I'm 6'5" and my knees aren't willing to take one for the team so a lot of my pics look like they're satellite images or have been taken from the upstairs of a double decker bus or something. I've noticed that quite a few of Barrett's spots seem to have been taken from a crouched position in the middle of the road too.

Great commitment all round. Much appreciated.

[RoadworkUK]

The usual degree of excellence exhibited here. I must up my shonk-recording game.

[Spottedlaurel]

Excellent spots.

I also appreciate that you go the extra mile and crouch to take many of the photos. Unless you're very small. I'm 6'5" and my knees aren't willing to take one for the team so a lot of my pics look like they're satellite images or have been taken from the upstairs of a double decker bus or something. I've noticed that quite a few of Barrett's spots seem to have been taken from a crouched position in the middle of the road too.

Great commitment all round. Much appreciated.

 

 

Ta. Digital camera = no crouching (unless I'm wanting to be particularly artistic). No, I'm not especially short.

 

 

The usual degree of excellence exhibited here. I must up my shonk-recording game.

 

Thanks Chris. You're in the best possible area for it, I need to find an excuse to visit again at some point.

 

A quick few more before I go out in the sunshine and mess around with my own rubbish:

 

1983 Vauxhall Chevette GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I think the owner and a friend have quite a few Vauxhalls between them.

 

1985 Ford Fiesta 1.3L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Smart.

 

1967 Reliant Regal Supervan by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Supervan in non-Trotters replica shock.

 

1982 VW Polo GL Classic by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Owner got in touch after seeing my photo on Flickr, they'd apparently had it for a few years and had deliberately kept it standard. They were looking to sell it, so wonder if the same is now true or whether the inevitable has happened?.....

 

1974 Triumph 2000 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Purposeful look.

 

1978 Lincoln Continental Diamond Jubilee Edition by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

The Laurel isn't exactly the most curvaceous car on the road, but I felt distinctly out-squared by this beast.

 

1971 Buick Le Sabre by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1971 Buick Le Sabre by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Lovely! The sort of American car I'd be choosing (though ideally I'd go for a 4dr hardtop, but still from this '67-72 era). Owner had bought it in the US and done a road trip before bringing it home. Came up for sale a while later, but rather beyond my means.

 

1989/90 Vauxhall Belmont L - After by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Off with its head.

 

1982 Triumph Acclaim HLS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

My new Sunny is quite reminiscent of how our old Acclaim felt to drive.

 

1983 Mazda 323 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This has probably made an appearance on here in the past. Was old lady owned and I had a chat with her about it. Got a call from her family after she passed away but the timing wasn't right for me and it ended up here a while later. Have seen it on the road since, though DVLA says now on SORN.

 

1989 Audi 100 2.2E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1990 Audi 100 2.3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1990 Audi 100 2.2E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Went through a spate of seeing these. Do like them though, so no hardship there.

 

Baylham Garage, nr Ipswich (ex-Yugo dealership) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Former Yugo dealership, I think they may also have done Subaru.

 

1988 Toyota Camry 2.0GLi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Young-ish lad had inherited this from his grandfather. They do seem to rot, more so than the later models, but I'd still have a tidy one.

 

1974 Volvo 145DL 2.0 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Headlight wipers! May have uploaded an on-the-move shot of this before.

 

Must go, playtime.

[michael t]

Wonderful stuff, some excellent chod in there

[rrsix]

Top spotting. I'm intrigued by the Tom Walkinshaw Racing graphic on the back on the well loved* 323 however.

[Jon]

"I'll just post up over a dozen more cars before I pop out to do something else..."

 

Show off! Much appreciated, as always.

[Spottedlaurel]

Cheers. Not long to go until I'm up-to-date with my backdating exercise however.

 

Top spotting. I'm intrigued by the Tom Walkinshaw Racing graphic on the back on the well loved* 323 however.

 

I can only think the rear spoiler justified the sticker.

 

Very brief catch-up with recent stuff:

 

Trabant 601 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

NotAE86BerlinWallU2MichaelHasselhoff

 

1982 Ford Cortina 1.6 Crusader by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire 1.8 GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Thought-provoking (to me at least) that only eight years separates these two.

 

1997 Quantum 2+2 Convertible by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Quantum Leap.

 

Back to early 2012 now, dawdling into the latter days of 2011:

 

1990 Jaguar Sovereign 4.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Passed its last MoT in 2009 without any great drama, so don't know what took it off the road in 2010.

