Jon's Spotting Thread. USA Road Trip.

[STUNO]

I'm going for '1938 Studebaker coupe', based solely on the fact that I have an old Dinky version somewhere.

And I am going for a Chevrolet, because that is what it is.

[chaseracer]

And I am going for a Chevrolet, because that is what it is.

 

Can't argue with that! 

[Jon]

Trust Wise Old Father Time to get the facts right!

 

 

Here's a final dredge of some obsolete old stuff that's probably going to remain of little use to others until they erode away to nothing, yet will continue to attract strange people like me to come back and see how things are progressing.

 

 

I'm not sure if Hirst has louvres for his Galant but these look to be available, if not. Seemingly has an LPG kit too, plus a terrible exhaust. And a tow bar, natch, as a car really isn't a car without one in New Zealand.

 

 

 

This therefore falls in to the 'not a car' category for such a reason and also the fact that there's not much left of it, either. Actually, that rear door looks pretty solid. EDIT: there's an electrical connector for the tow bar attached to the bumper, so this car was an acceptable addition to these roads way back when.

 

 

 

Competing on the shit condition stakes with that 132 above and beating it hands down is a vaguely recognisable Mazda 121 coupe. This wasn't here a few months ago, so who knows the story behind what looks to be long term storage in its accident damaged state.

 

 

Excellent little bumper sticker on the back.

 

 

 

Hey look, it appears slightly bluer on this side! Boot space seems good and the rear end sans tail lights is very reminiscent of the Celica of the time; in normal guise, it actually looks a lot like the rump of a Montrose. Not sure I'm a fan of such US inspired styling but am glad to say that a few do survive, though most are liftbacks with that funny 3 window design, like a Mumford Marina.

 

 

 

Yes, I do believe I am warming to P6s, even if this one had a barrett-unfriendly non-strip speedometer (I checked). Not sure if I'd choose one of these over a Triumph 2000 though, in my rhetorical imaginings.

 

 

 

Despite the terrible effort on the tailgate and compromised rear lights (why didn't they at least turn them 90 degrees?), I've included this as a modern day rendition of a home built ute. Many Kiwis commend themselves on their 'can do' attitude but in cases like this, I think it extends more to their abilities to wholeheartedly accept something worse than it used to be.

 

 

 

Crew cab J Series Bedford is something I've been aware of but not knowingly seen in use. Those wheels suggest a low payload, from memory.

 

 

 

 

Unless I'm mistaken, this is a very recent addition, too. I probably am mistaken, looking at the sinkage but then it's things such as these that are so overlooked, you have to come back again and again to make sure you've missed nothing! Groovy stripe, too. Must not refer to red Torinos. Must not refer to red Torinos.

 

 

 

I think these wide cab Daihatsu's were still sold as Deltas, which would impress ladies greatly when you offered them a ride in your wide body Delta. I doubt any such incident has ever occurred, though.

 

 

 

Alas, this is where D-Series of photos comes to an end!!!!! For the last hour or so of the visit, I was mostly left to my own devices as the others excitedly played hunt the CD/cassette, to the point that they only managed to go round 80% of the yard. Therefore, a return journey is on the cards some time soon, though 3 times in about 6 months really is pushing it, even for a nerd like me, so I'll probably give it a miss.

 

Will endeavour to fill this topic with actual bona fide spots when I can, rather than just tout the same old scrap guff about the place.

[STUNO]

So it looks like Jon has had enough of this yard !

In that case I shall add to his woes.

 

The arrival, I missed the mechanic checking the Chrysler next to jon's car as somebody wanted the steering box from it. Paul's Vw is a delight too. Jealousy ensued.

 

A leaky boat outside, it has been there for years.

 

The main entrance

 

Jon mentioned a tidy Talbot Alpine inside, this...

 

 

 

 

 Someones former camper

The car on top of the heap may have been there for some time !

 

 

[STUNO]

More...

 

1928 Essex Six

 

Porche 924

 

A set of clocks for your 1927 something sir ?

 

Or maybe you need a steering wheel for your model T

 

A windscreen or two 

 

What a pity

 

Can anyone identify this ?

 

[STUNO]

Still more...

 

Big Daimler luxury saloon

 

 

Singer hunter. I noticed about 5 of these in the yard.

 

Fiat 2300 estate and several random shots, with 3 MO Oxfords spread about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[STUNO]

And more...

 

But first some Saab action

 

 

 

 

 

Austin Freeway

 

 

Vanguarding

 

A couple of Mercedes

 

Then the love of Philibusmo's life

 

 

Some american tat in the centre

 

Which on closer looking was a Willys sedan, the rear wing is the giveaway

 

[STUNO]

Just more...

