Garage find Rancho - the bronze one. Rust update, p15

[Captain Furious]

Really like the look of that wetbike...

[Spottedlaurel]

Blimey! I'm on my hol's and have only just logged in to find out about this. Great news.

 

I found one here in France just last week. Ostensibly pretty good, until I saw the side which had received a big hit in the door. Pic's to come at some point, but it's round the back of a bodyshop so I could pass on contact details.

 

Only pic's I have on Flickr:

 

Talbot Matra Rancho toy by Joustra by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Stupidly I didn't buy this one I saw at a boot sale on last year's French holiday.

 

My Corgi one:

 

Toyfair purchases - French assortment by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Time machine required to go and get this one, from the best section of any dealer's listing:

 

David Young Cars ad 16-09-94 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

[Junkman]

Another wetbike pic.

 

Marina Wolter, ca. 1976.

[Asimo]

As far as I can tell, no one has yet trotted out the rumour/legend from the 80s about a police force trialling the Rancho

 

Plod's very own magazine "Police Review" did have a feature on the Rancho with the tagline something like "the best Panda* car we will never get."

I am pretty sure there were pictures of it dressed up with blue lamp and Police stickers. They were keen on it because it looked the part, not because it had special qualities. (Which, of course, the Rancho does.)

 

**Panda was the name for urban plod cars, usually Minis or Escort 1100s back then.

[Slappy]

Oh wow! I've grumpily not been lurking on here as much as normal either recently due to problematic laptop and work looking over my shoulder at my browsing time a bit closer, but wow!

 

A classmate's parents used to have an A reg red Rancho and I'm sure it came with the extra lights. Always a highlight of any journey down the main road in Willesborough.

 

In other news I must leave a note on the green Espero that I know lives a few streets away...

[anonymous user]

Are you nearly there on your way back yet?

 

Sarn Sevices has now reopened, with a nice big area for coaches, lorries, caravans and Talbot Ranchos.

[Skizzer]

Progress report: Made it to Hastings with trailer.

 

Watch out, it's the rozzers:

 

No, luckily it's just RobT come to help / make sure I don't bottle it.

[Skizzer]

It lives!

 

 

Loaded up.

 

[phil_lihp]

Oh yes!

[Cavcraft]

I like the way you got Krujoe to levitate in the top picture.

[Skizzer]

Tea break.

 

[garbaldy]

She looks even better in the sun.

Is it just me or do those wheel straps look awfy low on the wheel.

[Junkman]

l00kz phit!

[For Fiats Sake]

It's the plastic body kit that makes them so good looking, look like a bodged wheelchair car without it!

 

Only trying to stop my severe jealousy pangs by slating it though!

[Frogchod]

I don't post much, but this is grade A autoshite, more worthy than just a "like"

 

Looks like it'd get an MOT in France....

[garethj]

You know how some celebrities charge for an autograph?  I would pay actual cash money to shake Skizzer's hand, the hand that touched the steering wheel of a Rancho.  I wouldn't wash it for weeks afterwards.

[Captain Furious]

That's looking awesome

 

Also (probably not technically allowed to like it on here but meh) that's a nice bimmer too, 4 series Gran Coupe is definitely on my approved modern list

[trigger]

[eddyramrod]

I was expecting much frillier metal, so very well done there Skizzer!

 

I still say you need to lose the blob, then you'll have a perfect AS fleet.

[dollywobbler]

Yay! Still stopping overnight on the way back? I was hoping to see it on the motorway.

[hairnet]

that meme pic just start it and run the bmw over - job done

[stuboy]

with all that brown surely theres no frown..

[DVee8]

 

Front cover of the next calender.

[omegod]

I don't know if I've dreamt this with being up all night feeding a small child but I can remember years ago a consumer type program where this guy had bought a black Rancho and after inspection it turned out to be a cut and shut...

Yep I remember that programme, old guy had bought it I don't think it was a cut and shut but was held together with chicken wire and wob 

[Skizzer]

:-D

 

Be nice about the modern now people, it's doing a tidy job of towing. If I'd used the Disco I'd have been terrified it was about to expire (though it probably wouldn't have).

 

As RobT will testify, we've solved the question of whether it's the A-pillars or rear body frame that rots the most: you're both right, they're both fucked.

 

Fortunately a Cebora Boxer 155 welder came with it, for a bit of extra cash.

 

Pushing on a bit further tonight, then home in the morning via brunch with Anonymous User.

[Skizzer]

And yes, the straps do look a bit low. They're over the hubs though and nice and tight so they're not going anywhere. Will have an adjust in the morning.

[RobT]

What a thoroughly enjoyable day. Here's Skizzer Woollarding at full stretch, and generally being a WINNAR!

 

 

OK it needs welding, quite a lot in fact, but it runs and drives as is mega. Plus all the interior trim seems to be present and it'll clean up well. I feel honoured to have been part of this collection mission, which actually went rather well.

[Junkman]

That last bit is a bit annoying boring.

[RobT]

:-D

Be nice about the modern now people, it's doing a tidy job of towing. If I'd used the Disco I'd have been terrified it was about to expire (though it probably wouldn't have).

 

Indeed, I quite like it (shoot me down for saying so folks if you want). Moderns have their place and it's probably helped combat fatigue on a long day of towage.

[vulgalour]

Note to self:  Skizzer can Woollard to the height of a small teenager.  Long Skizzer is long.