 

1981 Bedford CF2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Hello, what's that in the background?

 

Moskvich Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

FSO Polonez and others by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Landcrab, Hunter and BMC JU van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

CF, Transit and Thames by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I have uploaded photos from here before, but I went back with a better camera. Not sure if they're still there, I need to go that way again but it's a bit off the beaten track.

 

1988 Vauxhall Astra 1.3L Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not content with the Belmont, another local fire station had this in their cage of doom.

 

Yes! Got it at last... 1993 Toyota Carina E Taxi, Diss by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

One of a pair that were still working. Only managed to get a photo of this one, well-timed too as it came off the road when it failed its MoT later in 2012. Almost 280k on the clock.

 

1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 3.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Local toyfair always brings something out.

 

1988 Mazda 323 1.5GLX Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Be like Hirst, but more practical.

 

1981 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Base (LHD) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Wrong-hand drive.

 

1992 Ford Sierra Sapphire 1.6i LX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1991 Honda Civic 1.4GL + early '90s friends by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Back to the '90s. These from the memorable day when I went to the Essex Riviera and bought a load of magazines off a peculiar family. Trigger went the same day and reckoned they'd got dog food in their casserole.

 

1991 Renault 21 Savanna 2.0 GTX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Happy to say this one still has T&T, although I haven't seen it myself.

 

1996 Daewoo Nexia GLXi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1996 Daewoo Nexia GLXi Saloon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

One of my very first posts contained a Nexia. That photo's gone, so have these two instead.

 

1980 Ford Cortina 1.6L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I'll wrap things up for now with this rather eerie shot.

[trigger]

Another fantastic update as always, I remember that family with the magazines, it was one of those rare occasions that you had to wipe your feet on the way out, they all sat there eating their dog food whilst transfixed to the Tele and didn't even look up once at us!

[Lord Sterling]

Brilliant spots those. Carina reminds me of teenage days when my mate used to borrow his parents Carina. It was a cracking car, solid, fast etc... Just a great all rounder.

 

Many of the taxi drivers from Birmingham used to reminisce over the Carina.

[matty879]

I wish to apply for the position of sidekick shitespotter to spottedlaurel,if the position doesn't exist please create it.i view this thread with awe.

[Spottedlaurel]

I wish to apply for the position of sidekick shitespotter to spottedlaurel,if the position doesn't exist please create it.i view this thread with awe.

 

My family fill that role sometimes, but thank you for the offer!

 

 

Brilliant spots those. Carina reminds me of teenage days when my mate used to borrow his parents Carina. It was a cracking car, solid, fast etc... Just a great all rounder.

 

Many of the taxi drivers from Birmingham used to reminisce over the Carina.

 

Thanks. Our P-reg Carina E was a great family car, and as I often mention is still giving good service to father-in-law.

 

 

Another fantastic update as always, I remember that family with the magazines, it was one of those rare occasions that you had to wipe your feet on the way out, they all sat there eating their dog food whilst transfixed to the Tele and didn't even look up once at us!

 

It was worth it for the excuse of a trip to the Essex coast in December (it snowed at one point) and the excellent haul of magazines I got from them. Could have formed a collection thread in its own right, so 4+ years late this is what else I saw:

 

1990 Mitsubishi Colt 1.5GLX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Love the steels on this.

 

1989 Ford Escort 1.6 Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1992 Ford Sierra Sapphire 2.0GLSi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Volvo 164 + Ford Sierra XR4i by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1961 Ford Consul by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1991 Rover Metro Clubman 1.3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1989 Austin Metro 1.0L 5dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Frinton Court, The Esplanade, Frinton-on-Sea by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I do like this place. More than one Camry in shot....

 

Esplanade Court, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Forlorn house in Essex and Rover 620 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Former Coronation Garage Toyota, Kirby Cross, Essex by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Was saddened to find the former Coronation Garage, purveyor of Toyotas to the elderly and genteel, was closed after being taken over.

 

Not bad for one day out a week before Christmas, if I do say so myself.

 

1993 Ford Fiesta 1.3 Courier wheelchair conversion by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not sure if I've seen a Fiesta-based one before (or since, for that matter).

 

1989 Saab 9000i by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Strange brown/pink/purple colour.

 

1985 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6GL Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1985 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6GL Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1985 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6GL Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A triple-shotter! Sadly seems to have been taken off the road since my late 2011 photos.

 

I think that's me updated now. As and when I'll try and reinstate some of the older shots and of course I'll add new ones, but it's certainly getting harder to find enough for a regular update.

 

I might have had a similar thread on here before, but I think I'll start something for my old scanned photos at some point soon.

