Good for it's age, no doubt.

It needed a few bits and pieces sorted and a general little clean up so Richard proceeded to spend more money on it than he initially planned.  Ahh cars, it’s a tale often told amongst enthusiasts.

The initial plans for the car were to give it a 70′s period rally theme.  Those plans were soon rendered defunct in favour of a “tidy and wheels” idea.  Although I had a lot of love for the 70′s theme, as you can tell by the final product, the car didn’t lose out any by not heading in that initial direction.

Bits and pieces were tidied up over time, from engine compartment components to the small amounts (given the age of the car) of rust on the doors and sills…

Externally there were other issues as well, namely given the car was made as a PI (injected model) it had the wrong grille on it (as well as the injection gear missing, you may have noticed this already)  Richard saw to the grille being replaced but rather than return the I, decided to sort the carbs instead, something I cannot blame him for because carbs are awesome, there’s no trying to deny it.

Things like the wheels and running gear had to be sorted too, not being a huge fan of the stock hubcaps, Richard went for a painted steels look, coupled with the white-line tyres and some beauty rings, the external appearance jumped in class a heck of a lot from that initial series of photo-graphs.

The interior was tidied up, seats covered with beaded glory;

The combination of all these awesome things resulted in this fine automobile…

A Triumph, indeed.  Well-done Richard, you should be proud.  Those of you in Auckland might see this rolling on occasion in the near future as that is where this car and it’s owner now reside.  So keep your peepers peeled and be sure to give the appreciative nod or thumbs up as this car is well worthy of all that.

-Michael

1934 Packard Super Eight

This fine example of a restoration was a participant in the NZ Classic Car Rally that was held recently in Gisborne, those familiar with the RC will have already seen the photos of the event itself (though if you haven’t you can get to them here).

Why is the car a Super 8? Well it’s 8 inline cylinders of 100% Pure, undiluted awesome;

6.1 litre, Straight 8, Gloss & Chrome. All class.

The more observant of you will note the symmetry requires a spare wheel on each side of the vehicle, held in colour coded covers no less with their very own Packard brand padlocks…

It’s easy to see that this car would have been the star of the show, not only due the care and attention given during it’s restoration but perhaps more due to it’s sheer imposing size.  This ’34 Packard is no wilting lily, with dimensions that dwarf most modern vehicles.  As an example, here’s the shot of it lined up with some of the other cars.

The VL is a car width in front of the Packard and is still dwarved.

The ecsquisite simplistic nature of the dash is deceptive, in that by modern standards it’s spartan though for it’s time it is most certainly very well equipped in the way of instrumentation and quality of materials, a time now lost on American cars.

Simply Dashing!

And although by first appearance it may seem to be your (not so) average two-seater roadster, the rear trunk contains another seat for further passengers who gain access to such a place via the step above the rear lamps;

A trunk for those long vacations away.

So, all told a very beautiful car.  For more pictures you can check out the RC flickr Gallery, here; 1934 Packard Super Eight

Thanks again go out to Shiloh of Raizer Images and to the organisers of the NZ Classic Car Rally for provided a meeting point for such spectacular cars, Packard inclusive.

-Michael

So clean

One of the best things about Tim’s cars and indeed classics in general is that they’re such a contrast against the modern fodder that shares the parking areas and streets.  They demand and deserve attention.  Despite the dramatic differences between the Rat Type3 and the Mint Beetle, they achieve the same task.  The Beetle is just so damn clean it’s ridiculous, as you can see…

Bug Front (pun intended)

Another insanely hot and bright day meant that getting complete photos of it due to it’s situation in the car park, wasn’t so easy.  However, I wandered about and got some interior and details shots as best I could.

Inside, uses the same Maid.

Just as Clean, you see.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Beetle feature without a series of expected detail shots;

Lamp 'n Vent

Obligatory Badge Shot

Same Again

This next one is probably my favourite shot, I dig the simplicity of the dash, I think this photograph shows it well;

Pristine

Awesome Rear Lense

Look on through to the Other side!

Hopefully at some stage I’ll try organise getting both cars together for a shoot.  Which should help illustrate the contrast between the two.

Awesome.

-Michael

]]> http://blog.retro-classics.co.nz/?feed=rss2&p=2858 0 http://blog.retro-classics.co.nz/?p=2694 http://blog.retro-classics.co.nz/?p=2694#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:38:37 +0000 kyteler http://blog.retro-classics.co.nz/?p=2694 You may recall a little while back I spotted a Type3 Fasty parked not far from my work and snapped a quick shot of it.  After it was posted I received a comment from Isaac, the owner of a Rat Rod, informing me of who it belonged to and where I could find the owner.  ...more]]>

You may recall a little while back I spotted a Type3 Fasty parked not far from my work and snapped a quick shot of it.  After it was posted I received a comment from Isaac, the owner of a Rat Rod, informing me of who it belonged to and where I could find the owner.  In the subsequent weeks I stumbled upon the owner (Tim) one morning before I started and we got to talking about it and other things, at that point in time I had a new camera coming and I asked whether he would mind if, once my camera had arrived, I took some photos of his car.  His answer was a positive one and he informed me of where is sat during the day so I could just roll on up and grab some shots where it sat.  Yesterday evening I did just that and here are the resulting photos;

Authorised Vehicles Only.

