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

12,885 · January 9, 2016

OK, a quick taste of what 2016 has brought me so far........

1967 Hillman Minx 1500 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1973 Humber Sceptre auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

For the first two days of the year I managed to find one Arrow-mobile per day. Sadly this hit rate did not continue any further. The Minx is a car that must have been local to where I saw it from new, has been off-road since '92. The posh one shows as untaxed since '94. I haven't made a blog about either of them.

1997 Suzuki Swift GLS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Shame it wasn't anything more exciting car-wise, but there's an appealing air of desperation about this scene.

Right, let's go all the way back to 2014 and earlier......

2000 Vauxhall Omega Elite 3.0 V6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Estate with Irmscher bits must be a rarity?

1989 Ford Fiesta 1.1LX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1990 Honda Concerto 1.6i 16v for sale at Ã‚Â£300 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

G-reg comparison. How were Ford making something as grim as the Mk3 Fiesta when Honda could turn out mass-market cars that were so well-engineered? The Concerto was for sale at Ã‚Â£300, I wish I'd had the need for it myself.

1982 Ford Transit Mk2 (1.6 petrol) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

That Transit again! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This surprised me by turning up at a local pub. I drove a friend's one with his band to a gig in the '90s, the main memory I have is of not being able to find reverse.

1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Saw this again recently, still looking tidy.

Daewoo Tico by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

It's Tico time.

1994 Rover 416 SLi auto Ã‚Â£495 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Another tempting cheapie, this one with leather. Obviously a decent enough thing doing someone a good job as DVLA says it's still taxed and MoTed.

1989 Austin Montego 2.0L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Very surprised to see this one (still taxed and tested too). 2.0 with 'L' trim level seems an oddity, but I suppose that's ARG for you.

1977 Ford Granada Ghia 3.0 Coupe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I think this was owned long-term by the family who registered/sold it new. I fear it has since been sold-on and may have been raced. If I'd have known it was up for sale I'd have considered it myself, but it probably needed more work than I could have undertaken, with the usual rot under the vinyl roof.

Dream 1.8 GS duo! 1997 Toyota Carina E + 1988 Nissan Bluebird by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1.8GS comparison. Have owned examples of both, they made fine daily drivers (indeed the Carina E is still going with father-in-law).

1987 Ford Sierra Ghia 4x4 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

An (even) older shot of this can probably be seen earlier in this thread. Seems a shame for it to be sat there festering away (complete with BX). Last MoT pre-dates the computer system.

1969 VW Karmann Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Through the foliage spy-shot #2.

Will try and get some more on later today.

10,164 · January 9, 2016

Nice commentary and I'm very happy to see that you've netted consecutive spots of the world's best car this year. That Transit is doing nothing to quell my lust for a MkI or II; either is fine, I'm not fussy.

12,885 · January 18, 2016

Will try and get some more on later today.

Well, that didn't really work out did it? Better late than never:

1986/87 Citroen BX16RE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1988 Bedford Astra 1.3 petrol van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

More rarities at the local yard.

1987 Nissan Micra 1.0SGL auto (K10) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Young person owned?

1988 Cadillac Fleetwood by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Greengartside knew of this one. Had sat there for a while.

1992 Lexus LS400 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Sorry, another LS400. Supra alloys here.

1997 Rover 825 Si by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1993 Subaru SVX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

The Rover has been seen on the eBay thread, this shotâ€™s from a couple of years ago when they wanted more money for it. Even then it had been off-road for some time. The SVX was at the same place, and was the main reason for investigating. They now have that black Chrysler 2-Litre listed, so seem to like unusual stuff. In the office (a proper Portacabin-type affair) there are a couple of photos of a local Fiat dealership in the â€˜80s, which Iâ€™d love to get copies of.

1998 Renault Safrane 2.0 RTE Executive by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Don't see many of these locally.

1986 Jaguar Sovereign V12 HE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1985 Renault 5 1.4 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1960 Daimler Dart SP250 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1969 Bristol 410 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1988 Audi Coupe GT 1.8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1994 Bentley Brooklands by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1968 Daimler Sovereign by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Alternative ways of cruising along the motorways and dual-carriageways.

Lego cars - Jaguar XJ40 and Citroen BX? by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Legoshite. For added authenticity the red thing has even faded to a fetching shade of Pogweasel pink.

