Spotted's Spottings (2024 France holiday #8 25/06/2025)

[bigstraight6]

Splendid holiday pic's SL, did you see the big Magirus Deutz on the move? those air cooled V8 diesels sound awesome That old WW2 Military ambulance is an American Dodge....Herefordshire looks like prime spottage Country

[Spottedlaurel]

Splendid holiday pic's SL, did you see the big Magirus Deutz on the move? those air cooled V8 diesels sound awesome That old WW2 Military ambulance is an American Dodge....Herefordshire looks like prime spottage Country

Yup, we saw it thundering about several times, did sound good. Herefordshire was excellent, but Norfolk hasn't been too bad recently...

 

 

 

For sale at £450! I did get the number if anyone is brave enough...

 

 

 

This BX at the same place.

 

 

Line-up at last month's R-R meet (remember the next one on Tuesday 7th!)...

 

 

Included Wuvvum's Cavalier. Doubtless there'll be something different this time

 

 

Best shot I could get of this, until...

 

 

It drove past the flats I was surveying.

 

 

This was round the back, looked a bit forlorn.

 

 

 

Same Diss car park contained these two.

 

 

 

For sale at £800, badged RS Turbo, pickup formed from a cut-down cabrio. Still there several weeks later I noticed...

 

 

A proper spot! I drew up the extension visible on the bungalow behind it for an ex-colleague, think her parents now live there and I vaguely recall her mentioning this car, think it's been in the family for a long time.

 

 

Poor old Sirion on its way to the local metal yard. The stuff I see on the back of trucks going there amazes me, such a waste.

[Spottedlaurel]

On we go...

 

 

 

These parked up at the same time! The LHD one I often see about, the Bamboo was new to me.

 

 

Our tiny 'village' had a fete recently, with obligatory car show. Last time there was quite a lot there, given it was all local, this time round this was the only thing worthy of a picture for shite-related purposes.

 

 

Well, apart from this old clunker of course!

 

 

Cheeky spot here! R-Rer Stuyizz recently popped in when up in Norfolk. His Sapporo is a mighty fine car, had the honour of a lift in it last year when collecting the 323.

 

 

Neat rust treatment on this Suzuki (not Rascal).

 

 

Wolseley? Think the badge confirms it. See also the van just visible through the bushes on the left, BMC of some sort?

 

 

Think I can guess this one! Empty school in the background was a regional contender on the last series of Restoration (Norfolk building shite #1).

 

 

 

 

These imprisoned in a yard in an industrial estate, RX7 looking a bit sad.

 

 

Slightly more standard cabrio. Sorry for the Escort Mk3/4 content, there will be more

 

 

These made a good pair, but when I stopped I then realised...

 

 

 

The 626 was a 4wd! Recently discussed on R-R as someone there has acquired one. Has a torquey 2.2, not the expected sporty engine and spec.

 

 

Wonder if this is destined for the track, or just acts as a cheap people carrier?

 

 

Small village near Downham Market (bandit country!) contained this too, unsuccessfully hiding, plus the following two.

 

 

Only saw this French registered DS when I'd stopped for the Bluebird...

 

 

Which was very clean, as they so often seem to be. Incredible cars.

 

 

Not all VW's make the cut, but this one managed thanks to grass, paintwork etc.

 

 

This something I've been trying to photograph for a while.

 

 

Seth came to mind when I saw this place!

 

 

This just up the road from it.

[Spottedlaurel]

More? OK then...

 

 

Odd forgotten car lot, noting of great interest but will be a nice shot in 20-30 years' time?

 

 

This the first of a number of things I saw in the same North Suffolk village. Visiting there again this week, I know there are one or two more things to snap if I can.

 

 

Facelift Capri Mk1 in the distance, certainly something to the left of it, maybe more here too?

 

 

Allegro trying to hide.

 

 

Other old stuff in this garden too.

 

 

 

Journey back from the above village still proved fruitful. Facelift Thema anybody? Actually saw one on the road today.