As is usual the photos are hosted on flickr and the link to the complete gallery is at the bottom of the page though because the car is so badass I shall post them all up here anyway, mostly due to the fact that because it was all parked up my options were limited as to the amount of angles I could get.  Though without further banter, enjoy!

VW Type 3 Fastback flickr Gallery

And that’s that.       …for the moment.

-Michael

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Right Click and “Save Target/Link As…” or just click it to view the full size (1600×1200) and then save it from there.

S47 日産 セドリック – 1972 Datsun 260C H230

-Michael

1972 Datsun 260C (S47 日産 セドリック)

For those who have not been told, the following is the (brief?) story of how this amazing example of a 260C came into my possession…

…Luck.

Seriously.

My day had started like many and any others, life was still within my bones, my eye-lids retracted and allowed the efforts of the burning star at the centre of our particular solar system to reach inside my ocular devices having refracted about on various objects and provide me with sight.

It was the weekend, I had a few errands to run with my partner, breakfast was had and the chore of driving about various locations began.  Though many things are not, timing (it appears) was on my side.  We toodled about in the vehicle I’d had no more than a week.  A car to take care of the daily grind whilst I attempt to save to repair the car I’ve owned for the longest duration, the C110.  Said new vehicle took the form of a 1994 Honda Accord.  2.2litres & 5spd.  It wasn’t fast, it wasn’t slow, it was comfortable and it was doing it’s job tremendously.

We took care of one of the tasks and made our way through roads infrequently travelled to the next task.   In the distance I spied a car…  A good two blocks off, it was impossible for me to determine what it was.  Though from what I could see of the rear I deduced it was either a Crown or a Cedric.  Not seeing either option on the roads frequently any more, I took the gamble and increased my speed from 50kph to 60kph (much to the joy of those behind me, I imagine)  within moments we were close.  The car was a 230-series Cedric and not only that, but it appeared (from the rear) to be very well kept.  So I maintained course behind it, had my partner jot down the licence plate and we followed it to an intersection, it was going the same way as us which gave me the chance to catch a glimpse of the side of it as it turned.  I was stunned, it was very straight and clean bar a tiny patch of grey primer at the front of the driver’s side sill.  With my interest peaked we continued down the road behind it.   I was content though that the day was at least a little brighter than most having witnessed such a fine example of an H230.  Soon however our courses differed, I had to turn off and the 260C glided off into the distance.  Ah well, I figured that was that.

We carried on about our day.  Necessity brought us to the Supermarket, goods were purchased and upon leaving my partner pointed out that the very same H230 was parked on the side of the road outside the Supermarket we’d just utilised.  BRILLIANT! Having my camera in the car had finally paid off.  I quickly pulled the Honda to the side of the road, grabbed my camera and made my way down to where the 260C was parked.   As I drew closer to the car I noticed the driver was still in it.  Now, I wasn’t about to take photographs of the car with him in it, without asking permission,  I made my way to his window and introduced myself and asked whether he would mind so much if I took some photographs of his car.  He was quite happy to indulge in my perhaps peculiar to most, request though thought it would be better if he wasn’t in the vehicle during those photographs so he got out and as I was admiring the car and taking a couple of photos we got to talking.  I told him what I owned and how I enjoyed seeing such cars, it was at that moment that the words “Would you like to buy another?” cascaded from his mouth.   Strangely enough, I said.  “How much would you be after?”  a price was divulged that left me momentarily stunned…  in a good way.  I informed the chap of my predicament, having only just bought the Honda, I would have to sell that to raise the money to buy the Cedric but I would most definitely do that and try to get the amount to him ASAP.  Details were exchanged and we both went about our day.  Below is the second shot taken, the first you’ve already seen at the start of the post;

Check out that ass!

I got home after an excited conversation with the missus and made my way to the computer where “For Sale” signs were written, printed and hung on the windows of the Honda in a post haste fashion!  Long story short(er), a week went by with a few txt messages received in regards to the car but nothing of substance until a young chap came to my door on the Saturday along with a few mates.  He wanted to take the Honda for a test drive, which was fine, I rode along, he was impressed and said he’d get back to me on Monday.  Which is exactly what he did, he arrived again at my abode though this time with his father to cast an eye over the vehicle.  Another test drive was had and at the end of that it was essentially a done deal.  Though there was an issue with that.  I couldn’t hand over the keys straight away as I needed the Honda to go see the Datsun that very evening.  It was decided I would do such and then come to their house with the Honda to change it all over and they would in turn drop me back into town at the owner of the Datsun’s residence.  Sorted.  Those tasks took place and at on Monday night, the drive-way looked like this;

Shhh, they be sleeping!