1992 Ford P100 Diesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1992 Subaru Justy SL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1980 Fiat 126 De Ville by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

And some odds and ends to round up this installment.

17,192 · January 18, 2016

That red BX must be a very early MK2 on a D plate. Looks tidy, too. A shame to see it end up where it did.

I really like the action shot of the Bristol, vet atmospheric.

57,954 · January 18, 2016

The SVX is one of the cars on my (lengthy) list of "cars I should never have sold".

Wouldn't kick another Justy out of bed either, having said that.

12,885 · January 22, 2016

That red BX must be a very early MK2 on a D plate. Looks tidy, too. A shame to see it end up where it did.

I really like the action shot of the Bristol, vet atmospheric.

I really like the action shot of the Bristol, vet atmospheric.

Mrs SL to thank for that one, and most of those on-the-move shots. She'll rarely take one of the front end though, for fear of looking stupid/getting us attacked.

The SVX is one of the cars on my (lengthy) list of "cars I should never have sold".

Wouldn't kick another Justy out of bed either, having said that.

I haven't experienced either of them myself. SVX certainly appealing, but the Lexus is probably enough '90s Japanese complexity for me at present.

A few more, first a batch from the Lake District:

Long Distance Allegro VDP spot by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This photo from a boat.....

1990 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1980 Bedford TK Fire Engine + 1976 Land Rover by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

More than one Land Rover in this shot.

1967 Daimler 250 V8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Bond + Land Rover by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1934 Austin 10/4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

By chance, we were sat by a lake on a dead-end road when loads of old cars went past, I think there'd been a show on.

1984 Vauxhall Astra GTE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Not East Anglia! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I was excited by the concept of driving up and down hills.

1983 Volvo 245GLE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This one seen on the way home.

1980 Volvo 244 DL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Apparently untaxed since 2003, subsequently removed.

1958 Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1948 Salmson S4E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1955 Citroen Traction Avant by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Some 'proper' classics. Salmson certainly unexpected.

1989 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 Merit by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1989 Buick Regal Limited 2.8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1989 Ford Granada 2.9i Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

F-reg compare and contrast.

1990 Ford Fiesta RS Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Green accents > blue > red?

1956 Riley Pathfinder by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Imposing.

1968 NSU Wankel Spider by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I'm avoiding too many show spots but thought I'd make an exception here. Certainly sounded distinctive.

1990 Jaguar Sovereign 4.0 XJ40 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This seems an appropriately hopeless conclusion to this installment.

9,874 · January 23, 2016

Inspirational stuff as always, SL.

If this thing used to be an ambulance, I'm glad I never needed any urgent medical assistance from it!

12,885 · January 23, 2016

Inspirational stuff as always, SL.

If this thing used to be an ambulance, I'm glad I never needed any urgent medical assistance from it!

Thanks Joe. The ambulance is particularly worrying as it seems to be driven by a dog.

A few from the past few days:

1987 Talbot Express 2.0 Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I should have tried to get more of the background in this shot, but it's not really somewhere I wanted to hang around too long. The camper visible behind is of equal quality.

1996 Citroen ZX 1.4i Elation by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Odd panel fun.

1991 Nissan Micra 1.2 GS (K10) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Mean and moody.

1988 Daihatsu Fourtrak SWB Hardtop by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Not sure when this generation came out, but must be one of the earliest Fourtraks I've seen for some time.

OK, back to 2013:

1982 Leyland Tiger TRCTL11/2R Plaxton DNK590Y by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

One of a number of older coaches run by a local operator, they're building up quite a fleet of them now and recently took on some Bedfords when a long-established company closed down. I see several of them on school runs most mornings, giving me some familiar sights and smells from my younger days.

1981 Triumph TR7 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Looks a bit out-of-use, but DVLA says it's taxed and MoTed again.

1993 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.8i LS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Someone had fun with a pack of reflective stickers. I've also included this shot to give some supermarket balance.

1991 Citroen BX 19TGD Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Lincoln Continental by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Wheelie action. Lincoln in France, which means more holiday stuff will be on its way.

1994 Mitsubishi Colt 1.6 GLXi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I liked the look of this.

1987 Volvo 740 TD auto estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Estate comparison. Nice to be reminded of the time when I used the Camry as my daily driver.

1993 Hyundai X2 Pony GSi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This one since scrapped. The charity shop behind is a particularly good one and it's where I get my 10p postcards.

