North West AutoMarty

[MrRegieRitmo]

  Baz said:

 

I prefer the early cars....Much sharper

Is it fair to say that people nearly always prefer the earlier versions of cars? I keep seeing people say that. Despite any improvements that might have been made mechanically, people still seem to prefer the earlier ones visually. Maybe that's somehow linked to the fact that if we like the car then our fondness extends mostly to the first version that caught our attention. Also we probably see the earlier ones less so they seem more refreshing? Is that it?

 

Certainly goes for me R14, the BX as mentioned, SL's fromer Datsun 180B, must be loads more.....

[Spottedlaurel]

I'd agree with you, surely it's only in that first version that you get what the designer intended - most times the facelift just adds stuff to try and bring it into line with more recent stuff, yet the basic shape is still there underneath. Marina or Ital anybody? This era was probably worst - you've got the 70's designs which makers tried to update with sloping plastic grilles, big bumpers and the like. Datsun did it on most of their's Only one that really worked was C230 200L with round lights getting twin rectangular lights.Perhaps we should be positive? Rather than think of the rubbish examples, let's call up a few good ones - Cortina MkIV to Cortina 80 (MkV) was good IMO.As you point out though, often the facelift model has some handy mechanical upgrades/revisions when the maker realised they'd bodged the first version - Escort Mk5 to the 'punched under the chin' look version, for example. Final ovaloid version of Escort probably better still (relatively speaking of course).

[pompei]

You're right. Loads of examples come to mind, Fiats 500, 126, 127, Alfasuds, especially the early Sprint, and the list goes on. And though I'm no fan, just look at how the later MGBs were ruined not just by placcy bumpers, but also by US import regs about headlights , the solution to which was to raise the suspension height! However, on the subject of headlights, I do think the later Lancia Fulvias with the UK spec raised outer headlights looked really cool.

[Mr H Sceptre]

And lets not forget the E-Type Jag.

[r.welfare]

I always thought Capri 2 to Capri 3 was an example of a successful facelift, too.

[Marty]

Im ashamed to say I prefer the Mini Clubman nose to the original, and I prefer the Maestro to the Allagro (and I have owned both).I like cars designed by people with rulers and set squares and who wear kipper ties.

[Baz]

  r.welfare said:

I always thought Capri 2 to Capri 3 was an example of a successful facelift, too.

Until You metioned the Capri 3 Mr.Welfare, I couldn't think of a SINGLE facelift that I prefer over the original, but You're right there, the Capri 3 is a fine looking car....Nicer than both 1 & 2 IMHO....

 

I suppose in keeping with their status as the kings of Shite, it's definately the French Facelift that offends me most....Off the top of my head I can think of Renaults 9, 11, 12, 18, 21, 25, Espace....Citroen GS/GSA BX CX....Peugeot 205, and Talbot Alpine/Solara....All of which lose a little appeal for me once they've been facelifted, and definately by the time the tacky end of production "Limited Editions" arrive!

[Spottedlaurel]

While the original was good, facelift of Carlton MkI worked well I thought.Does Granada MkI to II count as a facelift? Certainly a successful rework of the original, both appeal to me for different reasons.

[r.welfare]

Agree with both SL, Carlton Mk1 always looked a bit odd frontwise to me. But the equivalent Rekord looked much better (obviously)! Mk2 Grannie I think just about counts as a pretty extensive reskin, apparently the centre section (apart from the back of the roof) is the same. Early Mk2s really give me the horn, especially the 2.8iS. That bloke in Essex ('Affordable Fords') has had a white T-plater for ages that I would be well tempted to take a punt on if he still has it come Spring.

[Baz]

  r.welfare said:

That bloke in Essex ('Affordable Fords') has had a white T-plater for ages that I would be well tempted to take a punt on if he still has it come Spring.

He probably will, given the prices he charges!

 

He has TWO Tickford Capris at the mo....Now, where did I put that spare nine grand?

[mouseflakes]

Lookit!!!!

 

As a follow up to the Cabstar pickup and all the excitement caused...

 

Cabstar Camper on t'bay!!!

 

 

Fablious!!

[mouseflakes]

Anyone going for this lovely thing then?I put it on Datman's forum too - hope it ends up with someone who appreciates its rarity (and its beauty of course)!

[Spottedlaurel]

Was tempted, but issues with sorting belts for child seats knocked that one on the head. Also, not sure if Mrs SL found the period charm of it as charming as I did.There's another camper around too, green cab I think.

[pogweasel]

It's about 3ft taller than the tallest bit of my barn, so I'm out too

[mouseflakes]

I should add - the usual excuses from me too - lack of space, funds and spousal consent also. Neighbours probably wouldn't appreciate the finer points of the 'unusual' design - specially as it would be all they could see from their front window!

[Baz]

Looks like it'd be easy to make homely....Love the bed over the cab! No space for it here either unfortunately!

[Marty]

Not had my camera about me this week, but managed to spot this:

In the words of Rolf Harriss - Can you tell what it is yet?

[Paul H]

It's definately a Morris. Not sure which model but assuming it is a factory bodystyle, then it's probably an 8 tourer

[Marty]

Well done, its a 1937 Moggie 8 Tourer currently being rebuilt by my mate Bob.

[Marty]

Deja Fu* - Spied my old Rover up on Fleebay:

 

 

Who says old Rovers dont hold their value? I paid £4K for this 11 years ago - and the garage bought it back off me 14 weeks later for the same price (long story)

 

*Deja Fu - the feeling you have had your head kicked in before....

[retrogeezer]

£2000!!!Are they havin a laugh!!

[scrappylad]

Think the screen price is just for effect, ebay classified price is 1195. Still pricey for an old Rover albeit a 216 GSi Auto. Maybe worth 395?

[Mr_Bo11ox]

£395 seems about right to me, persuming its got an MOT and maybe some tax.

[Marty]

Recent spottings - shite kwolity photos though due to nakia camera phone.

 

D plate Maestro 1.6L

 

D Plate Grananadenada

 

Whats under this tarp?

 

Lovely

 

Even better

 

Ohhhh, marvelous a Moggie Marina Van

 

Then I returned to my car and found this near by..

 

And someone had relieved me of my stereo, and speakers - bastar......

[scrappylad]

  Marty said:

And someone had relieved me of my stereo, and speakers - bastar......

Thieving gits !!!Pity the poor bloke/gal with the undriveable Clio. Can't see it lasting long left there going by the sounds of things.

[Maltelec]

thoes old land rovers are pure class, keep on going forever.

[Marty]

The best one I saw today I didnt get a photo of - a lovely orange Estelle with white boot lid (front one).

Other shite:

 

That is all.

[Torsten2001]

Hillman and Commer for me! Top spots!

[Baz]

What's goin' down with the Hunter???....Thought Chrysler made the last one in 'bout '79???....Did it really sit around unregistered for 3 or 4 years?

[Marty]

Dunno I wondered that - I hung around for as long as I could hoping to catch the owner (lots of car club badges on the front) but he didnt show up and by the time I had seen all my patients and come out again he was gone....

  DVLA said:

Date of Liability 01 03 2007Date of First Registration 29 07 1983Year of Manufacture 1976Cylinder Capacity (cc) 1722CCCO2 Emissions Not AvailableFuel Type PetrolExport Marker Not ApplicableVehicle Status Licence Not DueVehicle Colour BLACK