Spotted's Spottings (20th Anniversary Weekend update #4)

[Spottedlaurel]

Yet more. Whenever I go somewhere, especially on my own, I try to make the effort to go a slightly different route as who knows what'll be hiding away?

 

 

Colt in the background, as seen here before, doesn't seem to have moved for a couple of weeks now. Suppose that will be gone soon then

 

 

Seemed clean, don't see many of this shape about that aren't Hilux or a Surf import of some sort.

 

 

Ill-advised blacking-out of chrome.

 

 

Honda bikeshite in the background.

 

 

Late D-series, didn't want to get much nearer as it was on a traveller's site.

 

 

VW regrettably partly hiding at least three 505s, plus unknown van/camper lurking at the back.

 

 

 

Anyone know what this is? Berkley or similar? Two photos to help you.

 

 

This was also in the same road.

 

 

Stuff like this will be gone in a few years. Mitsubishis of this era had very similar styling right through the line-up.

 

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7521/imgp1155yq5.jpg

 

Initially thought this was an F-plate, surprised to see it on a P.

 

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/6186/imgp1156qn6.jpg

 

With wing removed I wonder if this is long for this world? Guy here goes through cars quickly, favours biggish German stuff.

[Spottedlaurel]

Stumbled across this, taken late last year but it's still there AFAIK. Commer Cob, remarkably unvandalised and trapped by a large, old tractor.

 

 

Edit: What about this beauty! Seen in Southwold, January 2006.

 

 

This LT seen with Mr_Bo11ox.

 

 

Sorry, just having a look through some albums for what appears to be a worthwhile cause ( in the direction of EL).

[pogweasel]

Indeed SL, the small three-wheeled device is indeed a Berkeley, a T60 model manufactued right here in Biggleswade. Now there's some useless information for you.

[Spottedlaurel]

Indeed SL, the small three-wheeled device is indeed a Berkeley, a T60 model manufactued right here in Biggleswade. Now there's some useless information for you.

Hangs head in shame at missing 'E', but at least I was right otherwise Apparently they made caravans too. C&S A-Z book says it had Excelsior Twin engine of 328cc, which means nothing much to me. What's odd is that nose of 'mine' has upright lights like B95/B105, whereas photo in book shows it having recessed and faired lights like B65 on which it was apparently based. I guess low-production of things like this meant details were fairly 'fluid'. Looking closer, looks like there's a join in the front wings.....Useless information is good. Too much important and meaningful stuff in the world, the pointlessness of knowing and continually learning this rubbish is what makes it such good distraction from everyday life

[55bloke]

When you say, "right here in Biggleswade<" does thet mean you live there? I ask as it's home to my idea of heaven- i.e. the Shuttleworth Collection!

[pogweasel]

Yup. All the attractions here. Shuttleworth, errrrm, the Jordans Factory and... umm... well that really is it actually. Unless you like the kind of tourism where you come and laugh at fat idle provincial chavs.....

[55bloke]

You lucky boy!!! I'd love to be so close to so much beautiful machinery!! Not to mention the commedy value of those chavs!!! Well, must dash, got a plane to Jersey to catch. Back in a week, hopefully with a load of pics to post.

[Spottedlaurel]

Trip to Diss and Bressingham Steam Museum today yielded these delights.....

 

 

This maybe a 90 rather than a 99?

 

 

This seen from the narrow gauge railway - oddly not many other people trained their cameras in this direction, fools.

 

 

 

SPot of the day, first seen by Mrs SL from another railway Old truck (ex-fairground?) in the background was this......

 

 

An AEC? I love the aged trucks used by fairgrounds, they had an old R-reg ERF or something running the dogems elsewhere on site.

 

 

This was hiding in an area where the public weren't really meant to go, places where naturally the best stuff was hiding like the following pair.

 

 

Pair of Regal estates, again first seen from a railway (now reminds me of journeys into any city, where you always see old stuff from the train but can rarely get to it any other way). Sadly I think these may be Trotters Independent Trading-ised, they had one on display in the museum (which incidentally housed a nice collection of old Dinky, Majorette, Solido etc toys which kept me and my daughter happy).

 

 

Not really shite, but may appeal to one or two here? I'm no good on these Traction Avants, so someone else could perhaps suggest what it is?

