Cornucopia (noun) – a great abundance; overflowing supply.
That is certainly what there was in the Club Sandwich display area outside the Royal Exhibition Building, in Carlton which is just north of the Melbourne city centre (Australia not Florida). As a different sort of game for this post, make a comment to “claim” a car and we will see if there are any unloved leftovers – I doubt it!
To get one thing out of the way before we start in case you are not familiar with the term, a club sandwich in Australia is any “double decker” sandwich, ie 3 slices of bread & 2 lots of fillings; I gather that it is a specific set of fillings in the US. For some reason the car club display area is the only part of the Motorclassica show that has such a whimsical name. Each of the three days of the show had a different groups of clubs displaying cars, and on the Sunday that I was at the show there were the Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Triumph, Fiat, Saab, BMW, Singer, Citroen, Peugeot, Jensen, Chrysler and the Historic Rally clubs.
I rushed through a lot of the area pretty quickly, so this shot is about all I have of the Fiats – an interesting combination of vintage Fiats (perhaps a 501 and 508?) and a pair of 500F’s. Note they both have front-hinged doors that were a feature of the second half of production (1965-on).
Here’s a striking grille from one of the Swedish “Big 2”. Am I the only one to see a bit of Edsel here?
That grille adorns a 1966 96, a direct evolution of previous Saabs. It had the 2-stroke 3-cylinder engine bumped up to a whopping 850 cc (841 actually) that would give an 80 mph top speed.
As the model name suggests the 96 actually followed the 95 station wagon, although the example here is from 1976. Of course the vivid orange paint is a sign it is from the seventies! By now the 2-stroke engine had been replaced from a 1.5L V4 engine sourced from Ford.
There were a couple of newer Saabs, a 1997 9000 CS and a 1992 900 Turbo, both from near the end of their lengthy production runs. I think it is fair to say that any of the pre-GM Saabs are classics now, even if this takes some adjusting to!
Next was Renault and a magnificently restored 750 sedan. Beyond it is a 2005 Clio, and it is only looking at the photo now that I realise it is not a common-or-garden RS 172 (itself a great hot hatch) but what I’m pretty sure is one of the mid-engined V6 models! There can’t be many in Australia, and only 354 Phase II cars like this were built in RHD for the UK market.
The Renault 16 is quite a landmark car, and I wonder how much inspiration that Saab took for the 99 which had the same layout. Apart from the size difference probably the most notable difference was the Renault’s column gearshift. Oh, and the Saab console-mounted ignition! This TS version with the larger 1565cc engine gave very decent performance.
I’d say that fifty years later the 16’s direct successor was the Laguna which I always thought was a pretty good car.
The 12 was a more conventional sedan, and another solid model for Renault. A relative of mine had one for about 25 years, replacing a Peugeot 203 that was owned for a similar length of time!
Here is another highly distinctive front fascia, which with its covered headlights must have been unwelcome in the USA. Is it still a problem if you were to import one as a classic car?
It is an Alpine A310 from the early 70s. While a size larger than the iconic A110, looking at the 2010-era Clio RS200 shows it is still pretty diminutive to say the least!
This 964-model 911 convertible must be a rare colour, but if you are going to drive a 911 convertible, why not a purple one? I imagine that many people would be surprised to hear that it is 25 years old too. Being a convertible helps here, lacking the narrow window frames and rain gutters of the coupe.
Perhaps the least popular Porsche is the 924, but this one is clearly loved. The striping is unconventional but evokes the Martini racing livery of the era.
This shot shows what I don’t think the American market appreciated, that Triumph made sports sedans as well as roadsters. CC commentator Bryce frequently reminds us that they set the format for a compact sedan with fully-independent suspension and an inline six (the engine from the TR6) well before BMW got in on the action. I don’t know what year this 2500 Mk2 is from but it could be 1966-74.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that the R107 model SL’s were fairly affordable, but now they have definitely appreciated significantly. There are two clear factors in play, firstly a response to prices of the earlier cars going through the roof, as well as hitting the 40-50 age that I think represents the peak value point for most cars.
The only other Mercedes-Benz I shot this year was what I am guessing is a locally-assembled 1959 220S, from the 6-year period that they were locally-assembled in Melbourne. The number plate is curious, bearing the right number for the period but looking more like a UK plate than an Australian one.
Triumph Stags attained classic status early in their life and so a large proportion survive. Due to the problematic 3.0L sohc V8 many have had engine swaps. In Australia as well as the 3.5L Rover V8 you are also likely to find a 4.2L (253ci) Holden V8.