 

 

Not really shite, but looked a fine sight. Friendly owner seemed to have a nice life - lovely house and garden, retired, also collected clocks.

 

 

Thinking-person's pair of cars?

 

 

Not too far from my place, must have driven past it many times yet never seen until now.

 

 

Near-neighbour of the above always has a Triumph or two.

 

 

Very rare I see a pre-facelift 800 nowadays.

 

 

Fairly old. Local gamekeeper types favour late-80s/early-90s ones of these.

 

 

Multi-cylindered late-80's duo.

 

 

Amusing that these are both basically the same car.

 

 

 

 

More shots of the St Neots 2000GLS auto, price reduced when MatT and I stopped on the way back from Billing recently. C-pillar a bit crumbly under the vinyl roof.

 

 

Got to be future shite? What will fate hold in stopre for these in 10 years' time? I suspect most of these have some version the PH**TON plate, like Audi TTs always have TT in them and FTOs have...

 

 

I do like these. Not a GT of course.

 

 

 

Now these surely are shite? Several other examples of Rolls/Bentley at this place.

 

 

Took a piccy of this because I was already stopped for...

 

 

 

This. Don't recall seeing so many as estates with that style front.

 

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x58/Spottedlaurel/Spotteds%20Spottings/100_1767.jpg

 

At least one '02 has sat outside Jaymic in Cromer for ages now.

 

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x58/Spottedlaurel/Spotteds%20Spottings/100_1769.jpg

 

Ex-Hotpoint? I would have said local-ish company Glasswells but for the lack of a Suffolk plate, as they like brown.

 

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x58/Spottedlaurel/Spotteds%20Spottings/100_1771.jpg

 

Good thing to see when you're in a C-plate Honda.

 

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x58/Spottedlaurel/Spotteds%20Spottings/100_1774.jpg

 

Also this.

 

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x58/Spottedlaurel/Spotteds%20Spottings/100_1783.jpg

 

Norfolk building shite #2.

 

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x58/Spottedlaurel/Spotteds%20Spottings/100_1784.jpg

 

This has turned up recently at a house I pass most days, seems to be in use.

 

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x58/Spottedlaurel/Spotteds%20Spottings/100_1786.jpg

 

This possibly something to do with one of the local Citroen specialists I would imagine.

 

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x58/Spottedlaurel/Spotteds%20Spottings/100_1795.jpg

 

I may have posted this before.

[Spottedlaurel]

Last batch now I think.

 

 

 

In a unit used by some banger racers. Efforts are being made to find a good home for stuff off it.

 

 

 

The £299 Sunny MatT posted on R-R recently, very near me. I went to see it for someone off R-R - don't know if he got it, but it seems to have gone now.

 

 

Blurred dusk shot of a C-plate Passat.

 

 

 

At last! The SL Baz and I have discussed several times, at a pub near to me.

 

 

Went a long route home to follow this, it was quick and very healthy sounding. Drove past my house the next day, so must be local.

 

 

This colour makes me think 145, rather than 245?

 

 

Daimler hides just off a fairly quick bit of road, not easy to see.

 

 

Something else recently discussed on R-R, these do seem to be getting scarce.

 

 

Been trying to find time to get a picture of this for ages.

 

 

Likewise this, Wuvvum and I have discussed it before.

 

And that is it. Phew.

[Baz]

Wow....Glad You're doing such a good job of covering the area S.L....My big, expensive camera seems to have packed up, and I've mislaid the small camera's batteries during the move, so it's all on You for a while! 02 BMW outside Jaymic looks like one that I may have captured earlier in the year....I recoginise the weeds growing out the bonnet! That SL is stunning....Love the colour, the wheels, everything!

[bigstraight6]

 

Thinking-person's pair of cars?

Is it just me? or does that R4 have some sort of passive rear wheel steering thing going on

[michiel]

Wow. Don't even know where to start... so wow again.