May 1992 Toyota Carina E 1.6 GLi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Mega-early model, sold in the launch month. In great condition, and happily still on the road according to DVLA. If I saw this parked-up I'd definitely be leaving a note on it. By coincidence, I got this shot seconds after I'd had a chat with and given my details to the owner of another car which I hope to be offered one day.

1988 Ford Escort XR3i by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Number of the beast. I have no recollection of taking this photo.

1972 Rover 2000 TC by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Gaffer-spec? Maybe a bit too shiny, but I think a year or two parked on the road in this seaside town will give it the desired look.

Crunch! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Oops. DVLA suggests it hasn't been repaired.

1996 Alfa Romeo 155 V6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Non-standard wheels? I reckon they suit it well though.

1979 Vauxhall Cavalier 1600GL + Jetta by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1986 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.8 Cabriolet auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Vauxhall graveyard.

1983 Ford Sierra 1.6L Estate 'Dangly Mirrors' Update! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

That's it for this morning. I may have posted this brown, dangly delight before but I couldn't resist the chance to see it again when I was over that way. DVLA says untaxed since June though still has a current MoT.

10,625 · January 23, 2016

Some cracking spots there SL. Love the Riley Pathfinder, I believe that's the model with the gearchange low down to the right of the driver.

That Sierra estate is superb, even though it clearly doesn't move very much! Hope the owner is ok, what with the tax long expired.

28,190 · January 23, 2016

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|| DANGLY MIRRORS!!! ||

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Cracking spots as always.

9,874 · January 23, 2016

Brilliant!

Even using google dot co dot th, on the other side of the world, three of the first four image results for "dangly mirrors" show this car. Biggest grin all day!

12,885 · January 24, 2016

Thanks chaps. Amusing to learn about the dangly mirrors search

Got a bit of time to kill, so another update from the archive:

1986 Honda Prelude 1.8EX auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1992 Lexus LS400 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Had chats with owners of both the above and have left my numbers with them. Sod's law will be that they'll both ring when I'm not in a position to do anything about it. Saw the Lexus before I got my later Mk3 model, but it's this original version that I'd still really like even though they're less powerful and apparently a bit rust-prone. I think they're a true modern 'classic' and there's something about the slightly lighter, leaner look of the early model on 15" wheels that I find very appealing. I imagine the Prelude would feel like a quicker version of the Accords I had a few years ago, with a satisfying, well-engineered feel.

1989 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 Merit 2dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

How clean?! Found this when using a cul-de-sac to turn around in for something else I wanted to get a shot of.

1980 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Ford did some great shades of gold back then. This was on SORN when I saw it in 2013, but pleasingly now has T&T. Be good if it's still local and I might get to see it again one day.

1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Unexpected.

Lotus Esprit Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

OTT strapping - were they worried the body might detach itself from the chassis?

OK, looks like I've reached 2013's French holiday. It was a full 2-weeker so there'll be quite a bit to get through I'm afraid......

Nissan Cedric 2.8D SGL (Y30) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Yay! Sold to us in the UK as 300C, I've had several of them. Being French this one is diesel and is badged Cedric. Bonus odd rear lights - we got the right-hand style and I never liked them.

Renault 6 TL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Another 'turning round' find.

Honda Accord EX Hatchback by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Honda Prelude by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

There always seems to be a hood number of older Hondas in France, particularly compared to other Japanese makes.

Peugeot 604 V6 SL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Mon dieu!

Ford Taunus x2, Capri and Simca by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Ford Fiesta and Granada Coupe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

They seem to like their OSF's here. This is where I photographed the Transit with odd crane contraption the following year (seen in a previous post).

The above are my highlights from that year's trip, the best of the rest:

Mercedes 240D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

If that's a tent on the roofrack it has a suitably period look to it.

Citroen Visa 10E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Impressively flat paintwork.

Citroen Teilhol Tangara + Renault 11 90 GT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

As so often with a rural/small town French garage, there was more old stuff here.

Renault 5 TL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Bonus Megane estate.

Citroen C25(?) Snack-Mobile by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I daydream about having a food/market van like this and selling brochures/magazines/dross from it.

Austin Mini by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Glimpse of something pleasingly beige here. That to come soon.

Nissan Bluebird 1.6SLX (T72) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

If I'd turned off where I should have done I'd never have seen this (nor the Renault 6 above).