Here is a pretty rare example, a Triumph Herald Coupe. There don’t seem to be many Heralds of any type around today but the Coupe made up a very small percentage of sales, from what I can see just 20,472 were built or 2% of the total production!
Next is something from the other extreme of the motoring universe, a Ferrari F40 GTE! This was a racing version of the F40 built by Michelotto. Note the larger front splitter, rear wing, wheels, vents and even headlights.
The engine bay shows quite a few differences from a normal F40, such as a complete lack of mufflers, slick tyres and extra coolers. Power was boosted from a measly 480-odd hp to 660, and weight was cut by around 200kg – and the F40 didn’t have a lot of fat to begin with.
The F40 was one of a few Ferraris arrayed around the entrance to mark the 70th anniversary of Ferrari. Another was this 275 GTB/4, which I’m tipping will be ‘claimed’ within the first 3 comments.
This 1960 Chevrolet C30 wasn’t a display car but still deserves to be in this feature. I expect this will be claimed early too – who wouldn’t want a mobile wood-fired pizza oven?
How about a BMW 2000 Touring? The Touring wasn’t sold in Australia but there have been a few imported. Note the 323i JPS beside it, which was special edition to commemorate the local touring car team run by Frank Gardner.
Something else you won’t see too often – a pair of Hillman Superminx wagons.
Here we have a 1930 Singer Junior and a pair of late 50s Gazelles which are yet more cars that weren’t officially imported although there were some dealers who would bring them in if ordered.
There was a pretty broad range of Citroens, even within this one shot; a 2CV, 1992 AX GT and DS23 Pallas.
Perhaps peak quirkiness for Citroen could be represented by this 1970 Ami 8, with unusual mechanicals as well as styling (to be kind).
I wonder if the 2006-2012 C6 will be regarded as the last great Citroen? Just 104 were sold in Australia, 90% of those in the first 2 years including this 2007 example.
This 1998 Xantia might look like a pretty conventional machine, but it offered the computer controlled hydro-pneumatic Hydractive suspension (hydraulic suspension with air springs) and there was even an Activa version where an additional pair of hydraulically activated air springs were used to completely eliminate body roll.
Beside the Xantia was a 2006 C4 VTS coupe, which was a particularly sleek design. These did reasonably well in Australia, by Citroen standards at least.
In the very back corner we find this pairing of a Peugeot 403 sedan and a 404 cabrio. Both are excellent restorations but the latter is obviously the stand-out, being such a rarity. I think this is the same one that I spoke to the owner a while back and heard the story of how a pedestrian told him off for driving what is essentially an irreplaceable car in Parisian traffic, before he brought it out to Australia. They don’t make replacement panels for these; only 3728 were built.
A Mitsubishi Galant GTO isn’t that rare, but won’t be found on every street corner. The fastback styling is well executed, and I think there is a hint of the ‘humpback’ Javelin in the rear end treatment although they debuted at the same time. This car is the only documented period rally car known, and has been restored as a replica of the pair of works rally cars. Both were destroyed in crashes while leading events back in the day. It has a 1.8L 4G35 engine with twin 44 Solex carbies, so I’d guess it has 200 hp or more.
This Celica is a fairly recent build, and the potential for fun is high with this one.
The Jensen club display included this 1974 Jensen-Healey, and the highly distinctively-styled CV-8 which provides quite a contrast to the more conventionally-handsome Interceptor beyond. It looks like the last car in the row is a 541R.
Back to BMW, with a wonderful pairing of a M635i (an M6 by another name) and a 3.0 CSi. If you want to claim one of these I hope you are an early reader!
The last car for this post is a 1946-48 Dodge, but not what you might expect. The mirrors are a clue…
This car is what would now be called a restomod, but done back in the 1970s, as it has the original running gear replaced by a 318 from a Royal Monaco. The suspension, brakes (note the dual circuit master cylinder) and steering was updated as well, and the owners said it drives very well.
So which car would you like to drive, or own? The Chrysler Newport in the opening photo? I’d a hard time choosing between the E9 3.0 CSi, Alpine A310 or Renault Clio V6, but I think the Galant GTO would be the one as it could be used on some pretty interesting events such as the Classic Outback Trial.
Further Reading:
Carshow Classics: Highlights From MotorClassica 2017
Car Show Classics: Motorclassica 2017 – Extraordinary Vintage Machinery
I’ll take the ’59 Mercedes 220S, thank you. Runners up would be the black Peugeot 403 and the gorgeous Chrysler that opens the article. Yes, I do have eclectic tastes.
