Young timer

Youngtimers are car models that are no longer common to see on the road, but are too young to be vintage cars - between 20 and 30 years old.

Golf 3 soon classic

Posted 27/11/2021 by Terje Bjørnstad

Does a model automatically become a classic just because its predecessor is? There's a lot going for it, and it gives you the opportunity to buy a classic while it's still cheap. The Golf 3 could be such a model.

There are several signs that the Golf 3 is going to be labeled a classic. Several car dealers in Europe refer to nice examples as classics. Moreover, the Golf 3 appears more and more often at car meets, especially GTIs. But does the Golf 3 have what it takes to become a classic?

Modern for its time

The Golf 3 still seems like a fairly new car. At first glance, it's hard to believe that the model is 30 years old – produced between 1991 and 1997. It's not just the design that has held up well. Safety is almost on par with today's cars. The Golf 3 is considered the model that brought airbags and ABS to the masses. The safety means that – if you buy a car for fun – you can let other family members use it with a clear conscience. With manual gearbox, this is a safe practice car for young drivers.

Missing "flare"

I have only driven the Golf 3 as a new car. Compared to the Golf 2, it seemed a bit boring on the road. Heavy and safe, but had lost a bit of the dynamics from the Golf 2. Power steering was a plus at the time, but the steering did not seem as sharp as in the Golf 2 without servo. The main impression was of a car that seemed slower and less spontaneous - a car that did not inspire mischievous driving. I experienced it the same way when I went from the Opel Kadett E to the Opel Astra F.

GTI

I have only driven cars with standard engines. Owners of the GTI and VR6 probably experienced far more driving pleasure behind the wheel. The GTI was first produced with the Passat engine – a 2-litre with 115 HP. From model year 1994, it could also be delivered with a new 16-valve 2-litre with 150 HP, although the 115-horsepower engine followed the model program all along. I am fairly certain that the GTI versions will be most sought after as hobby and collector cars.

VR6

It was sensational news that the Golf 3 could be delivered with a 6-cylinder engine. The VR6 engine was originally a 2,8 liter V6 SOHC 12V with 174 HP. Cylinder angle of 15 degrees meant that the large engine had a place in the Golf. Later came the 3,6 liter version with a cylinder angle of 10,5 degrees. The first cars to get the VR6 engines were the Passat (B3) and Corrado in 1991. The only Audi models equipped with the VR6 were the Audi TT and the Audi A3, both of which are built on the Golf 4 platform **). Many VR6 customers chose the automatic transmission. Audi's V6 engines (AAH) received automatic gearboxes from ZF, while the Golf was equipped with one of the Volkswagen Group's own gearboxes which could not withstand the high torque as well as the ZF gearboxes. On forum sites, VR6 owners complain about problems with their automatic transmissions. VR6 with manual transmission may therefore be the best in the long run.

Volkswagen Golf 3 Cabriolet (Source: FavCars.com)

Convertible

The Golf 3 came as a cabriolet version only in mid-1993 as a 1994 model. Until then, the cabriolets were based on the Golf 1. Production of the Golf 3 continued after the host model went out of production. When the Golf 4 was introduced as a 1998 model, the cabriolet edition only received the new one the front from the Golf 4, while the rest of the car remained identical to the Golf 3. This model is often referred to as the Golf 3,5. I mentioned earlier that the Golf 3 brought airbags and ABS to the people. You could probably also say that it brought the convertible to the people. If you want a convertible, the Golf 3 is a good choice. There are many of them - and they are relatively cheap compared to other convertibles. Most are equipped with the 1,8 liter engine - either 75 or 90 HP. They were also produced with the 1,9 TDI and with the GTI engines.

The campaign models

Model names with rock bands were cool in the 90s. The campaign models in Norway were as follows:

1994 Pink Floyd
1995 Rolling Stones
1996 Bon Jovi
1997 jokers

These models were specially equipped editions of the CL variant with specially designed interior fabrics, some additional equipment - such as white instruments, sunroof - as well as exterior decals. Besides the CL, the GL and GT were popular trim levels. The differences were mainly lavish seats as well as colors and materials in the interior.

Engines

Briefly summarized, the engine program for the Golf 3 was as follows: 1,4 60 HP, 1,8 75/90 HP, 2,0 115 HP, 2,8 174 HP (VR6). From the 1994 model you could get the GTI with 2,0 16v 150 HP. From 1996, the model got a 1,6 (8v) engine with 75 or 100 HP. Golf 3 was also the first Golf that could be delivered with a TDI engine of 90 or 110 HP. Today - as a hobby car or a fun car - the pump-nozzle turbodiesel engines are not the first choice, even though they were excellent alternatives for their time. The problem with the TDI versions is also that they were used cars that have been driven to shreds. The most applicable standard engine is probably 1,6 liters with 100 HP. This was a popular engine option. The 1,8-litre engine with 90 HP also appears to be a good engine choice.

Prices

In 1996, the list prices of the Golf 3 were as follows:

CL 1,6 100 HP 5D: NOK 185
GL 1,6 100 HP Business 5D: NOK 188
GL 2,0 115 HP 5D: NOK 227
GTI 2,0 115 HP 5D: NOK 238
GTI 2,0 16V 150 HP 5D: NOK 280
VR6 2,8 V6 174 HP: NOK 382
— with automatic: NOK 393
Cabriolet 1,6 100 HP: NOK 236

(Source: Skatteetaten.no)

Today's prices for the Golf 3 (standard car and convertible) can look like this:

20-30: Driven cars with recent EU approval.
30-40: Cars in better than average condition.
40-60: Cars in very good condition for their age.