Peugeot 104 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Mouldy.

Toyota Landcruiser 40 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Usually a few of these to be seen.

International tractor and combine collection by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Plenty of older tractors to be seen. This lot pleased me as my dad sold them from 1978-86, which I think these all date from.

Citroen LNA by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Nicely caught by Mrs SL. The camera sits in the centre console for such eventualities.....

Not sure if there's a limit as to how many photos I can post, so better pause for the moment and round-up the next batch.

12,885 · January 24, 2016

More:

Ford Transit Mk1 Horsebox by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Ford Transit Mk2 Pilou Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Usually see a Transit or two.

Citroen DSuper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Cruisin'.

Renault 5 Alpine Turbo + 2CV by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Peugeot 405 Mi16 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

These (and the first Renault below) at the garage where I saw the Metro Turbo the following year.

Renault 4CV by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Before.

Renault 4CV by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

And after.

Renault 4CV by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Difficult to imagine a more French scene.

Photo 8000! Citroen GSA Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Aha, here's the rest of what was glimpsed earlier. Drove through this town again in 2015, it didn't look to have moved. The Citroen that is, I don't think the town is likely to move anywhere.

Mercury Zephyr Z-7 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

More beige. Indeed, two-tone beige.

Renault/Saviem Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Just needs a woodburner fitting.

Renault 11 Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This was a quick drive-by shot and it was only later I found it was a Turbo. Would have stopped for more photos if I'd have realised.

Rover 820Si by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Always see more Rovers than I'd expect, though not many 800s of this generation.

Renault Rodeo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This was one of the few occasions where the owner saw me and wondered what I was up to. Luckily, as it was more of a cherished old car than some grotty bilge then my CSE Grade 4 French got me by. I think she was telling me there was a show on the next day, but sadly we were just passing through so couldn't go. (I have this hope that one year we will accidentally stumble across some sort of old car event there.)

Peugeot J7/J9 and Renault 4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

No rear window or door handles on the 4! Ex-poste I think.

Renault 4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Sorry, another 4. Don't see many this old though.

Chrysler Vision by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Swoopy would be the word to decribe these I think.

Audi 80 CD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Maybe in many, many years to come I'll regret not getting the Megane coupe in shot?

Citroen Visa Leader by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

We visited a French family, I bemused them by taking photos of this.

Peugeot 505GTi Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I assume this was undergoing repair.

Honda Accord LXi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Bit odd, seemed to be US-spec.

Willys Jeep by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Airy.

Toyota Hiace Hilton Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Paris Hilton? Perez Hilton? Not, it's a Hiace Hilton. (For full effect this needs to be said in the manner of the old Carpet City ad.)

Mazda 323 1.5 5dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Hirst-spec.

Peugeot 404 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

More of these to be seen than 504s, or even 505s.

Daewoo Espero GLX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Don't recall seeing many of these over there. Do like that fact that these have two rear indicators each side.

Citroen DS20 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Yes, another DS, but I've included this for the submarine and buildings behind. An interesting visit, although the massive WWII base built by (or at least for) the Germans is somewhat eerie.

BMW E3 Saloon and Peugeot 504 Coupe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

So, what colour was it that French lights used to be?

1984 Toyota Hiace Diesel Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Odd thing to find. Probably had a better chance of surviving here than in the UK, where it would have been prime export fodder.

Peugeot 104GR by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Peugeot 104GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Concluding matters for now, before I head off to Essex to meet some real life AS people, a couple more 104s. The later model was on the forecourt of a Peugeot dealership - if you went to one of their showrooms in the UK I doubt they'd even know what a 104 was, let alone have one on the premises.

8,780 · January 24, 2016

Gosh!

9,874 · January 24, 2016

Good golly my man.

Please return immediately and bring that home. You'll win this Autoshite lark forever.

8,935 · January 24, 2016

I think that same Daewoo Tico was last seen parked just of Newmarket Road in Bury st Edmunds, vanished about 3 months or so ago, as it hadn't moved since at least April

January 24, 2016

I thought I'd done well spotting an M reg Fourtrak the other month, and it isn't in as good nick as the F reg one you've got!

Top spots sir.

18,874 · January 24, 2016

Yep great spots and the kind of holiday snap that makes sense of bothering to go abroad in the first place.....