 

See elsewhere for Kernel Marvo and that Ssangyong thing.

[pogweasel]

I fully expect Seth to make mildly excited noises about the Marina Kamper.Does Bressingham Museum still have crap TV ads?Since they 'split' the anglia broadcasting region I haven't seen them....

[pogweasel]

Oh and your trucks are deffo an AEC (But unsure of the model)and a military-spec Austin K2.Can I also say.. I can never hear od 'Diss' without instantly thinking of Alan Partridge.

[r.welfare]

'Tis deffo a very late Saab 99, all 90s were 2-doors AFAIK. I still want one though - on Minilites, in black. MMmmmmm.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Oy Oy crew

 

I've been on 'holiday' the last two weeks - I say holiday, but the destinations were Crewe, Cheshire and Wisbech, Cambs, both top holiday hotspots for the modern man-about-europe doncha' know.

 

However that provided a decent itinerary for shite-spotting. I hope no-one minds if I bosh them in this convenient thread...?

 

First off, a selection from St Amand in Northern France where I was picking up an engine and gearbox, on my way to UK.

 

A clean early Alfa 75 1.8, pre-'twin-spark'. Nice, rare too. Just a slightly modified Giulietta, which itself is a slightly modified Alfetta. From Alfa's golden 'wilderness years' (my favourite period for any manfacturer).

 

This DAF koop looked nicely crusty and battered.

 

"Regarde, les mecs!!! C'est Ronnie Barky!!!" I cant look at a Renault 25 now without thinking of that quality YouTube film. This one is a R25 'Manager', whatever that means.

 

Nice Mk1 sierra 'plumber wagon' with the flapping door bottom which used to be so commonplace on UK streets. Aaahhhh...

 

Oooofff!!!! VW missed a trick didn't they? the Mk1 golf could have looked like THIS with just a little imagination and vision.

 

Engine and box collected and wedged into the uncomplaining 30-yr-old Toyota Carina, and I carried on to the UK.

 

Crewe provided these shitters for your entertainment:

 

This guy obviously de-locked his sierra so successfully, that he decided to bin off door handles, windows and even the entire rear door, thus creating a slightly wavy sierra 'delivery van', nice work.

 

A very cool driveway combo.

 

Yeah thats gonna run again. Weigh it in man!!! Horrible 2.3 pinto mustang.

 

Look at this invalid chariot, called 'Leila' apparently:

What the hell is that on the dashboard top? It had a can of redbull shoved in and various wires dangling from it. Bring back hanging!

 

These two roadside honeyz were on the way to southport.

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/Volvo-panda.JPG

 

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/Volvo.JPG

 

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/Panda.JPG

 

On the way to see my dad I went through the village of Thorney nr Peterborough, where there is a village garage which always has plenty of shonky wire-wheeled MGB's at eye-popping prices. This time they had some proper metal:

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/Thorneychevette.JPG

Chevette automatic, 'only' £500.

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/Thorneychevside.JPG

Hmmm....!!!!!

 

This Traveller was a cracker for only £3k:

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/TRAVeller.JPG

Hmmmm:

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/TRAVrot.JPG

 

This honest-looking MGC was £5k:

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/MGC.JPG

 

And this B roadster with shockingly banana-shaped sills was a trifling £4k:

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/Broadster.JPG

Fair play to the garage I say, anyone who forks out that kind of coin for such stuff deserves everything they get. PLus they let me test-drive their Maserati 430 once (very disappointing).

 

This was nearby and worth a snap:

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/Belmont.JPG

 

And this nice Mazda Cosmo was next to me on the ferry home.

http://usera.imagecave.com/Mr_Bo11ox5/UK_Spots/P8200033.JPG

[seth]

I fully expect Seth to make mildly excited noises about the Marina Kamper.....

Ooo. Oooo! Was that mild enough?! Must be a Torcars one as I'm not sure anyone else did them but looks a bit odd somehow? Spotted, have you got any better pics of the no plate so I can see if it's on the register? PM them if ya like. Mr B, that traveller is shocking for 3K! Nice RO80 spot though

[j-j]

but may appeal to one or two here? I'm no good on these Traction Avants, so someone else could perhaps suggest what it is?