[Jon]

Wow, that Cav estate is hanging! No wonder it didn't see the road much longer but a shame nonetheless. With the passing on of our family one to some local lad back in York and me giving the Camira wagon away, I reckon I'm officially 'over' these, unless a cheap mint one turns up at some point when I have the funds and space for it.

 

Funnily enough, I took a nice back roads trip this weekend just gone and apart from a few spots, a lot of photos taken were of interesting old buildings, so I may intersperse a few amongst the cars in my updates. Happy to say that I've amassed quite a bit of content recently!

[Spottedlaurel]

Nothing too exciting in this update, I am finding that there is slowly and inevitably less and less of interest to get the camera out for.

 

A couple of Alvises/Alvii or whatever:

 

1967 Alvis TF21 3-Litre Series IV by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1953 Alvis TA21 3.0 Drophead Coupe by Tickford by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sadly the TF seemed to be getting perilously close to suffering an FTP. It was going rather slowly and after I’d got past I saw it again later with a huge queue of 8am A140 traffic stuck behind it, but certainly didn’t look like they were going to give up. I hope they got to their destination OK, or at least got the problem sorted.

 

1978 Peugeot J7 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot J7 Catering Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

J7s, the new H Vans?

 

Citroen H Vans by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

And the overpriced originals.

 

1991 Ford Escort 1.6 Ghia Auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Until about 10 years ago this was quite a low mileage example, now it’s a long distance daily driver with over 170k on the clock. I sometimes see it quite a distance from where I believe its owner lives. Had a bit of a list at this year’s MoT and I wondered whether they’d bother with it, but the work has been done.

 

1984 Ford Granada 2.8i Ghia X auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

At a local garage. Good to see it’s avoided the dreaded chrome arch additions.

 

1998 Hyundai Lantra Sorrento 2.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1999 Hyundai Coupe 2.0 F2 Evolution by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I could recall neither of these special edition models.

 

1984 Triumph Acclaim HL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Thanks to my sister for sending me this one.

 

1995 Lexus LS400 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Classy. Just a shame about the rear plate position/font.

 

1973 Rover 3.5 Litre Coupe P5B by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ditto, but on the plate size.

 

1990 AMX07 Astonish by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not seen one of these before.

 

More to follow…….

[Spottedlaurel]

1985 Ford Fiesta XR2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Tidy.

 

1973 Citroen DS (1986cc) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Tide-y.

 

1975 Triumph 2000 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1993 VW Passat GL 1.9 Turbodiesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Do not wash.

 

1992 Nissan Micra 1.2 LX (K10) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Compare and contrast.

 

1982 Ford Fiesta 1.3 Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1969 Morris Minor 1000 'Pickup' by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

On the periphery of the Ipswich-Felixstowe Run. Might do a separate thread for stuff on the run itself one day, rather than clutter this one up.

 

1983 Mercedes 230E Auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I think this may be something to do with the place that sells optimistically-priced classics at Stowmarket.

 

1971 Austin 6/8cwt Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I think this was more rotten that it initially appeared.

 

1991 Citroen BX 19 GTi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Enthusiast-owned?

 

1991 Ford Fiesta Bonus II 1.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Look at the arch on it!

 

1991 Ford Fiesta Bonus II 1.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Oh, shame about the damage this side. Apparently only done 18k though.

 

1985 Ford Granada 2.8 GL Auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1988 Ford Fiesta 957cc Popular Plus by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Other Fords seen at other local garages.

 

1990 VW Golf 1.8 GL 4+E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sneaky shot by my son here. Driver has a bit of a Dollywobbler look going on?

 

1972 Morris Electric Truck (Morrison-Electricar) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This is/was in regular use, although I think it was awaiting attention at the time of my photo.

[Spottedlaurel]

Phew. Luckily (for me if nobody else) this thread hasn't disappeared during the recent bout of forum issues.

 

A brief update with day-to-day stuff seen recently. At some point soon I should have some French holiday stuff to come, and I'll also do something from last weekend's excellent shows. But for now......

 

1980 Ford Escort 1.3L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1980 Ford Escort 1.3L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not what I expected to see in a rainy, mid-week Tesco car park.

 

1997 Lexus GS300 Sport by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

10†wide rear wheels! I remember the days when this would be the preserve of jacked-up Ford Pop’s and the like, and the only tyres available were American.

 

1994 Renault Savanna RT 2.1TD Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1994 Renault 21 Savanna 1.7 RT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Double 21 spottage. Saw another one (previously photographed) on the road just a few days beforehand.