Calendar aside, that maroon Daimler V8 shot several posts ago is pure brochure material....Its great.

12,885 · January 31, 2016

Thanks all. If any of the Citroen fanciers are feeling brave I can remember where I saw that GSA van.

Usual format of a quick recent update, then back into the archive.....

Mini-based oddity? Aha, Elswick Envoy by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Didn't know what this was when I took the photo. It's at a place out in the countryside where there have been a few interesting things festering away over the years (may still be, but not somewhere that's easy to investigate). They seem to have had a bit of a clear-out, revealing this curio.

1997 Volvo 940 Classic Auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Car Park Assortment by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

At the toyfair. The LS400 was delightfully clean and there were two other 940 estates of similar vintage also present. 75s were popular and there were also a couple of Omega estates and two Proton Jumbucks.

Spartan Kit Car by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I really don't know what's going on here, but it's been parked-up for at least a week.

1993 Rover 820i by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

More Rover love here.

1987 Ford Fiesta 1.6D Popular Plus by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

As seen on the way home after last week's excellent Essex/London meet.

A quick conclusion to the 2013 French holiday:

Porsche 911T by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Citroen XM by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Classy clientele at Le Nautilus.

Bedford CF2 LWB by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Insert your favoured stereotype here.

Citroen CX 22TRS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

A 604 and a CX on the same holiday?! Sadly no 30.

Nissan Prairie (M10) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I think this is the only Prairie I've ever seen in France.

Citroen Ami 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Ooh la la!

Fiat Panda 34 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Another one in need of a bit T-Cut.

Peugeot 305 Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Proper signwriting.

Renault 25 V6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I drove past in 2014 and it was still parked in the same place.

Commer Walkthrough Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Dutch holidaymakers. This shot taken with a healthy amount of zoom across the autoroute, managing to get a gap in the traffic.

Ford Granada Mk2 2.5D L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This started off following us, but I pulled over to let it pass so Mrs SL could get the decent photo it justified.

6,236 · January 31, 2016

Cor! Some great spots there. Including the above granny.

12,885 · February 6, 2016

Cor! Some great spots there. Including the above granny.

Thanks Steve.

First, something from this week:

1992 Fiat Tipo 1.4 Formula by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Then back to the summer of 2013:

1966 Vauxhall Viva HB Brabham by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Which Vauxhall would you prefer? I imagine this belongs to a local enthusiast.

1988 Nissan Sunny 1.3LX (N13) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Not many of these locally any more.

Fiat X1/9 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1979 Reliant Scimitar GTE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1981 Ford Capri 2.0GL auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

More stuff at the local yard. At the time I think the Capri was on the road and in use by one of the chaps working there but is now on SORN (and the SAAB belonged to a neighbouring unit).

1991 Fiat Panda Dance by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This may well feature some pages back in this thread. It was a regular sight (and sound) in town for some years but is now on SORN.

1989 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 Sting by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Tidy.

1992 Subaru 284 Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

As mentioned to JoeySpud at the recent Essex/London meet, there are still a handful of these locally, and here's one of them. I saw another one just this week.

2002 Honda NSX 3.2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

An NSX would feature in my fantasy garage, if only for the rear lights. I'd prefer an earlier one with pop-up headlights though, this had the fixed ones which look a bit froggy.

1960 Ford Zodiac Abbott Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1976 Triumph 2500S by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1947 Rover P2 (2147cc) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Always pleasing to see things like this out and about in normal use.

1984 Land Rover County (V8 conversion) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Brown.

1991 Mercury Tracer by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Another one that has been seen on here before, but surely worth looking at again?

1970 Triumph 1300 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Wonder if his photo ended up online somewhere?

1986 Citroen Visa 17RD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Surely known to someone on here?

1975 Ford Cortina 2000E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Just like a young SL used to get ferried around in (except ours was yellow).

1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1972 Vauxhall Viva X14 2300 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This rally passes close by each year, good to see some older things getting used.

1985 TVR 350i by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Angular.

1987 Rover 825 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

An 825?! I fear this was going to end up being 'worked on' by students at the college where I saw it parked, after it had been donated to them by some well-meaning individual. A couple of bosses where I worked in the late'80s had 800s, both were this colour (the cars, obviously) and I got to drive them not long after passing my test - bit of a difference to my Datsun Cherry.....