Hi Hi,Think your traction there is a 50s model called the 11B with the four cylinder engine (instead of the 6 cyl) so it's the basico version for normal people with no money so maybe it is shite of a different era? Thinking; its the late 60s, everyone has a car these days except some ex pat frenchie down the road who chugs around in his 15 Y O trakky. Maybe that is the equivalent of autoshite 40 years ago...?

[Spottedlaurel]

Seth, reg'n on the Marina is either FRY 359 Y or V, I think Y but hidden behind bumper.RW, I had a nervous feeling about that 90 probably being a 99, but couldn't definitely remember that it was 2dr only. Just seemed odd to see a 99 that late.Good work Mr B! I know that place in Thorney, but the MGs have always put me off. Did you visit the odd scrapyard on the old railway nearby? Good to see the Carina being put into use.

[Baz]

 

Not really shite, but may appeal to one or two here? I'm no good on these Traction Avants, so someone else could perhaps suggest what it is?

 

Looks like a 4 cyl "onze legere" to me....Bonnet louvres (instead of ventilation flaps) and wipers mounted at the bottom of the screen tell us that it's a late car....Post July '52....And the painted (not chrome) lights and grille tell us that this car was made in Paris, not Slough.

 

A truly lovely sight to behold!

[Spottedlaurel]

Top info there Baz! M-B picture to reward your efforts below. Nothing mega in the last week, apart from another small camper!

 

 

Mildly kitted-up Scirocco.

 

 

Photo doesn't show it, but this Patrol is pearl white.

 

 

Nice SL. Saw another later in the day in Herts.

 

 

Hmm, in this form may not go down well here but as standard these are an interesting car. Nissan Cefiro, sort of sporting sister car to Laurel also sharing much with Skyline R32. Some nice details on them. Lad who owns it does drifting, came to see Starlet but (possibly fortunately) doesn't seem to be having it.

 

 

Back on track with this baby, tucked away in corner of a Norwich council estate - made it worthwhile going to buy furniture off their neighbour.

 

 

Near to where we also saw this lot. Three MkV's (sorry, Cortina 80's) and a P100!

 

 

Standard-looking late-ish Scirocco, very clean.

 

More tomorrow!

[mouseflakes]

Top spot has to be the Sherpa - it's a thing of rare beauty!Fantastic composition too SL - can't fault that photo!

[Spottedlaurel]

Thanks MF. Even if I'd have cruised that estate looking for stuff I'd never have found that Sherpa, it was incredibly well tucked away. Last batch.....

 

 

Merc TE's had been in the running for my estate duties, due to a few of them still being around and giving a good choice of engine sizes. Older ones do seem to get tatty however, I am probably better off with the Camry.

 

 

Seen this late Capri Laser here before.

 

 

Maybe a bit too scene-ish for some here (though newcomer Autohausdolby may approve!), but I thought this Cabrio had a good choice of wheels and paint.

 

 

Bootsale time! Never before realised the potential of these places, must go more often as I haven't seen one of these for ages.

 

 

 

SPOT OF THE WEEK This thing was awesome - check out the rear arches and panel gaps! Saw owners leaving the site later on, they were as mad as you'd hope - this was clearly owned without a shred of irony, they looked completely unkempt, aged and bonkers, the King and Queen of Shite.

 

 

Vanette, these are becoming scarce though sometimes see a tidy one about (which this isn't).

 

 

Poor photo, but lovely tat-peddling wagon owned by Sid 'n Doris.

 

 

Another that had been on my list, but as most Prairies look like this I would have struggled.

 

That's it for this week.

[pogweasel]

Jeezus H Christ!That Escort camper is truly horrific!That is so spectacularly shite it's just taken things to a whole new level.Those wheelarches are such a work of art they should be kept in some art gallery. I suggest tate modern.And WTF is going on with that rear door?It seems to hinge entirely from the bottom, which must be pretty impractical and looks very 'home-brewed' judging by the panel joint!I think that must be a contender for 'shite of the year'Though being a mk1 escort it's probably still worth £1.2m, despite being mutilated by The Twits.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

ha ha, that escort is shocking!!! Imagine having a crash in that fucker. Not pretty.