[seth]

Hmm, not sure whether to be flattered or upset when you think of me on seeing a huge derelict garage building / dream Kennedy home 1200 Herald Estates seem rarer than later 13/60's now even though they made more of the later shape ones. I guess the extra performance meant the later ones were kept going for longer as load luggers.I'm liking that pair of Riley 4/72's by the side of that house.

[garethj]

 

 

Now these surely are shite? Several other examples of Rolls/Bentley at this place.

I :heart: these Camargues. Not sure I've ever seen one in the metal but I remember how daring they were at the time. The Rolls Royce grille was tilted back about 5º or something? How dare Pininfarina do such a thing?!

 

Gareth

[CortinaDave]

The R plate mondeo on the scrappers lorry is a V6 ghia Hardly an old car... must need some dire repairs.. been off the road a long time too.The enquiry is complete The vehicle details for R505 AVG are: Date of Liability 01 09 2004 Date of First Registration 05 09 1997 Year of Manufacture 1997 Cylinder Capacity (cc) 2544CC CO2 Emissions Not Available Fuel Type Petrol Export Marker Not Applicable Vehicle Status Unlicensed Vehicle Colour BLACK Vehicle Type Approval null The information contained on this page is correct at the time of enquiry. Vehicle Excise Duty Rate for vehicle 6 Months Rate £99.00 12 Months Rate £180.00Sirion's only been of the road a couple of monthsThe enquiry is complete The vehicle details for V460 KKE are: Date of Liability 20 04 2007 Date of First Registration 01 09 1999 Year of Manufacture 1999 Cylinder Capacity (cc) 989CC CO2 Emissions Not Available Fuel Type Petrol Export Marker Not Applicable Vehicle Status Unlicensed Vehicle Colour YELLOW Vehicle Type Approval null The information contained on this page is correct at the time of enquiry. Vehicle Excise Duty Rate for vehicle 6 Months Rate £63.25 12 Months Rate £115.00Shame about the Royale too.. a rare car now, looks like its been off the road longer than it hasThe enquiry is complete The vehicle details for JBJ 146V are: Date of Liability 01 08 2004 Date of First Registration 14 10 1979 Year of Manufacture 1979 Cylinder Capacity (cc) 2784CC CO2 Emissions Not Available Fuel Type Petrol Export Marker Not Applicable Vehicle Status Unlicensed Vehicle Colour GOLD Vehicle Type Approval null The information contained on this page is correct at the time of enquiry. Vehicle Excise Duty Rate for vehicle 6 Months Rate £99.00 12 Months Rate £180.00

[MrGav]

That Royale belongs to the bloke i used to share my lock-up with! Looks a lot worse than he said it was..... probably paid over the odds for it too!I think he keeps his cars on a farm now, there was probably an old Calibra somewhere near the Royale which i sold him, (and want the wheels back!!!)

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Thats a shame about the Sirion, neat little cars those. I would like one.

[wuvvum]

 

The 626 was a 4wd! Recently discussed on R-R as someone there has acquired one. Has a torquey 2.2, not the expected sporty engine and spec.

 

Don't s'pose the note under the wiper has anything to do with you, does it?

[wuvvum]

 

 

Now these surely are shite? Several other examples of Rolls/Bentley at this place.

 

That Camargue was at Frettenham festival on Sunday. Built to order in 1977 for Sammy Davis Junior, no less. Had a chat with the owner - he also owns a Bentley S1 and a Jensen CV8 among other stuff. Obviously not short of a bob or two.

[wuvvum]

 

 

This. Don't recall seeing so many as estates with that style front.

 

That used to belong to my mate John. It was in a bit of a state when he bought it, but the good thing about Heralds is they're easy to work on. Has a 13/60 engine, so goes OK.

[wuvvum]

 

 

Thinking-person's pair of cars?

Is it just me? or does that R4 have some sort of passive rear wheel steering thing going on

My R4 had a passive rear steering thing going on - the nearside trailing arm mount had snapped so the wheel was held on solely by the torsion bar, which allowed it to twist at some amusing angles. If you think an R4 rolls during normal cornering, you should see it when the wheel tucks under round a tight bend and you get massive lift-off oversteer. I honestly thought it was going to capsize.