 

Philibusmo trying to steal an Audi, He really was , the keys were in it !

 

Datsun the workshop, but what is that blue estate ?

 

Oh only a Hansa

 

Working modet T

 

Even a kids trike, I remember these had a lid over the rear compartment. For hiding your childhood treasures in.

 

And even one of these, Javelin.

 

 And to finish this group a Champion.......Studebaker

 

 

 

 

 

 

[STUNO]

But wait, there's more...

[STUNO]

That last lot got posted by clicking on Post instead of preview, it can stay there unedited then.

 

The last of the old stuff, still recognisable as part of a Gypsy

 

Then some newer stuff

 

 

 

 

Then even newer ?

This Ka seemed to be just about perfect, no rusty bits and the paperwork showed it had passed it's last test with no advisories. The car was not deregistered and that expiry date on the reg. label (road tax to you) was only days out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then more recent additions

 

 

 

a bit more Saab

 

 

 

 

 

[STUNO]

Now to the end...

 I was speechless by the end of this so nothing can be said

 

 

 

 

 

That's all folks.

Jon, you can have your thread back now.

 

[STUNO]

Gotup this morning and bumped into a door too.

[Shep Shepherd]

Seeing Astras and Vectras badged as Holdens is weird

 

Also, the Saab GM900 and 9000 seem to good to be in a scrapyard. I wonder what's wrong with them?

[STUNO]

A mystery why some of the newer stuff was there, I wondered about flood damage, but no sign of that, possibly stolen/recovered, or mechanical disasters. there were several newer arrivals that had info written on the windows, one just had the word "cooked" on it. That Ka looked as if it would drive out and must be easily repairable, a new motor or gearbox is easy to find. there was another Ka, missing its tyres, in similar condition next to the Vectra and showing in that photo. Why a rust-free undamaged car is there is a mystery.

But I will go back to check !

[hls1981]

 

 

Can anyone identify this ?

Horopito 032.JPG

 

Horopito 067.JPG

 

It's a Singer Junior Special Nine from 1932 or so, going by this photo: http://www.asco.org.uk/page93.html .  Singer employed Charles Beauvais (who styled the contemporary Avon Standards) to design a special version of one of its larger saloons ( http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/silent-six.htm ) and the grille of that car, which had little in common with earlier Singer designs (or, indeed, later ones) seems to have inspired the one on this version of the Junior.  The Junior was a popular small car in its day, helping Singer to stand third in the UK sales league (behind Austin and Morris) at the end of the 1920s.  

[Spottedlaurel]

^{Great stuff! I think my head would explode if I went to Horopito, the only equivalent I can think of is when I first visited Medler's yard 20 years ago. Sadly in those pre-digital days I didn't get anything like as good a record of it as you are able to there.}

[Jon]

^{Great stuff! I think my head would explode if I went to Horopito, the only equivalent I can think of is when I first visited Medler's yard 20 years ago. Sadly in those pre-digital days I didn't get anything like as good a record of it as you are able to there.}

 

I think, as a Japanese car fan, you'd enjoy all of New Zealand an awful lot! I put a self imposed rule of mid-80's in most cases, simply because it slightly limits the content level; I'd be on about page 30 now if I included stuff a decade older, tbh. As I've probably mentioned before, I'm sure that one of us could supply you with something suitable to tour about in gratis, should you decide to book a ticket one day.....

[Jon]

Not content with two recent meet ups in as many weeks, there did occur a triumvirate of NZ shiters taking part in some motor car repatriation on Friday, courtesy of the philibusmo and petrolize, who it seems just can't stop buying stuff at the moment. I'll leave the storytelling to those two but a successful day was had and once again, I was a passenger for part of the day, so I could take advantage of bagging a few more spots.

 

 

 

Spotted this 260Z literally seconds in to the journey, hence the blur in my haste to snap it. Off centre jaunty number plate is a nice touch.

 

 

 

 

Can't say I'm too much of a fan of these sun shades, as I think they're a little contrived in this day and age. I'd happily take the HQ it's attached to though, despite it being dangerously close to a shade of beige.

 

 

 

Once again, all these spots were nabbed from the passenger seat of STUNO's Lantis, hence not quite seeing all of that 60 series Land Cruiser. I wonder if the owner really is/was?

 

 

 

 

As you can see, despite it still being winter, it was a belter of a day. A nerd check of this FUSO's credentials reveals that it's a 1984 model, which is quite surprising; I'd have said late 70's, more like. 

 

 

 

This is how you roll, rural NZ stylez. Arm on window, fag in mouth, trophy wife. Living life.

