Car Spotting

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

I loved Italy, but sadly haven't been back since the 80s. However, their driving, certainly in and around Milan is just beyond crazy. I and my wife were taken out to dinner one evening by the boss of a company that I was looking at in a view to making an investment.

His driving scared the life out of my wife and I certainly wasn't too impressed. He picked us from our hotel overlooking the Centrale Station and drove us to a restaurant somewhere near Linate airport, and seemed to only recognise one speed, which was almost flat out, and didn't even stop for traffic lights at red.

Just as well that I found another company that was a better prospect for my purposes. I couldn't have endured another drive like that one; I almost offered to take a taxi back, but that might have been just as bad. At least he didn't resort to driving on the pavements, which I, my wife and two boys experienced in a taxi in the centre of Paris in the 70s!

In Napoli, the driving makes the Milanese drivers seem civilised. At least Milanese drivers look before cutting you up!!

[joeb]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

I caught one at the event I was at last week. I'm trying to figure out how to get photos back to my phone so another screen shot

What are the odds that we see two of these?? And then how many more are out there?

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

At least he didn't resort to driving on the pavements, which I, my wife and two boys experienced in a taxi in the centre of Paris in the 70s!

You would be suprised to see that the pavements are no more used for parisian streets. Instead of that, they are sent to the policemen's faces! Each time we fly to Roma and take a cab we wonder if our stuff is really in the trunk and how high will be the extra charge! Its part of the game, charming people.

[crmalcolm]

Part seven from the car park:

[E.B]

Crikey, the Triumph 1300 looks a bit out of place with all the Italian exotica!

[S griffin]

I disagree, I think it's as classic as the other ones and in the same mold

[Peter Mallett]

The Triumph was designed by Michelotti. Also the first FWD Triumph.

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

The Triumph was designed by Michelotti. Also the first FWD Triumph.

Fascinating bit of trivia. As I said, a classic for it’s time

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by S griffin

As I said, a classic for it’s time

If you mean it was already outdated when new, then I agree!


Always found that the best conversion of this era was TR4/5 to TR6. Minor changes and good looking new car. Direct from Italy to Germany! Would not say the same thing about the Duetto, the farther they went the worse it has been. When you thing, from Coda Longa to duck tail. Sacrilege!

[Peter Mallett]

Gerard. Personally.I think the best iteration of the TR was the TR5 or 250. The TR6 was too square. The TR5 had the TR4 IRS plus a nice straight 6.

[Gerard C]

Agreed and certainly more because we are males. The TR5/250 could have been better with the original Lucas injection but the carbs and power reduction was probably necessary to satisfy the different emission laws. I ownd a Datsun Fairlady roadster 2000 but the perf kit was sold separetly thourgh the dealer network, something you cant even think about over there specially in CA. TR6 square? I'd say more "feminin"…


I'm absolutely no great fan of some german design but what Porsche did with the 924 to 968 and 928 to S4 is a great example of cost saving. A long time before the Panamera!

[fieldodreams79]

It's been right there for 30 plus years....

[Gerard C]

James Bond's car better than new! Well, almost… Late version methinks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kywui18AQJ4

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

James Bond's car better than new! Well, almost… Late version methinks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kywui18AQJ4

It's not one you would normally associate with Bond, but hey it suited him. Not sure how many versions of that car they did?

[crmalcolm]

Part eight from the car park:

[Gerard C]

They could have named the Four Breadvan. Thanks for the pics.

[crmalcolm]

The ninth (and final) part from the car park:

[Gerard C]

Just wahoo! At first glance I would have say it's a 508 S base but the front end grille suggests another car. Knowing that the Gran Premio di Pari was held only in 1947, I'd say Cisitalia D46. As to the first one, is it original? Raced in period wit an air cooled flat twin? I dont recognize a Panhard engine. A clue, please, Malcolm? I don't think Vern Schuppan ever drove it tho…

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

Just wahoo! At first glance I would have say it's a 508 S base but the front end grille suggests another car. Knowing that the Gran Premio di Pari was held only in 1947, I'd say Cisitalia D46. As to the first one, is it original? Raced in period wit an air cooled flat twin? I dont recognize a Panhard engine. A clue, please, Malcolm?

Started life with Fiat 500 Topolino mechanics, BMW R75 engine.

[Gerard C]

Grazie mille monsignore!

[Gerard C]

Reminds me my Dad's Simca Huit Gordini at Le Mans in 1939!

[E.B]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

Reminds me my Dad's Simca Huit Gordini at Le Mans in 1939!

Gerard, I still have a picture of your Father winning at Montlhéry the month prior to Le Mans that year, again driving a Simca Huit (from 'Le Sourcier').

[E.B]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Started life with Fiat 500 Topolino mechanics, BMW R75 engine.

A Taraschi 'Urania'?

Maybe this car (or a sister car) pictured below in period?

Edit: just realised after posting that the car "crm" posted the photo of has a bonnet 'hump'.... the one I posted does not. But made by the same hands I feel, in the same factory in Teramo.



If it is, interesting article here about the man behind it, Bernardo 'Diddi' Taraschino. http://www.squadrataraschi.it/eng/main_eng.htm

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by E.B

A Taraschi 'Urania'?

Maybe this car (or a sister car) pictured below in period?

Edit: just realised after posting that the car "crm" posted the photo of has a bonnet 'hump'.... the one I posted does not. But made by the same hands I feel, in the same factory in Teramo.



If it is, interesting article here about the man behind it, Bernardo 'Diddi' Taraschino. http://www.squadrataraschi.it/eng/main_eng.htm

Yes - a 1949 Taraschi Urania 750 Sport.

Another article (for those interested) can be found here - https://www.historicautopro.com/1949...ania-750-sport

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by E.B

Gerard, I still have a picture of your Father winning at Montlhéry the month prior to Le Mans that year, again driving a Simca Huit (from 'Le Sorcier').

Great Chris, was Grand Prix Olazur I think. I'm amazed to see you are able to spot a Tarashi Urania, never heard about this! Well done again.
Malcolm thanks again for the pics, comments and link. The reading gives info "BMW R75 engine installed behind the front axle" for the first version. The one pictured must be a latter version -post '48?- with front overhanging-engine and tubular frame. How much did Diddi pay for the BM engine is another story! Loot may be?



As to bonnet bulge or other mods, they were common in period, a race car being in constant evolution. For example, one of Dad's Gordini was seen RHD then LHD and he even used it for Concours d'élégance (La Baule je crois, Mom respecting the dress code).