The Wizards of AUS

Courtesy of the good folks at GM AUS, I borrowed this Holden SSV; think of it as a reasonably priced BMW M5: mid sized rear drive platform, big V-8, 6-speed manual trans, high speed rolling stock.  We now get this car as the Chevrolet Super Sport

Courtesy of the good folks at GM AUS, I borrowed this Holden SSV; think of it as a reasonably priced BMW M5: mid sized rear drive platform, big V-8, 6-speed manual trans, high speed rolling stock. We now get this car as the Chevrolet Super Sport

A few vacations back, I spent two weeks in Australia. Mostly in Sydney, but also in the Hunter Valley wine country and the Blue Mountains. Wonderful country, nice people, and the most amazing harbor you’ll ever see.

"My" SSV, on the right, parked next to a local out on the street, at left.  The other car was one generation older than mine, but still made of much the same stuff.  Remember that this car was the Pontiac G8 for a while.

“My” SSV, on the right, parked next to a local out on the street, at left. The other car was one generation older than mine, but still made of much the same stuff. Remember that this car was the Pontiac G8 for a while.

 

Here's what made my 6-speed manual SSV tick, a proper LS2 or 3 6.0-liter Small Block.  This car was a blast to drive, but I never got totally comfy driving fast on the "wrong" side of the road from the opposite side of the car.

Here’s what made my 6-speed manual SSV tick, a proper LS2 or 3 6.0-liter Small Block. This car was a blast to drive, but I never got totally comfy driving fast on the “wrong” side of the road from the opposite side of the car.

 

And a bitchin car scene. As you know, when I travel I photograph all the cool and wonderful cars I see, so many thing we don’t get here. Very vibrant automotive enthusiasm down under. Lots of great stuft on the streets plus tons of racing. V8 Supercup, big game events like the Bathurst 1000 and Targa Tazmania and plenty of drag racing, plus an annual F1 event, and used to be IndyCar racing at Surfers paradise. Here’s a few of my happy snaps, hope you enjoy the automotive wonders down unders.

I love Land Rover Defenders in most any configuration, but find this four door pickup body particularly cool.  Turbodiesel power, 5-speed stick, 4-wheel drive, aluminum bodywork...and plenty of room for this in my driveway.  Wish we got these here.

I love Land Rover Defenders in most any configuration, but find this four door pickup body particularly cool. Turbodiesel power, 5-speed stick, 4-wheel drive, aluminum bodywork…and plenty of room for this in my driveway. Wish we got these here.

 

During my two weeks in AUS, I spotted nearlly every generation of Nissan Skyline you can imageine.  Rare birds, fast, and very cool stuff.

During my two weeks in AUS, I spotted nearlly every generation of Nissan Skyline you can imageine. Rare birds, fast, and very cool stuff.

 

In case you wonder where the El Camino and Ranchero went, its simple, they went down under.  Ford still makes a Ranchero style car called a Falcon Ute, and GM's Holden still makes an El Camino, also called a Ute.  Most offer muscle car versions  just like our good old days; this Ford is called a Boss 260.  And its for sure Boss.

In case you wonder where the El Camino and Ranchero went, its simple, they went down under. Ford still makes a Ranchero style car called a Falcon Ute, and GM’s Holden still makes an El Camino, also called a Ute. Most offer muscle car versions just like our good old days; this Ford is called a Boss 260. And its for sure Boss.

 

Ford's sporty mid-sizer is called Falcon, this one about the size of the previous generation Fusion.  Note sporty foglights, air damn, rocker panels and aggressive rolling stock.  I'd proudly drive this.  This car's owner saw me making photos of his car, and came out and said "hey matee" and we hung out and talked cars for a while.  Nice!

Ford’s sporty mid-sizer is called Falcon, this one about the size of the previous generation Fusion. Note sporty foglights, air damn, rocker panels and aggressive rolling stock. I’d proudly drive this. This car’s owner saw me making photos of his car, and came out and said “hey matee” and we hung out and talked cars for a while. Nice!

 

My new mate's Falcon was indeed something fast and special.

My new mate’s Falcon was indeed something fast and special.

 

And now for something different; a Daihatsu Copen micro sports car.  Yes in AUS, no in US.

And now for something different; a Daihatsu Copen micro sports car. Yes in AUS, no in US.

 

I also visited several new and used car dealerships, this one claiming to stock "Sydney's Best 'Utes" and I'd believe it.  Cool stuff.

I also visited several new and used car dealerships, this one claiming to stock “Sydney’s Best ‘Utes” and I’d believe it. Cool stuff.

 

 

Ranchero and El Camino Live!

Ranchero and El Camino Live!

 

Didn't expect to see this Manx style dune buggy down there; notice that its a right hooker, so must have been built out of a local VW.

Didn’t expect to see this Manx style dune buggy down there; notice that its a right hooker, so must have been built out of a local VW.

 

American cars and car culture very popular in AUS.  This Vette looked great on Sydney's cruise night.

American cars and car culture very popular in AUS. This Vette looked great on Sydney’s cruise night.

 

Didn't see a lot of what most would call "exotics" in Sydney, this slick Aston Martin being one exception.

Didn’t see a lot of what most would call “exotics” in Sydney, this slick Aston Martin being one exception.

 

This Holden GTS was one step wickeder than my SSV, with badder body armour, more aggressive rolling stock, four pipe exhaust and wings and things.  Tasty rad ride was this, brand new on the dealer lot.  Nice.

This Holden GTS was one step wickeder than my SSV, with badder body armour, more aggressive rolling stock, four pipe exhaust and wings and things. Tasty rad ride was this, brand new on the dealer lot. Nice.

 

 

One last look at the above noted GTS Holden.  Hope you enjoyed this quick car trip to AUS.

One last look at the above noted GTS Holden. Hope you enjoyed this quick car trip to AUS.