 

 

 

Turns out that day was a successful truck spot day. Big rig type things from the era of black plates are becoming a little thin on the ground now but you'll always find a hardcore truck nut to keep a US one going as a work vehicle, like that mad/legendary bloke with the 1970's Volvo log truck in Britain. 

 

 

 

 

Nice ride, shame about the wheels.

 

 

 

Check out this stunner! I got caught by a young woman netting this beauty but I'm starting to accept the loss of dignity which runs in conjunction with a lessening of inhibitions when photographing dull old cars.

 

 

Have the front end for good measure, since I debased myself in the process of taking it. I like how the Fiesta, Cortina and Granada Ghia's all had alloys in this style at the same time, as did one or two American Fords too. Someone high up in Ford either loved them or was an utter miser.

 

 

 

Burger Fuel is a small chain of alternative 'restaurants' to McDonalds et al (ooh, get me) and each branch seemingly has something interesting painted in the corporate purple. This Ranchero(?) is by far the best I've seen, by virtue of the visual mods ending at the paint and not extending to shit rims, like all the others.

 

 

 

 

Just about got this but wasn't sure, so STUNO graciously went round the block to confirm.

 

 

Here's the front, with bonus background Daihatsu. 7 looks cool but is quite rough up close. Who cares though, as Sue looks to be daily-ing it.

 

 

 

 

If it's an English pub this default UK representative Minor is advertising, I'm surprised some joker hasn't rubbed out the FIRE bit of the sign, as people genuinely seem to think that Brits enjoy drinking warm beer. A bit like everyone in the world assumes that Aussies actually drink Fosters and don't whinge. They don't and they do by the way, in that order.

 

 

 

George Clarke's Shit Spaces.

 

 

 

 

I've uploaded a slightly larger than usual image of this Suzuki, just so you can see how happy this man is, driving a 30 year old SJ on a road. Can't blame him, I reckon.

 

 

 

Not the best quality photo in the world but just check out that early Mirage in launch colour brown, my absolute favourite! This one ticks many boxes big time for me. Had it been painted white, I wouldn't have looked twice.

 

 

 

Check this out, 36 year old Kenworth working for a living! Told you there were some stalwarts out here. Good on 'em! Note bonus Honda City in background.

 

 

 

Here's something to get those PSV drivers hot under the 60% cotton, 40% viscose George at ASDA collar; an Ex-Australian, 1972 Letland Atlantean with a terrible roof job. Bizarrely, that windscreen abomination seems to be original and not some hash job solution when replacements were hard to get hold of.

 

 

 

Stage One Land Rover is ex-army, as you may have guessed. Not the best photo to end this post on (I'm a slave to chronology), so have a quick snap from just around the corner from petrolize's flat. Lucky git.

 

[danthecapriman]

Nice spots again.

Love the Cortina Ghia. The two Kenworths are awesome! Particularly the orange tractor, great looking old things.

[Shep Shepherd]

The Cortina Ghia is amazing!

[STUNO]

A great day was had on the rescue mission above, which also became a collection waft for Jon and Philibusmo. I can also confirm that petrolizes flat on millionàires row is very well located by the beach! I spent a lot of my childhood there, in a small house on a dirt road

[STUNO]

I just noticed that in the photo of the Holden Vectra above the ground is littered with orange things.That district is known as the carrot capital, the leftovers make sheep very happy, especially when scrapyard grass is their usual diet.

[Petrolize]

Great photos as ever, the Cortina looks to have hardly been used in recent years if Carjam is to be believed, in long term ownership now I suspect. I see that Morris Minor whenever in Taupo! I think the crazy car buying will stop, but then again Phil's already got his eye on some cars in Wellington now.

[Jon]

5 minutes after spotting, we saw the elderly owner of the Cortina drive it round the corner and park up again, so presumably it doesn't get up to much. Tell Phil to start looking for a coach ride down to Wellington then, as that's way too far to go to help drive the latest acquisition back!

[Jon]

Well, times have been a little busy about Jon Villas, so I've been ignoring Autoshite of late, I must admit. That's not to say however that when I've had some downtime, I've not been busy procuring content for this very thread. Quite the opposite in fact, as I shall now demonstrate.

 

A few weeks ago, I was thinking of something to do to entertain my visiting parents when I chanced upon a show taking place a couple of hours away; Brits on the Beach. Basically, a load of old duffers descending on a rural coastal town with their old Pom cars. Perfect for British pensioners and also a bit of old car/people spotting. However, less than an hour in to the trip, this was the scene at one of the towns we passed through:

 

 

Outside of major cities, this is what's known as an inordinate amount of people; quite possibly the densest number I've been around this year. It seems there was another car show on, so we stopped to investigate.