1989 Nissan Patrol LWB 3.3 diesel (260) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This was at a rural garage where all sorts of things are rotting away.

1989 Austin Maestro 500 City van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I'll conclude with this to brighten up what looks like a rather dreary day.

10,330 · February 6, 2016

That's one of Six-cylinder's Visas so it's very well known round here and even features in this year's AS calendar. I like this thread, there's always so much diversity.

12,885 · February 7, 2016

That's one of Six-cylinder's Visas so it's very well known round here and even features in this year's AS calendar. I like this thread, there's always so much diversity.

Ta. I've been a bit out of touch with who's got what.

Back to 2013:

1985 BMW 528i SE Alpina B2.8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Stripy. This seems to have found a home as it shows up with T&T on DVLA.

1992 Honda Prelude 2.0i auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Appealingly low-spec.

1990 Range Rover CSK 3.9 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Unexpected rarity at Asda.

1988 Ford Escort 1.3 Popular by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1988 Toyota Corolla 1.3GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Compare and contrast. Despite my natural preference for the Corolla, I have to say the Escort looks the more appealing of these two particular examples.

1992 Ford Escort 1.3 Estate (Ex-BT) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Super pov-spec? My Parker's Guide suggests this was only available for one year, I wonder how many sold to private buyers? BT must have stockpiled a few to inflict maximum misery on their mid-level management.

1994 Volvo 480GT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1996 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 GLX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

The local Lidl keeps on coming up with content.

1980s Cavalier Carlton 392GT caravan by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Picture this behind your favourite '80s family car.

1993 Mercedes S600 SEC by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I don't see many of these, the size of them in the metal is quite something.

1987 Toyota Corolla 1.3 Executive by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1987 Austin Metro Vanden Plas auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1983 VW Golf 1500GL auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Work stuff took me out of my usual patch every so often, I made the most of it.

1979 Datsun 280C Estate (330) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

OK, it's a show spot but just look at it! It is still to my regret that back in the '90s I didn't go an see an old chap who rang me up with one for sale. He ended up putting it in the Free Ads for Â£300.....

1972 Datsun 1200 Estate (B110) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1980 Austin Morris Sherpa CI Trailblazer camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

These were seen on the same run. I have photos of the Datsun when it was standard and still with its original, long-term owners.

1972 Humber Sceptre by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Cheer up!

1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Unexpected.

1985 Austin Metro 1.3L 5dr Â£1250 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

They occasionally use this spot to sell things (did I post the D-reg Sierra estate they had more recently?).

Vauxhall Cavalier GLS banger by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Ford Orion banger by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Getting rare to see '80s bilge being raced at 'normal' meets.

1973 Bedford CF Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1985 Mitsubishi Pajero by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Always worth seeing what tow vehicles are being used.

1992 Fiat Panda 750L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Tidy little thing.

Ford Escort Mk4 1.8D Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Who'd have thought a 12" wheel would have fitted over the front brakes?

Better go, weather looks to good to be sat here.....

12,885 · February 16, 2016

Started updating this a week ago and the internet died. Still, it gives me some more current stuff to add before heading back to 2013.

1967 Triumph Herald 1200 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Good to see. Thanks to Mrs SL for this action shot, as we gave chase in the Lexus.

1988 Nissan Sunny 1.6LX 5dr (N13) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

More E-reg excitement. That bit of paper on the windscreen has my number on it......

A challenge.... by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

CPTC

1991 Ford Fiesta Flight 1.3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Unusually clean, although I suspect the arches have seen work.

1991 Citroen BX17 TZD Turbo Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1997 Citroen ZX 1.9TD Leader Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Citroen load-carrying comparison. Both have done around 150k miles, apparently.

1989 Renault 5 1.4 Auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Awful trims.

1993 Toyota Supra by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

FFS indeed.

1994 Volvo 480 GT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Stretch/poke/prod or whatever the kids say. Being old and sensible I'll say it doesn't look wise to drive near a kerb.

That's it for recent times, back to early 2013 and before:

1995 Skoda Favorit LXie Plus Flairline by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Steels and a bodykit? A bit like wearing a tracksuit with a pair of brogues.

1984 Nissan Silvia Turbo (S12) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

A-reg early for one of these.

Peugeot 403 and friends in convoy by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Not in France. Good to see, but soon got by them with a bit of Camry V6 powah.