All this meant I am now the extremely proud owner of a 1972 Datsun 260C.  In fantastic condition and just how fantastic, I’ll let you decide by the ogling of these pictures I’ve taken over the last few days that are not loving hosted on flickr.

Bought new at T.R. Taylor Motors in Invercargill, Nov. 27, 1972

Ownership History. Tiny.

Three owners.  The story is that the chap who bought the car new, owned it until he passed on at which point his son put it into his name and then as you can see, sold it just over a month later to the people who I happened to buy the car off.

Sharing the Driveway

Would you like a surface to eat off? How about the Interior, Sir.

Just Dashing! I'm sure you'll agree.

Timed Demister?, you betcha!

Clock, Speedo in Miles (88000), Required Lights and Instruments

Choke, Dash Light Dimmer, Handbrake & Trunk Popper

Self Seeking Radio, Heater Controls, Cigar Lighter & Ashtray

As though it were not enough to have this relatively fancy piece of auto-seeking, self-tuning equipment in an early 70′s Japanese car, they also saw fit to allow those in the rear of the car to have the luxury of changing the station, like so…

Rear Tuning Button, Cigar Lighter & Ashtray

Perspective.

Three Forward Speeds of NISSAN-FULL AUTO-MATIC, Captain!

Service and Series Booklets. Nice.

70's Interior Patterns. Class.

Headlining, Spotless.

More Patterns and the embossed NISSAN logo

So that pretty much covers the Interior, which speaks for itself despite my added commentary.  The only thing left to do now is take it to some strange location and be an artsy poofter with it.  Choice, onto that!

Should this coming weekend be a fine one, I’ll treat the car to a cut and polish to see if we can make the sucker really shine.  Red is known for it’s oxidisation issues and this car has certainly not been exempt to them so, we’ll see.  It could look even more amazing than it already does!

Needless to say, I love it.  The last few days driving about a classic as a daily have reminded me just how fantastic it is to do such things.  I can’t wait to get the C110 Skyline on the road again.  This Cedric provides enjoyment, inspiration and motivation.  Cars are just awesome.

-Michael

Full feature tomorrow or later on in the week, depending on when it’s clear enough to take some decent shots of it.  For those unaware of what it is;  1972 Datsun 260C, known in Japan as the Nissan Cedric.

-Michael

P.S.  Should I consider it a challenge to fill in the gaps between 63 and 72?  With purchase of this fine steed I’m owner of 1963, 1972, 1973 and 1974 vehicles.  I wonder…

Well loved.

Front Right

Portrait Shot

Rear

Interior, Classic style

Magic, it’s a frikkin’ awesome little car.  Much adored and admired by all who come into contact.   I have the shots in a higher resolution than 1024×768 if anyone is interested, just yell out.

-Michael

S-lammed, SLAMMED

Some of you may remember this Bug from such entries as “Lust for Rust” & “Lust for Rust; Update!” well, now it’s back and LOWER THAN EVER. (sure it wasn’t that low before but the whole buildup sounded cool) I don’t really think these pictures need many, if any, words so here they are. Click them for higher resolution. Enjoy!

Get low, la la la low

From the front (which isn't quite as low)

Roof rack

Visor

…how was this all achieved you ask?

The front has been narrowed 3″, and then slammed just over 4″ from where it previously sat, with more to come, the rear clocked 3 splines (which sadly proved to low to get out driveway let alone use, so it will go back up a spline), a new custom twin exit exhaust, the roof rack you see there was not the same as the previous incarnation and was found in amongst a pile of scrap steel, which is seemingly fitting for this car, there is also a 1600 single port engine is being built up as I type (OK, so probably not RIGHT now, it’s 7.57pm, but it’s underway).

Here’s some close-ups;

Narrowed Beam

Notched Spring-plate

New Twin Mufflers/Pipes

Extraneous steel and rubber

Tip top. Big ups to Kev and Raizer for providing the content and the capturing. Cheers guys, always a pleasure to show.

-Michael

Someone who has got that bang on is a friend of mine from the Otago region of New Zealand, his name is Josh and this Mark I Cortina wagon belongs to him;

1964 Ford Cortina MkI Estate

Paint left as found, lowered to a point of ridiculousness, paired with some wide steel wheels.  As those who can’t pronounce things properly would say… “Poifekt!”  Of course, Josh didn’t buy the wagon in such form (though not far from it) it came to him looking far more standard though still well used…

As it was on arrival.

Interior, quite spartan you might say.

Vat's da sticka vat sez eet cumz from Engerland, innit bruv?

Little bit broken with a lot of spares.

As you can see, it didn’t really need much done if you like that patina look.  Which Josh most certainly does.  He has done the regular treatments on it as well as a few other bits and bobs to make sure it’s not an eyesore or isn’t about to die a horrible death.

Damage to the left hand rear quarter has been fixed rust along with many interior and exterior fix-ups that are a breeze when you’re a talented panel man such as Josh is.

If you’re keen to see a few more pictures of it, you can do so by checking out his build thread on oldschool.co.nz.  Here’s a few videos for the road;

Enjoy!

-Michael

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