 

1986 Vauxhall Nova SR by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1991 Audi 80 2.0 SE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1989 Honda Accord Aerodeck 2.0 EXi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These were all on/connected with the SCCON Midsummer Classic Run that I took the Laurel on (and that ended up at Cars on the Green, which Trigger has previously covered). I really liked the Aerodeck, apparently the owner also has a Mk1 Prelude.

 

1990 Nissan Micra 1.0 LS (K10) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Still a few K10s seen out and about.

 

1995 Toyota Starlet Jeans 1.3i by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not the Jeans special edition I suspect most people would think of.

 

1988 Ford Capri 280 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I think this was seen on the same rainy day as the Mk2 Escort, equally unexpected.

 

1988 Austin Maestro 500 L Van (1.3 petrol) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was at the local auction and has apparently been purchased by someone Trigger knows.

 

1984 Ford Granada 2.3L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1984 Ford Granada 2.3L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

More Old Ford content. I believe it went for £2100 at an ACA sale a month or so before I saw it.

 

1973 Bedford CF 3.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1973 Bedford CF 3.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Back to 1981. I suspect it was passing through on its way to Latitude. Greengartside found me a link to this blog page about it, worth looking at for interior pic’s: http://bedfordcf2van.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/ebay-custom-73-bedford-cf-v6-camper-uk.html

 

1977 Ford Escort 1300 Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

To misquote the saying, there’s a bit of a round peg in a square hole thing going on with those aftermarket headlights.

 

1987 Toyota Space Cruiser by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1987 Toyota Space Cruiser by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Rather appropriately, this was seen the day after the Toyota show. Apparently the chap bought two Space Cruisers in the same weekend – he went down to London for one on Saturday but there was an issue with the V5 so, not wishing to be disappointed, he travelled onto Weston-Super-Mare and bought this one which had been on Car & Classic (and Gumtree?). On Sunday the V5 problem on the London one was resolved and he ended up buying that as well........

 

Hopefully next time I shall have a few things to show from France. Will I achieve the Holy Trinity of Citroen CX, Peugeot 604 and Renault 20/30 all on the same trip? Can I find another diesel Cedric? Every time I go I think there won't be as much to find, but I'm always pleasantly surprised.

[RoadworkUK]

I was rather looking forward to a further update and was by no means disappointed.

 

I used to pass that rally-edition Acclaim most days. I work from home now though so the daily commute isn't nearly so shite-filled.

[EssDeeWon]

Love that Spacey!  So 80s looking.  These have nearly all disappeared now.  Even early Previa's are thin on the ground.

[Spottedlaurel]

/\ Thanks!

 

I'm on my holiday in France at present, some amazing stuff seen this year (and I don't come home until Sunday PM). As I've started getting photos onto Flickr and I'll probably have more time now than when I get home, I may as well make a start.......

 

Day 1 - Dieppe to Le Mans.

 

Avoiding Dover or Calais gave us a nice easy start to the journey. The obvious, and probably quite well-travelled, route from Dieppe down to Le Mans is via Rouen, then picking up the A28. Those who've had the misfortune to get stuck/lost in Rouen before will avoid it and use the bridge to the west. We did that, and then stayed in the Normandy countryside and used N/D roads all the way, giving me lots of opportunities for photos:

 

Peugeot 309 XL Profil by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

First official French spot. May not be the rarest car, but it's a pre-facelift, low-spec 3dr on black plates so ticks quite a few boxes.

 

Mazda 323F GLX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Older Japanese non-4x4 stuff not so common, but so far I've seen four of these with the pop-up lights. Mazda and Honda seem slightly more common than equivalent Nissan or Toyota?

 

Peugeot 504 Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Seen a few of these this year (although no saloons or estates yet, and just a glimpse of a convertible which is a rather different kettle of poisson). The same stop also got me the next two shots....

 

Renault 5 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1968-72 Renault 16 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A couple of early entries on my virtual Renault bingo scorecard. From previous experience, 14,15, 17, 20 and 30 will be the tricky ones (I don't really count 3 or 7). The 16 was in a showroom.

 

Peugeot 305 GTX Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I forgot that French dogs 'go' pretty much anywhere, so when I stepped out to get this shot I stood in something that smelt unpleasant. Worth it though? Have seen several other estates, although no vans or saloons yet.

 

Fiat Croma 2.5TD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Only one I've seen of these so far. Do have one or two other interesting Italians to come though.

 

Rural French Garden by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Someone was living the dream here. Chickens, fruit, vegetables and a yard with a few cast-off cars and vans.

 

BMW 520 and Mercedes SL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Always been quite fond of that generation 5-Series. This one looked good on its steel wheels and trim rings.