1971 SAAB 96, Wattisfield Trial by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1994 Renault 5 1.4 Campus Prima by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

More old cars getting muddy. Would like to have a go at this one day, not sure if the Lexus would be ideal though.

1986 Ford Capri 1.6 Laser by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This was a regular sight for a while.

1989 Citroen CX25 DTR by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I thought this had been abandoned, but DVLA shows tax and text on it since my photo.

Bedford HA vans x2 - still there! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Pretty sure that this pair make an appearance way back in the early days of this thread. The bungalow has only recently been sold and the vans have now gone, I am sad to report (I doubt they took them with, either).

Wolseley 4/44 or 15/50? by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This one has sat here for ages, might still be there?

1998 Toyota Camry 2.2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Back to the local yard. I had previously had a chat with the owner of this car and left my number with them. They lost/ignored it however, and it ended up here. I bought the wheels and tyres off it.

1987 Nissan Sunny 1.3LX (N13) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Having said I don't see many of these, here's another (and an E-reg, again). Had only done 51k, could see no immediately good reason for it to have ended up in the yard. At least someone had a few bits off it.

1990s Scrap Pile by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Bilge.

1997 Toyota Carina E 1.8Si by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Shame I hadn't seen this earlier. Still bought the seat out of it to replace the knackered one in father-in-law's, but had to spend a while getting glass out of it.

1988 VW Golf 1.8 Tour by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Touring days over for this one.

1982 Citroen GSA X1 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

1979 Ford Granada 2.3L Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Went to a funny little local show. It snowed at one point and the Laurel's clutch slave cylinder packed-up on the way home.

1993 Lancia Dedra LE IE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Dedra chat elsewhere on here reminded me of this one. No MoT since 2014 but DVLA says on SORN. Passed it in 2013 with just advisories, so can't be too bad?......

1983 David Brown 4wd by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Have fun imagining the sort of person who might live here.

1972 Triumph Dolomite 1850 auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Saw this on the move once, but I believe it was at the garage with rear axle failure. Greengartside later saw it in another local scrapyard.

It would neatly seem I've got Triumphs at the start and end of this installment.

More to come after the break.

12,885 · February 16, 2016

Now at 2013, meandering back into 2012:

1989 Nissan Bluebird 2.0GL estate (U11) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

In another local yard.

1988 Nissan Bluebird 1.6LS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Lidl again, and another one that's been seen on here previously. As that photo has probably gone here's a reminder of it in happier days:

1988 Nissan Bluebird 1.6LS (2008) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Had it been less damaged and still on its original wheeltrims I'd have left a note, but sadly it had lost its appeal and it would seem to have been scrapped since.

1960 Reliant Regal by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

A certain South Coast residing AS member got moderately excited when he saw this on Flickr. Technically it belongs to my Mrs SL's cousin, after a friend left it with him and never returned for it.

1959 Humber Hawk and 1966 Imperial by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I imagine Wuvvum will know of these.

1989 Nissan Micra 1.0LS (K10) + passenger "The Shape" by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This was white when I photographed it a year beforehand. Passenger present both times.

1993 Daimler Double Six Insignia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Odd colour choice?

Vauxhall Chevette Classic Hot Rod by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

The Classic Hot Rods do look good. This was at a garage, presumably in for fresh paint.

Little red Robin in the snow by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Have seen this elsewhere locally.

1983 Renault Fuego 1.7GTS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

The owner's partner got in touch after I put this on Flickr, apparently he also has a Topolino and a Fiat 500 (owned from new, same for the Fuego!). And five buses too.

1973 Fiat 126 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

And speaking of Fiats.

1987 Austin Metro City 1.0 5dr - 1st spot of 2013 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

A decent start to 2013.

1990 Rover 214Si by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

It would be easy to take this one for granted - I drive past it very regularly and it's always there. Not quite as unused as I'd thought though, averaging about 1000 miles each year since 2006.

1967 Vauxhall Viva HB Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Another one from the local HB man. Saw him driving it just last week.

1984 Volvo 360GLE 2.0 4dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Very tidy. I had a colleague with me that day, he probably wondered why I kept stopping for things like this, and......

1990 Rover Maestro 500 City Diesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

This! But how could I not?

Ooh, which one to choose.... by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Local classic car dealer with a delivery fresh from the auction. I presume the Picasso was hitching a ride, Shipley-style.