If someone was to pick one single Ferrari as being the most “classic” representative of the marque, it would have to be the 275 GTB/4. Here’s a nice one in profile. Gorgeous.
The French seem to be “hit and miss” when it comes to large cars post WW II, they don’t sell in large numbers anywhere outside of France….if there.
Several interesting cars here, not sure I can pick 1 or 2.
Whew, good thing I got here early enough to grab that yellow Chrysler Newport up top! It looks like a sweetie.
As always, a great variety at one of your local events.
Darn it, JP, that’s the one I wanted! – so instead I’ll claim the orange Challenger or ‘Cuda sitting next to it. ;o)
I claim the C6 in the name of all that is quirky, unappreciated, and unloved. So throw in the Ami 8 Break, too.
For me, it’s a toss up between the Celica and Galant GTO. The factory Works Toyota team won Rally New Zeland in 1982 with one likely similar before they created the Group B car the following year. Mitsubishi was also fairly successful in Japan’s national rally series with the GTO. Come to think of it, I rather like the Celica, as it’s painted in the same pattern that winning car ran, just in different colors:
Looks like I’m third (at least) in queue for the yellow Chrysler, so I’ll go for the Citroën DS23 Pallas.
A motor vehicle can be imported to the United States without regard to its emissions compliance once it is 21 years old, and without regard to its safety compliance once it is 25 years old. In Canada it’s 15 years for both safety and emissions. However, the registrar jurisdiction (US state, Canadian province or territory) can still apply its own regulations. If the state/provincial/territorial law says a vehicle made in such-and-such a year has to have such-and-such equipment, has to pass such-and-such an emissions test, etc, and they enforce that law, then what the law says goes.
This is what I like! A nice variety of cars with virtually no big bling-wheels or loud paint jobs. Mostly just nicely preserved, unmolested cars.
Good lord, what an assortment!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Galant GTO in the metal but I can totally see the Javelin resemblance.
Always loved the 3-dr C4s and was tempted to get one. Superbly quirky Citroen and a lot more visually interesting than the Xsara that came before it. Subsequent small Citroens have lacked the C4’s character.
You know how I feel about C6s. They’re stunning and if any modern Citroen is destined for collectibility, it’s these.
Always wanted to drive a Citroen with hydropneumatic suspension. Such an intriguing idea!
That Alpine looks superb. Truly a stunning, aggressive design.
And yes, it’s a pity Triumph didn’t more aggressively push its sport sedans in the North American market. IIRC, the 2000 was short-lived there and the Dolomite and Herald never made it?
John, I’m going to need to visit this post again to digest! So many awesome cars!
Nah, I saw a Triumph 2000 saloon on a trailer in October, obviously coming home from British car day in Oakville.
It was outrageously, terminally rusty. Pushing the sedans harder would have only hastened the demise of the company.
Re TVATKT on the first Saab; ”tvåtakt” is Swedish for two-stroke. Nice!
But why ASATRU on the Citroën C4?
And R16 for me, please. Or the 404 convertible.
Thanks Jonas I had been wondering about that. Not sure on the other plate.
I, and the many ladies who will want to go for a ride with me, will take the BMW 3.0 CSi.
Turkis E9 for me, please.
The owners of the 404 cabrio live nearby casa jim. Any Parisian onlooker who dared to voice a criticism would have been shut down immediately by Denise, and rebuked loudly in both languages. “Sometimes you have to be firm,” I can imagine her saying afterwards
Cheers Jim, I think the onlooker was expressing concern rather than criticism. Perhaps more concerned it might be parked on the street too?
I’m picking the Super Minx wagon with the mags before Bryce gets it..
Luckily there is another one for him!
I’ll take the 9000 turco, as the 96 was taken.
Nobody claimed the 404 Cabriolet, so….
Good of you to sacrifice yourself Paul! 🙂
Jensen Inceptor for me please…. nice honking Chrysler V8 and ideally 4WD…
Beat me to it! Incidentally, if you’re looking for a Jensen Interceptor fix, I highly recommend checking out the relevant episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage.” It’s very different from most episodes, in that Jay doesn’t dominate the conversation, but instead basically lets the car’s owner take the lead. The owner seems very likable and highly knowledgeable (honestly, I think he’s a better host than Jay), and the car is tremendous. Apparently when he got invited on the show he just hopped in and drove it from Massachusetts to California like it was a normal modern car, totally uneventfully. A curbside classic indeed!