 

Renault Trafic T800 and others by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Some more dream-living here. This was in a rather attractive area of Normandy I'd never visited before, and it seemed to be a closed-down garage that someone (retired proprietor?) was using to house their toys in.

 

Bedford CF2 350D Dropside by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Imagine clattering around the local villages in this thing, taking long lunch breaks and doing the odd bit of masonry every so often.

 

Ford Sierra 1.8TD Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Clean enough, but a bit of a bitsa.

 

Renault 5 (Laureate?) and Safrane by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

After this strong start on the 5, I haven't seen too many more everyday versions.

 

Renault 11 Broadway by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A few 11s still knocking about, but as yet not a single 9 seen (not even the grim-looking facelift).

 

Ford Fiesta Mk3 Fun by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

To quote Iggy Pop: No fun, my babe, no fun.

 

Fiat Palio Weekend by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Several of these seen. My Avensis next to it, doing exactly what it's meant to as spacious family transport - OK, not as wafty as an LS400 would be but still a good cruiser. Diesel at the supermarkets is usefully under £1/litre, even at the current exchange rate, so fuel costs are low.

 

Nissan Sunny Saloon (N14) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Misaligned.

 

Citroen Acadiane Vans x3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen BX 16 TRS and 14 RE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

French Scrap Miscellany by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Yard full of old stuff beside a rural new car dealership, Citroen in this case. France does this so well, and it's certainly not something we'd see in the UK (someone will now find an example to prove me wrong, but it's very rare).

 

Ford Transit Mk2 Pilote Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

It's been a particularly good year for Mk2 Transits.

 

1976 Cadillac Eldorado by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 4 F6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This contrasting pair were at the same garage. More Americana to come.

 

Ford Transit Mk2 Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

See, another Transit. This looks tiny compared to the size of most of the modern campers and motorhomes which clog up the roads anywhere vaguely touristy.

 

VW Polo Coupe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Fiat Uno by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 4 TL Savane by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Finally at Le Mans, the above all seen just a short stroll from the hotel. I suspect a thorough walk around the various nearby apartment blocks would have netted me many more photos.

 

More to follow.

[Spottedlaurel]

Day 2 - Le Mans to somewhere between Royan/Saintes (Pt 1).

 

Using the autoroutes I'm sure it would have been quite feasible to get to week one's destination in a day, but we like to take a leisurely approach. As for the day before, I think we avoided the autoroutes for the bulk of the journey and we certainly didn't go on a peage. So, lots more photos:

 

Citroen 2CV Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Toyota Previa GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A quick couple under my belt shortly after leaving the hotel.

 

At this point I'll leave out our visit to the museum at Le Mans, good as it was. So, continuing south....

 

Matra Simca Bagheera(?) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Pleasing to see one of these in use (sadly without all three seats filled).

 

Ford Sierra 1.6L Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Unshiny #1. I think the first Mk1 estate I've seen in France.

 

Citroen Visa II Special by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Unshiny #2. A good few Visas seen this year.

 

Peugeot 203 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

More of these seen this year than ever before. This one undoubtedly in the realms of cherished classic rather than rotting hulk round the back of a garage.

 

1990s French street scene by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I fell through a worm-hole here and went back 20 years or so. As well as the obvious stuff in the foreground there are also C15 vans, Xantia, 306s, 21 Nevada and a Twingo.

 

Renault 25 TX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A better look at probably the most interesting of them. No Phase 1 25s photographed as yet, and not many Phase 2 models seen either.

 

Renault 11 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Stopped for this slightly grotty old thing, when I heard something that made me look up....

 

Peugeot J9 Livestock Truck by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot J9 Livestock Truck by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

At the speed it was going it wasn't much of a challenge to grab a couple of photos.

 

Citroen Ami 8 x2, Peugeot 304 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Ami 8 x2, Peugeot 304 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Ami 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Nice little group here, the Ami above looked pretty good I thought. More of both model to come.

 

1988 Jaguar XJ6 3.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

DVLA says it has an export marker and has been untaxed in the UK since 2001.

 

Renault 10 - a glimpse by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Best shot I could get, but this was at the same garage.

 

The rest of the journey to follow.

 

 

 

[andrew e]

I'm bumping this splendid update. I'm also chuckling at navigating Rouen because even though I know it's a nightmare I repeatedly make the same mistakes!

[vulgalour]

Cor, plenty of lovely things to feast my eyes on in here.

[BorniteIdentity]

Hope you're having a lovely holiday, N. Great shots.

[Skizzer]

Thanks to Andrew E for bumping as I'd missed this extremely fine instalment.

 

Matra Bagheera: I think it does have all three seats fitted as I can see three headrests?