1972 Wolseley 1300 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I think I've already posted a more recent photo of this one? Here it is in when still on the road.

1991 Toyota Camry + 1999 Ford Escort by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Shame to see. Not worth me liberating bits from in case I ever get one, and when I next visited they said it got crushed without anyone taking anything off it.

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

This is one I always meant to leave a note on, as I knew where the owner lived, but he seems to have replaced it with something else and DVLA shows no tax/MoT since 2014. Shame, I reckon it would be amusingly brisk with the injected 2-litre.

1981 Toyota Starlet 1.2GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Very close reg'n to my old brown model (which I'm happy to report is still around).

1983 Ford Fiesta 1.1L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Smart little thing. Idly pondering stuff yesterday, it struck me that the Fiesta is 40 this year.

19?? Ford Taurus GL Wagon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

As recently seen on the eBay thread. Our old Carina E in the background (now father-in-law's).

1985 Pontiac Parisienne 4.3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

I think this was in a show car park.

1970 Daimler Sovereign 420 (+ Omega) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Surprised me to see this on the H-plate, must have overlapped with the XJ? Or wasn't there a Daimler version of it then? Bonus Omega content.

1967 Vauxhall Victor 101 FC by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

One of my favourite spots. Never seen it here before, and it has pretty much everything going on. Still got T&T and it's doing a respectable 4-figure mileage every year. Given the potential horrors that could lurk below, this is the only advisory showing up:

Advisory notice item(s) nearside rear lower Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive

Seems like a good way to finish for now. The sun's shining and I've got better things to go and do.

18,874 · February 16, 2016

That 101 is awesome! Looks like something Spedeworth would have used to take the banger champ round the track, stood up in the boot to the sound of Cucaracha on a failing air horn....Think you are right about the Daimler/XJ overlap, the Daimler version of the XJ6 was about a year later and so the original Sovereign overlapped the XJ launch as did some of the Jag range itself.

Is the Wolseley 1300 taken in Peasenhall by any chance?

31,980 · February 16, 2016

There's a few familiar cars in that lot, the blue Fiat 126 belongs to a pub landlord from Woodbridge and is currently being restored and I've seen photos of that Victor 101 before, it's a amazing survivor.

10,164 · February 16, 2016

It's very satisfying finding things like the 101, isn't it? Function definitely overcame form with that tow bar get-up but as Mercrocker suggests (jokingly), perhaps there's more of a story?

Incidentally, I found the 2L Injection U12 we had last year quite sprightly but it had a bit of a flat spot during acceleration, though that was probably more to poor maintenance than bad design. My Dad certainly enjoyed making the most of its performance for a few thousand km, which was the reason it joined the fleet temporarily.

Here's it being used for trails events by its current owner:

12,885 · February 17, 2016

That 101 is awesome! Looks like something Spedeworth would have used to take the banger champ round the track, stood up in the boot to the sound of Cucaracha on a failing air horn....Think you are right about the Daimler/XJ overlap, the Daimler version of the XJ6 was about a year later and so the original Sovereign overlapped the XJ launch as did some of the Jag range itself.

Is the Wolseley 1300 taken in Peasenhall by any chance?

Is the Wolseley 1300 taken in Peasenhall by any chance?

No, but I'm impressed you've even heard of Peasenhall. It was photographed in Boxford, Suffolk. I've been going up and down that street since I was 8 so can remember lots of old cars I used to see along there.

This Subaru used to reside outside a house just up the road:

1993 Subaru 1.8DL Estate (2006) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

Was later bought by Torsten.

There's a few familiar cars in that lot, the blue Fiat 126 belongs to a pub landlord from Woodbridge and is currently being restored and I've seen photos of that Victor 101 before, it's a amazing survivor.

Good to know about the 126. Would love to know more about the Victor.

It's very satisfying finding things like the 101, isn't it? Function definitely overcame form with that tow bar get-up but as Mercrocker suggests (jokingly), perhaps there's more of a story?

Incidentally, I found the 2L Injection U12 we had last year quite sprightly but it had a bit of a flat spot during acceleration................

Thanks Jon. It's a shame we didn't get the U12 here, an attractive car. There is/was a JDM hardtop model for sale.

52,306 · February 17, 2016

I always have to make sure I'm sat down when I read updates in this thread. It's astounding how much quality you've found over the years.

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

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