The Interceptor is an interesting car, I helped a guy fix a little niggle with one years ago and got a ride around a track as thanks – you could tell they are heavy but it still went/stopped/turned pretty well. Once upon a time you could get them cheap in presumably money-pit condition, or not that much more (double) for an actual decent car.
I second the AMI, those are unseen here stateside. The C-30 is wearing a 1962 front end
Ooh, so much goodness here, looking at what is already claimed, I will make my bid for the Saab 900 Turbo, which appears to be an SPG version judging by the sliver of 3-spoke rim that can be seen.
But there are no “losers” here, all seem impeccably presented and of such a wonderful variety!
Shoot, too late to “claim” the BMW 3.0CSi, but still a bucket list car for me. And in that stunning metallic turquoise(ish) hue, please!
So many great cars, so many great photos…thanks for sharing!
OK, if I pick the Ami 8 and the Herald can I adopt both of them? Though in all seriousness, the 403 has huge appeal.
The Alpine for me. It looks a bit tres ordinaire here, but in real life they are a delicate-looking thing and I want one.
However, since the Alpine was semi-claimed, I’m going with the Citroen AX GT. Not only do I like the looks, I drove one years ago and for a 1.4 litre carby , it flew and was raucous fun round bends. Ofcourse, it only flew because it was largely consisted of what might have been tracing paper (inside and out), but hey, I ain’t gonna crash. He said.
The Laguna, John, I’ve always thought to be a good-looking car, but I have twice been warned not to touch one – by French car people, no less.
Yes the AX were very light, 740kg/1630lb, so the 1.4 would be more than adequate. That engine itself is one of the lightest going around.
I’m not surprised regarding the Laguna, one of the reasons French cars have their reputation. I feel that if you get a manual gearbox you might avoid a major problem area though, an old relative had an auto 19 and when it came time to look at selling it, it seemed that at 100,000 km it was overdue to fail!
It hadn’t occurred to me before, but clearly that SAAB grill is the Edsel version of the original Bronco.
Since there is already plenty of interest in the ’65 Newport, I suppose I could live with the restomoded Chrysler.
I am curious, were those originally sold in Australia, and were they called Chryslers? In the US, that would be a ’46-’48 Dodge.
Thanks Dan, my mistake it should be a Dodge – would you believe I am not overly familiar with these postwar Mopars? No wonder I was having trouble nailing down the correct year – memory of chatting to the owners is it was a 1946. I feel there is a comment about cars all looking the same in there somewhere!
With the “coved” tail, the Triumph 2500 is a Mk2. If the wheels are original, it’s likely a 2500S, which was a late replacement for the 2.5PI with a carbureted engine and a couple of useful chassis improvements, including a front anti-roll bar.
I expect you are right Aaron.
The Saab 9000 would look super sharp with the super Aero wheels that the 900 besides it has. Those are really hard to find for the GM cars.
I have seen one of those R16s before. The Alpine is a treat, but that I am already used to them because a guy in the office has one.
The Xantia has a plastic lift gate. I also had the fortune of seeing part of its assembly process. They have a fantastic ride, and the height is adjustable from the inside of the car.
I’d claim the C4, the 9000 and the DS. I saw an Aussie Valiant in the background of the first pic… were there any Chargers in there?
I don’t believe there was a Charger, just the 4 Chryslers/Mopars.
Cheers. BTW, your link is in the Mercedes article. Please let Don know so he can also enjoy.
So much great stuff!
Thank you for introducing me to the Herald coupe — never knew these existed.
But I’d go home in the Jensen CV8.
The Bronzit Beige BMW E28 sedan in the background of the E9/E24 pic gets my vote.
Here is the other side of that one. Presumably a 528i or 535i with the alloy wheels?
Can I have the Ferrari 308GTB in the second shot and Superminx estate please? And a club sandwich with chicken and bacon, no cheese?
Looks a great show – I should have gone over, and I could have caught some cricket as well (or not)!
You have touched on a good point Roger; I did not cover (or really photograph) the Ferraris and other exotica that were displayed by event sponsor Lorbek Luxury Cars other than the 275 GTB/4 that has an actual registration plate with LORBEK, not a show/display aka not-real plate.
The FIAT 500’s (2nd and 3rd picture) would be a hoot to own. Not very fast and not very far, but a true joy to drive!!! ==;-}