 

 

 

The first car to greet us was this turd of a Capri S, classified as such purely because it rode on such abominable rims.  

 

 

 

I had a feeling the people present at this show would be just as interesting as the cars and this man squatting on a tyre proved me right.

 

 

 

There's something about these non-chopped Model A rods that I very much like. I'm even a fan of the rear camber, since it's a little bit different.

 

 

 

The local Road Camber Ramblers & Snazzy Jumper Society put on a good display of their abilites. I particularly liked the prowess of the Triumph prop's errant combover.

 

 

 

Though I'm sure they aren't mutually owned, I think this pretty much sums up the house/car condition ratio of many US muscle car enthusiasts over here.

 

 

 

For some reason, I'm warming to the idea of a modified HQ Holden wagon, even though I fully intend not to outwardly modify my Commodore. Answers on a post card as to what the flip that plate is trying to say, I still haven't a clue.

 

 

 

I think I technically invaded this Galaxie's personal space nabbing this shot but thankfully inanimate objects are often quite nonchalant to such formalities.

 

 

 

Quite like the colour of this one and also the fact that its style is utterly out of odds with its background environment.

 

 

 

It irks me somewhat how many times I've recently photographed Mustangs without being ironic. In retrospect, this really is quite a dull image.

 

 

 

This isn't, though. I like the jaunty pose of the man eating hot chips, background left. They have to be called hot chips, lest they be mistaken for crisps, which are unhelpfully also called chips.

 

 

 

Nice! That's all I can think of saying here.

 

 

 

Like one of those strange worshippers that like to thrash themselves with various objects as punishment, I decided to take a close look at this as a sort of mental flagellation, since I pine so hard for a Series I Land Rover. At least it was spotlessly presented, which puts me off a bit.

 

 

 

 

The ghost of Captain Birdseye reminisces over yesteryear British technology. That body colour would've matched his sailor's jacket, back in the good old days. Who knew so many shades of beige were still available these days?

 

 

 

Gloriously gargantuan Mercury was a little poorly parked, which actually accentuated its massive size.

 

 

See what I mean? Possibly my favourite car of the show - I was particularly taken by its styling and size, yet lack of vinyl roof which I thought was mandatory on this era of full size Yank.

 

 

 

It gets almost marginally boring seeing such nice examples of Holdens at shows, which is the epitome of a First World Problem, I guess.

 

 

 

'Face for radio' range topping Aussie Ford LTD is indeed utterly gopping. Still would, though.

 

 

 

By rights, I should despise this Commodore on the basis of silly bonnet-sticking-out bit and large modern rims but their comedic inability to remain beneath the arches and the high front/low rear suspension sets things off very nicely, in my eyes.

 

 

 

Imagine being so concerned that your specs may perhaps fall off your face at any given point that you feel duty bound to permanently wear one of those round the neck string things at all times? Oh yeah, Mini van. Cool.

 

 

 

In line with the contrived nature of these shit 'reproduction' signs, I've added a big fat dollop of vignette to this image. Shame, as the Impala beneath it all looked pretty good - barring the mandatory awful rims, of course. More at some point in the future.

[barrett]

I don't think I've ever seen one of those gopping Fords before, hideous!

 

The full size Merc is brilliant. I would dearly love a full size 70s Yank but I think I'd feel a bit of a pillock driving one in this country. Sadly the American political system means I wouldn't live there despite the possibility of dual citizenship. Maybe I should move to NZ?

[Spottedlaurel]

A spotting thread from the future?.....

 

I like the "nice" big blue estate, any idea as to what it is?

[barrett]

Pontiac Grand Safari, innit?

[danthecapriman]

Great stuff there, love the Pontiac wagon and the LTD.

Pick of the bunch for me though is that glorious Mercury Monterey. They're the model below my Marquis.

 

 

I don't think I've ever seen one of those gopping Fords before, hideous!

The full size Merc is brilliant. I would dearly love a full size 70s Yank but I think I'd feel a bit of a pillock driving one in this country. Sadly the American political system means I wouldn't live there despite the possibility of dual citizenship. Maybe I should move to NZ?

You should try one! They're great to drive and when you do it soon makes you realise just how far behind the rest of the world was at the time! Driving them is effortless and they are easily the most comfortable things to sit in ever. All the grunt you could ever wish for too.

In fact your darn sarf aren't you? You can have a go in mine if you want!?

