CCs in Israel: February 2021 – More Variety Coming Your Way

Funny how sometimes what appears to be a lean month in terms of captured classics, turns out to be quite fruitful. This is what February 2021 turned out to be, as I started out with almost nothing but some random still photos, and towards the end accumulated respectable CCs- some of which were seen and captured first time ever for me.

Where possible, I used the very handy DMV data app I discussed in previous posts to determine the car’s age. The stills will come later, let’s start with the video:

Starting with a nice Jaguar XJ6 as I pulled off from the pump at the petrol station. You can just about see the owner at its back, with whom I exchanged a few words about this car- but more on that later, including some photos.

Next up is the inevitable Subaru DL, so popular in Israel in its day, throughout three generations. This car is from 1992, which makes it one of the last before it was replaced with the Impreza, which was called Leone in Israel for the first few years (which is peculiar since the DL was never called Leone- just DL. It seems the importers finally decided to reuse the name so familiar to US market buyers). This DL generation was the best seller of all, and pretty much controlled the local market, until Mitsubishi entered Israel in 1989 with its Lancer and reversed the cards- the DL, and its Impreza replacement never recovered from that. Of course, as time went by these Subarus gained popularity and following, as I mentioned here.

Next I stumbled onto a surprising pair- you might say it’s surprising that of the two, only the Alfa sports a raised bonnet, as you’d expect the Triumph to follow suit… Both are fairly recent imports and quite close in terms of model years; The Spider is a 1983 vintage whereas the TR7 is from 1981. Of course, the Alfa is much older if you count its 1960s origins, but that probably means nothing after nearly forty years have passed since its production, not to mention the strong Israeli Classic Alfa Romeo Club that can cater to all its needs, should the owner wish (I’ve discussed said club here and here). Triumph TR7/8s are an entirely different matter, because none were imported officially when new, and the very few examples that did arrive into Israel have long since died. At first, I thought that particular TR8 was seen and photographed by me before, at (wait for it) an Alfa meeting, so you can see the connection there. Back then it was undergoing some renovations:

Some years later, what appears to be the same car was met again, now looking like it had finished all work required:

The above TR8 is the car in the featured video, but now I doubt it is the same convertible with repaired fenders- the interior is different, as are the wheels. Actually, I think the other Triumph might be a TR7 and not a TR8. No matter, here’s another photo of an entirely different altogether TR7, just because I know you like them:

Although it’s fairly new and from 2004, the SAAB 9-5 was included here because, well, SAAB. I think any manufacturer that ceases to exist is a sad thing, and although SAAB have really been doing sort-of upgraded versions of Opel/Vauxhall platforms throughout its final decade, I still warm up to them, maybe for their past glory (as rally racers), or for their unique character. Also, I think the 9-5 looks gorgeous and its styling held up rather well- much better than its smaller sister the 9-3. Not many were sold in Israel when new, because of expensive prices which would stir potential buyers towards the parallel executive Germans.

Speaking of Germans, here’s one: BMW E24, either 633 or 635- rather hard to tell from the video, even after editing in some close-ups and slow-motion. The license plate is also too small to read, so I cannot consult the DMV data app. I seriously doubt this is an M635 CSI but in any case, I’d bet this is another recent import into Israel and not a car purchased here as new. Much like the TR8 above, these were never imported officially and the very few that did arrive in their day, were private imports (as with the E24 found parked near my home). The giant wheels had me thinking I’ve seen this car before, but looking through my photos I discovered this was a similar, but different car, wearing different color:

And if here, why not post some more BMW E24s from various classic meetings, either 630 or 633, CS or CSI:

And I’ll finish off this E24 section with a photo of what I think is a genuine BMW M635 CSI, photographed at the Salzburgring racetrack parking, as posted here:

Next car might have been too far and too dark to include in this video, but I couldn’t overlook what is undoubtedly an early 1960s Mopar. From what I can see, I’d guess this is a Plymouth Valiant, rather than a Dodge Dart (or Lancer). Obviously, the lighting conditions make it impossible to see the license plate, but I’d wager this car was imported back when new, as Chrysler products were quite popular in Israel back then (even if some years away from the top of their popularity, as I mentioned here). Search as I might, I couldn’t find in my archives any previous photos of an early 1960s Valiant, which makes this one a first for me- and a CC no less, not a part of some classic meeting.

Last car of the video is the iconic VW T2, here in Doppelkabine-pickup guise. This one is from 1971, and as you might expect, an original import back when new- these were very popular in the 1970s in Israel, despite their German origins, that were still an issue in 1971. I have written about a similar T2 before, and almost had it confused with this one, being both are pickups and wearing the same color. You can read more about T2s in Israel in that link, so here I’ll just include two photos of this videoed VW, which I’ve seen and photographed previously:

Now on to the still photographs of the month, which actually took place before I started to capture anything on dash-cam. One fine Saturday, whilst walking with the family, I found this rather lovely Citroen 2CV:

No need to look for it in the DMV Data App; followers of the “CCs in Israel” series will know that between 1980 and 1989, the last two digits on the license plates marked the year in which the vehicle was registered. Thus, this makes it one of the very late 2CVs in Israel, even younger than the other local 2CV in my town.

Ok, it’s earned this ugly dent with accompanying rust and a slightly deformed front bumper. But other than that, looks remarkably well preserved for a car that essentially lives outside.

Last photo of the 2CV is what I’d like to think is a nice comparison photo of old vs. new (even if that Hyundai Getz is well past the ten years’ mark). Firstly, the 2CV’s shape, which is of course out of this day and age but also, its color; even if somewhat subdued, is still much more eye-catching than anything around it.

You may ask what’s so special about a Jeep Cherokee that I’d feel compelled to photograph and include it here. Well, firstly this is a 2001 vintage, so age-wise I think has earned its place. Secondly, in Israel these are not common at all, being that not many were purchased in the first place. Thirdly, as with the 2CV above, I’m fascinated with the difference between old and new. This was a big car in its day, but look at it now compared to the Corolla parked opposite (itself not new), or further back, even the Kia Picanto, which is a mini, but not much smaller than the Cherokee. Hats off to its owner, which is still ten years away from moving the Jeep onto a much cheaper “collectible vehicle” license, and maintains it on a regular license- it looks great for a twenty year old car.

Born in 2000, this Nissan Maxima is almost the same age as the Jeep, but obviously not as cherished. I think the weirdest this about it is its color, which is supposed to be “Red Wine” but reminds me more of 1970s brown. I have a soft spot for these because on the rare occasions I see one, it reminds me of my late father who, at the time, wanted to buy a Maxima but wouldn’t allow himself (too costly for what he was prepared to pay, I suppose). Not sure if this was the generation he was after or the previous, squarer one- Dad loved square cars! This particular car has the reflective stickers on the rear bumper, which is peculiar, being they became legally redundant in 1995. And judging by the amount of bangs and dents on the bumpers, didn’t do their job too well.

We finally come to this majestic 1973 Jaguar XJ6. I was filling petrol in the Civic on the other side of the pump, when this elderly chap arrived to fill up his Jag. We exchanged a few words, and he was quite impressed with my XJ knowledge (especially the disarming question: “Series one, yes?”). His XJ6 is a private original import into Israel way back, which is impressive given there was no official representation of Jaguar at the time. He said he loves the original shape the best, because it’s the cleanest, before black rubber bumpers and the like. After he allowed me the photos, we bid farewell and I was on my way.

And thus ends February.