[Arragonis]

Your better half has a lot more patience than mine. When I get out to photo cars (last one was an old Allegro in Spain on UK plates) she got the hump, and started her usual treatment of silence followed by stoping up and down, smoking too much.

[Baz]

I'd love a W107 Mercedes SL....Beautiful, but too much money for the Baz wallet!

 

Saw the black golf cabrio just the other day....Remember commenting on how effective it looks....Frances thought it looked "shabby"....Don't ask!

 

Capri is parked just where The Drayton Rd meets Aylsham Rd isn't it? (Down the road a bit from that weird yellow taxi-van thing that You've captured previously)....Must be a resident, it's always there.

[55bloke]

And WTF is going on with that rear door?It seems to hinge entirely from the bottom.

That is truly bizarre!! Yet it looks like it has a seam down the centre, below the window, like it's been cobbled together from 2 van doors?!

[Spottedlaurel]

Sadly nothing quite as exciting as last week's Escort camper, but just about to have a sort out of my folders so thought I'd get up-to-date.

 

 

Gilbern next to my new beast of burden. Gilbern has been undergoing work at this garage for at least a year if not two, must have done a fair old mileage going in and out of the workshop every day.....

 

 

This Panda was apparently a Dance special edition - I desperately hope it has the FIRE engine, so I can use some terrible pun like "Dance into the Fire", or something.

 

 

Subject of a recent CPTC revealed.

 

 

Helpfully the driver of this Cortina stalled at the lights so I could nicely lined-up for a good (slow) action shot. Saw it again later parked up, was a 1.6 Crusader.

 

 

Was hoping this Ghia estate would be a beefy 4x4, but seemed to be just a normal one.

 

 

Not really shite, but nice to see. Usually hidden up in the garage, signwritten with name of the owner's building firm.

 

 

Rare enough to see an 80 like this nowadays, but this one's a Quattro! Hasn't moved for yonks, though they did have the bonnet up recently.

 

 

Sometimes this is parked up next to a new-shape Clio - amusing to see how lardy the modern one looks by comparison.

 

 

Finally, not really very old but I thought one or two here might appreciate this.

[r.welfare]

 

Rare enough to see an 80 like this nowadays, but this one's a Quattro! Hasn't moved for yonks, though they did have the bonnet up recently.

 

I had one of these about 5 years ago as a daily driver. Oddly, mine was also Oxford-reg'd (BW at the end) but a B-plate. Fantastic cars, and now rare as rocking horse shit.

[Betaphile]

 

Subject of a recent CPTC revealed.

 

I suppose it's too much to expect that this is a real 124 Abarth?

[j-j]

Finally, not really very old but I thought one or two here might appreciate this.

Much appreciated!Im lovin that Audi too and the Scirrocco. Was hoping to copy their pix in reply - how d'ya do that? need the URL?

[Spottedlaurel]

Much appreciated!Im lovin that Audi too and the Scirrocco. Was hoping to copy their pix in reply - how d'ya do that? need the URL?

Saw a nice G-plate 100 saloon today but was a bit slow with the camera, there's also a tidy 100 Avant nearby which is never there when I do have my camera and vice versa.To copy pic's, if you're using Firefox as your browser just right click, slect Copy Image Location then paste that into your reply adding at%20the%20start%20and after it.

[Spottedlaurel]

More from Norfolk and a quick foray into Suffolk. Shame evenings are getting a bit darker though

 

 

Roland Garros (sp?) I think, dangling repeater a nice touch.

 

 

Hello, I've ended up in France! This place always has a good smattering of Italian and French stuff lurking about. There was a 5dr Alfa Arna here for ages. Also noticed a dead Dyane behind the 2CV. They also had these....

 

 

Looks like 164 has sat for a while.

 

 

This place near Stowmarket used to have some good stuff about 10 years ago, including a now very rare early 70's Corolla coupe. Baz, you familiar with it?

 

 

Sorry, was getting dark now. Local plate on this 144, for some reason I'm always happy to see a car that hasn't moved from its 'patch', feels like a little bit of local history.

 

 

V-plate, but surely shite?

 

 

Carina was very tidy, looked good hiding under the trees.

 

 

Something oddly appealing about this tidy Transit.

 

 

Finally, something of interest to Mr Bo11ox? One of my out of the office window spots, worthy of going downstairs to see properly.