[Jon]

Hey barrett, I think we're on the same wavelength here re: full size American cars of that era. It probably helps the cause that they just seem to epitomise most action scenes of any driving related nature from a lot of well known Hollywood productions of the time, which for some reason just couldn't be replicated nowadays with any current US models. Septic cars seem to be very well represented over here for such a small population to own them - in the space of 2 or 3 minutes, I was passed by a 1970's Chevy Suburban and a late 60's Dodge Coronet yesterday, whilst out on my pushbike.

 

Sorry for the date gaffe SL, though at time of publishing it was the 28th - you lot need to catch up!

 

As ever Dan, thanks for the bump up the page also!

 

Anyway, let's have the antidote to all this foreign car talk and take a look at this tasty luridly painted Escort. 

 

 

That's an original shade, applied to many various makes and models of the time assembled in NZ. Pretty sure I've revealed this gem of information before.

 

 

 

 

The chalky paint and ambitious tow bar application were the two main reasons for snapping this Ford porridge. I bet there's more original spec ones of these than RWD Escorts, too.

 

 

 

Austin A95? It doesn't matter, I must admit that a prime specimen of chair-based owner was the reason behind documenting this. To give them credit, Austin really did wonders with that side flash of colour - imagine how bland it'd be without it?

 

 

 

I did get a 'clean' image of this Buick (?) but far preferred this one with a lingering punter, who quite literally lingered for a long time. Presumably looking for his trousers.

 

 

 

I'm pretty sure I was unaware of these as a thing before seeing this and assumed from the number plate that it was a later generation Roadrunner. Turns out it's a Plymouth Satellite and the owner is trolling Roadrunner owners who can't own that plate. Extra points score, there.

 

 

 

I very much like the sombre tones of this picture and the fact that this combo even turned up in the first place. More of this type of thing please, New Zealand.

 

 

 

Let's take a closer look at this dull caravan, simply because it's got a strange jockey wheel set-up that's permanently in contact with the road. Which in many ways, seems like a very logical concept!

 

 

 

It's unapologetic fire appliance representation time, so either grin and bear it or just flick past the next few images.

 

 

 

I wonder whether the front light of this SII were moved to house the front mount hose, or because it was updated to bring it in style of a SIII? Either way, I imagine I'm the only one wondering such a thing.

 

 

 

3 old men just out and about, enjoying an old fire engine. Basically what I'll probably be like in 30 years or so. Minus the mushroom coloured velcro trainers though, I hope.

 

 

 

Or perhaps I'll rock an inordinately large rear mount bumbag.

 

 

 

I liked this snap purely for its timelessness. If you find something in the image that isn't timeless, please keep it to yourself and don't burst my timelessness bubbles.

 

 

 

Overly large slacks man boggles at the general dimensions of a domesticated Hummer. Quite frankly, it's ludicrous that these are only 4 seaters.

 

 

 

I did get a slightly nicer shot of this Herald but minus a lady in an actual shell suit jacket, hence this second fiddle one.

 

 

 

Barring the wheels, this is wonderful, in the way that you respect others owning stuff you wouldn't be seen dead in. Bonus points for V8 and a manual.

 

 

In fact, the interior was almost a let down in its tastefulness. I'd love to see someone hunched over mega uncomfortably 'enjoying' a tipple in the back of this.

 

 

 

Must admit this is really a bit contrived for me but I admired the dedication this caravanner exhibited, notifying everyone there was a good chance he'd be taking a dump at a car show. On second thought, it may just be to catch grey water but nevertheless, I reckon I could save my washing up until I got home. Also of note is another man who's lost his trousers.

 

 

 

Colour coded bits and blackened chrome works very well here and they go quite some way to cancelling out the slightly too large/modern wheels. Hoenstly though, when are people going to listen to me?!

 

 

 

This RS2000 is an Aussie spec one, so probably of major interest to the types of people in Britain who attach mobile phones to cars at shows to find out where they live. Good wheel size, well done.

 

 

 

I think this is a New Zealand version of the full blown Aussie tendency to absolutely ruin old cars when modifying which, like many things, is a little more subdued than the VB slurpers.

 

 

 

Even high value decadent cars aren't denied that most Kiwi of additions, the tow bar. People love towing stuff here!

 

 

 

I like evrything but the white plates on this but sadly I reckon it's probably one of those cars that wouldn't be as amusing to drive as I'd assumed. Check out those wheels though; phwoaar.

 

 

 

Much as I like this for being very different, there's no denying that it's taken styling cues from the ticket booth at a fair ground.

 

 

 

Band rocking out to a sellout crowd, Kiwi stylez.

 

 

 

No, honestly, these photos were taken in 2016. All joking aside though, I find it very refreshing that many people are quite obviously not so materialistic, barring old American cars of course.

 

 

 

Have a shot of some resting Cortinas to wrap things up this time. Laterz.