[Spottedlaurel]

Got quite a decent update I think - apologies in advance for the tractors but what can I do, I live in the sticks and I do like a bit of farmshite!

 

 

My trusty daily plus posh building shite, I've been doing survey work and drawings for this place for a few years now.

 

 

Nice little village scene in North Suffolk. Garage looks like it was once the blacksmiths and is still working. Recently saw an SEC just like this, maybe even this one, driven by the most spectacularly upper-crust looking couple who must have been nearing their 90's if not older. Perfect.

 

 

Possibly featured here before, but not such a good photo. It was very early when I took this, don't usually see it.

 

 

A Mrs SL on-the-move shot.

 

 

In Bury St Edmunds, looked very tidy.

 

 

Still a few of these about aren't there? Timeless looks.

 

 

 

Blimey, another Benz! Not sure if you can see that massive rear silencer dangling rather low, whole thing had a slightly worn look to it.

 

 

Nice late Capri.

 

 

Super clean! Quite late for a Bedford one?

 

 

This sits at my local garage, I know Mk2 is still quite common but liked how early this was complete with headlamp washers and gaffer-taped front arch. Rest quite solid, seems to have sat there a while.

 

 

Looks tidy enough, but the terrible noise thins diesel RR made was shocking. Lurched about fairly too, major work come MoT time I think...

 

 

Seen five minutes after the above one.

 

 

Lovely! Often seen this MkII (badged 1.6), but the Rover was a new one to me.

 

That's it for now, another update to come (including 604 content!).

[mk2_craig]

 

Super clean! Quite late for a Bedford one?

 

Too late for a Bedford byt a couple of years at least! Comes up on mycarcheck.com as an AWD, but the owner's obviously done the decent thing and swapped the grille for a less embarassing one

[wuvvum]

Hmm... The cheap Irish plate does bring that Corniche down somewhat... Speaking of vehicles that are too new for their badges, what's up with that E-plate 2CV van?

[Spottedlaurel]

Onwards, ever onwards...

 

 

This pair were parked up at Cromer ambulance station. Old one a BMC of some sort? I used to see the US/Canadian ones being thrashed around by the big maintenance place nextdoor to where I used to work. Wuvvum or Baz may recall, weren't they taken out of service due to handling issues?

 

 

The Holt Flyer! We got a ride on this, runs between the steam railway station and town. My daughter bawled all the way there as she didn't get the front seat on the upper deck so we were hugely early for it on the way back Not good on the faster open road journey back...

 

 

R33 Skyline, not often seen as a 4dr. Slightly lumpen looking, nowhere near as nice as the 4dr incarnation of previous R32.

 

 

This looked like it was still well-loved by somebody.

 

 

Solitary spot at a National Trust property. How do these rate on the two-wheel shite-o-meter?

 

 

 

Wow!! Thank Mrs SL for seeing this beauty! I really should have stopped for a chat, but had the family on board so not ideal timing. Suspect it belongs to someone in the trade around Diss area.

 

 

Ergomatic cab Leyland/AEC grain/beet lorry with two rear axles, seen on a recent barn survey. I do like these. Same place also had these:

 

 

 

 

Manns still in business, very visible on the A14 near Bury.

 

 

 

4wd quite rare on tractors back then. Factory job or conversion?

 

 

Camry been working hard recently! Also took the family on a camping holiday, and it's my only car on the road right now.

 

 

Suntor? Several bangers also in the garden, don't know if this is its fate.

 

 

What's all this about? Chinese (?) writing on this, even down to it saying Lei Tung Estate on the destination board, yet it was on a local H-plate (not trade plates). Now what I expected to see in downtown Attleborough...

 

 

Also a bit out of place was this, Torino? Sounded lovely...

