Vauxhalls in Palmy.

Max has sent some pictures of a Vauxhall gathering in the square of Palmerston North.

1948 J14.

As the rego plate reads; it's a '56 EIP.

At the top of the PC range was the luxurious (by the standards of 1971) Viscount.

An L model Velox from 1951. This was the model that came between the J model and the EIP.

In 1958 the EIP models were replaced by the American styled PA.

Later PAs, like this '62 model, had a bit of a facelift.

The owner of this '66 HA Viva is very passionate about his car and turns up at most Vauxhall or British car events in the lower North Island.

This PB model Velox was powered by the 3.3 litre engine

I never thought the wrap around screen styling worked as well on the '58 Victor as it did on the sleeker PA Velox (and Cresta).

More Labour Weekend Autos.

This Pontiac 6 I have shown before (at the Vintage Harvest last year), but it's so lovely it's worth a second look.

Heading south to Wellington on Saturday I noticed a gathering of Armstrong Siddeleys at the Masterton Motor Lodge.

I think these are all Star Sapphires which were produced from about '57 to '60.

In Wellington I found this Sabb 95 on Roseneath Terrace.

As far as I can tell it is a 1973 Saab 95, which would have the V4 Ford motor, unlike earlier models which had a three cylinder 2 stroke power plant with a freewheel transmission.

Minis In Labour.

Labour Weekend, saw the Mini enthusiasts have their national event, here, in Masterton.

The BMC A motor in all its glory; with twin carbs, in this instance.

Many in non standard colours.

One of the last "real" Minis.

Standard Morris Cooper S in one of the most popular colour options.

Sliding windows and exposed door hinges are in contrast to the flairs and chrome wheels.

Lift up front and front mounted radiator. I meant to come back and take a snap of the engine, but got distracted, so I can't tell you what is re-powered with.

Standard, early Morris:- Exposed hinges, sliding windows and long gear lever.

Re-bodied variants.

1300cc Suzuki conversion.

Van in Clubman form....

....pick-up....

....and Moke.

GM Trio.

Three GM products I've seen around the town in the last week.

At the weekend I spotted this Vauxhall Velox in the car park at the Copthorne Solway Park.
From 1954 and looking ready for a relaxed cruise with its 2.6 litre six.

Parked opposite my work during the week was this 1994 GMC Sierra with the 5 litre petrol for propulsion.

In the showroom at my workplace, this 2011 HSV Clubsport R8 with a 6.2 V8 and a colour to get you noticed.

Rocket Racer.

I had a short blast in this over the weekend. Unbelievable !!

With dimensions not much larger than a Mitsubishi ASX, but with a 2.5 litre 5 cylinder turbo petrol engine, acceleration is phenomenal. The fastest accelerating vehicle I've ever driven, apart from a couple of high performance motorcycles.
Power is quoted at 340PS with 450nm of torque. Top speed of just on 250kmh and a 0-100kph time of 5.2 seconds !!
In case you still scratching your head it's a 2015 Audi RS Q3.