 

 

Sorry, another tractor. 955 one I'm very fond of, smallest version of the big IH range which my dad used to sell. This would have been most farmers' big tractor back in the late 70's/early 80's. This one on a 'BJ' registration suggesting it was sold by Framlingham Tractors in North Suffolk, deadly rivals to Ipswich-based Petric who my dad worked for. I did recently see one of 'his' old IH's though.

 

 

 

 

Anyone feeling brave? £500 for the pair... As Datman suggests, they'd probably sell for spares quite well, twin-carb L26 engines and 5-speed 'boxes would be a handy upgrade for a Laurel/Cedric, and Z-specific bits will always find a home. Just wish I had the space and time. Both been off the road since at least '94.

 

 

This also up for grabs, in use more recently, also £500! I think he'd take offers.

 

 

Took this especially for Hirst! For everyone else:

 

 

And that's it. North Suffolk has been proving very fruitful for me recently, with several work-related trips down that way. Quite a barren area, plenty still seems to be laying around.

[Torsten2001]

A thoroughly enjoyable selection, love the agricultural shite, that CS125 Suzuki is a real rarity now so great to see it working!

[Spottedlaurel]

Stupidly I have got rid of the pictures of an H-reg (suffix) Mini MkII that was on the farm I surveyed (though in fairness they were pretty rubbish, as it was tucked away in a barn and looked like it had been for an awful long time). Still, just the sort of surprise I like to find when out on a survey.

[reallyloud]

A 604 on warks plates! That car must have been one of the last, or perhaps collected cobwebs at the dealership for some time. The Sigma is a catch and a half, really nice V6 motors in those - and that looks like the one to buy. It must be pretty handy having a job where you are required to nose around and explore otherwise unexplored areas. I suppose the only downside is you don't get that buzz of adrenaline when trespassing....

[wuvvum]

Wow. Quite a range there... Lovin' the 604.Those old GMC ambulances were taken out of service, if memory serves, because they had a tendency to tip over if they wree cornered too hard. Which was a bit of a drawback when the ambulance was trying to get somewhere quickly, especially down Norfolk's back roads. So they replaced them with Sprinters - slower in a straight line but much better round corners, and probably more reliable too.The Suzuki CS125 Roadie has to come fairly high up on the bikeshite scale - there can't be more than a couple of dozen left on the road and they were a bit of an odd design. They had a rather gutless 4-stroke engine, but the main thing that set them apart from the majority of rev'n'go scooters was that they had a 3-speed automatic gearbox rather than a CVT arrangement. They weren't the quickest or the best-handling of things, but they were reliable and comfortable. They used to eat front wheel bearings, which eventually became impossible to get - I suspect this is why most of them were scrapped. I had one about nine years ago - paid a bloody fortune (compared to the value of the bike) to get it through its ticket, then crashed it spectacularly half an hour later and wrote it off. I haven't seen another roadworthy one for sale since - if I did I'd probably have it.

[michiel]

Superb, love that 604!

[Spottedlaurel]

Excellent info on the Suzuki Wuvvum, it was as bad as I'd hoped then!

[chester drawers]

 

What's all this about? Chinese (?) writing on this, even down to it saying Lei Tung Estate on the destination board, yet it was on a local H-plate (not trade plates). Now what I expected to see in downtown Attleborough...

 

 

This might clear up the mystery! http://www.orientalmodelbuses.co.uk/DM17/photos.htm

http://www.easterntransportcollection.o ... hicleid=15

[Baz]

That 604 is stunning....A lovely example of (IMO) one of the most elegant 4-door saloons of all time....In Diss You say? I'll certainly be keeping my eyes peeled when driving through the area in future!

[Spottedlaurel]

Great info on the bus, thanks Chester Drawers! Amusingly, it was taken out of service out of prematurely due to not having AC, yet in its life it was was used to advertise General Air Conditioners...Baz, I'd love to see a pic of that 604 parked up with your 20 one day! I suspect that one of the local Citroen specialists would know about that car.