1993 Volkswagen Golf 3 Variant (Source: FavCars.com)

An example of an example worthy of preservation - 08/1992 Golf 1,8 75 HP GL with 30372 km on the odometer at €6499. See link at the bottom of the post *)

Watch out for the following

Golf 3 is actually notorious for poor quality. When the model was launched, there were waiting times. In autumn 1992, customers had to wait 6 months for a new car. Whether it was high gear in production that caused problems is not known, but the cars towards the end of the model's life are probably better than early models. I have heard that many errors were corrected in cars produced from the second half of 1995.

On cars that are 25-30 years old, you can really expect anything. Then you should know that the share access is great. You can buy practically any part. Therefore, the biggest problem is rust. Rear fender arches in transition to ducts, ducts and front strut mounts are exposed. Low km is no guarantee against rust. Another point of irritation is the ABS if there is a fault in the system - something you have to reckon with. The Golf 3 diagnostic system is not OBD2 compatible. Uses KKL (OBD1).

Not all old ladies are equally trustworthy

Most Golf 3s sold today go to people who want a simple, everyday means of transport. But it is now possible to acquire a splendid example with one owner, for example an elderly lady. In the video below, you can see how to proceed.

car blog — A classic. 3-door Volkswagen Golf 3 GTI.

*) Link to advertisement

**) The article has been updated on 27.07.2022/6/XNUMX regarding the VRXNUMX engines

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Sports car meeting at Sjøflyhavna

Posted 17/07/2020 by Terje Bjørnstad

Large span in vehicles

Members of Norwegian Sportscar Club had agreed to meet at Sjøflyhavna outside Oslo. I like the diversity in the association - on cars, that is. It can be English, Italian, French, American, German or Japanese – expensive or cheap – big or small – new or old. I don't know if the association actually has any criteria for which cars can be included, but I think one of the common denominators for the members is that they agree with the association's motto: "We're still playing with cars".

PHOTOS

This picture shows some of the span between the cars. A Toyota MR2 mk1 on the far left, Ferrari 458 and Honda NSX with Mazda MX-5 mk1 in the background - and some fat Germans on the right.

Porsche 997 — A Porsche 911 (997) GT-3 with a steel cage is hard to pass by without taking a closer look.

bmw z1 — The BMW Z1 is an extremely rare car. It's the forerunner of the Z3 and Z4, and so on, – but it's built completely differently. Much more daring – with fiberglass bodywork on a tubular steel frame, doors that fold down into the bodywork. The engine is taken from the 3-series E36 of the time. I think the Z1 was only delivered with the straight six from the 325. There are only 8 BMW Z1s registered in Norway. (the blurring of the lights is due to dew on the inside of the Plexiglas).

biturbo — There were two great Maserati Biturbos. This is a model I associate with the yappiness era of the 80s. A car for those who thought German cars were too boring. The Biturbo was the first model to be produced with a twin-turbo V6. Production took place during a turbulent period in the company's history, and quite a few faults with the cars were reported. They look fantastic, and sound really good. I think the cars do better as enthusiast cars than as toys for japers.

The Maserati 3200 GT is an underrated GT car that was built with expert assistance from Ferrari itself. The engine is a 3,2-liter twin turbo V8 32V – in the standard version 370 HP. You can now import this classic without a one-time tax on the 20-year rule. On the left is the Maserati 228 – slightly larger than the standard Biturbo and with a 2,8 V6 twin-turbo.

morgan plus 4 — This car looks brand new - completely polished. Is it new? – or restored? That's the beauty of Morgan. The design is timeless and classic. If you take good care of your car, you will probably have a car that you can drive for the rest of your life.

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French classics 5

Posted 14/08/2019 by Terje Bjørnstad

This is article number 5 in a series about the French car industry and French cars - seen through Norwegian eyes in France.

When, a few weeks ago, Renault Norge ran an advertising campaign on Facebook for its new Captur, there were many angry comments from slightly older readers. Not about the Renault Captur, but French cars in general. It didn't help that today's owners praised their cars to the skies.

Captur is a typical result of the modern car industry across national borders. The typically French is gone – for better or for worse. The Renault Captur is unlikely to be singled out as an example of French car-building art.

The fact that modern French cars lack a French character is unlikely to dampen new car sales. The distinctive French character is a thing of the past, which contributes to giving older, French cars an ever-increasing cult status. In France, there is great interest in typical French cars - not least among young people. Air-cooled Citroëns and small Renaults have long had cult status. Now it seems that more and more French cars are being embraced by local car enthusiasts.

Renault 12

I came across a Renault 12 during my last visit to the South of France. They were hugely popular in Norway, not least the station wagon. You couldn't get more car for the money at the time. I never perceived the Renault 12 as distinctly French. In many ways it can be compared to today's Captur.

The Renault 12 was surprisingly conventionally constructed compared to other Renaults. It had a rigid rear axle – not independent suspension like other Renaults. The ingenious, space-saving torsion springs had been replaced with ordinary coil springs. The model lacked much of what was associated with French car design. Nevertheless - or in spite of this - the owners were very satisfied with their cars - certainly at least as satisfied as today's Captur owners.

The Renault 12 did not have a particularly long shelf life, especially on salted roads, - a fate it shared with most other commercial vehicles of the time.

Speaking of short shelf life…

I also came across a Fiat Regata. No, it was not produced in France, but at Fiat's Mirafiori factory in Italy. Nevertheless, it suits our small town with Catalan architecture very well. The navy sedan is owned by a young man with an interest in Latin cars. Several young people in the city where I live take care of such cars. The warm, dry climate means that the cars do not rust. Then even cars like the Fiat Regata can have an eternal life if you don't drive them to wrecks.

It's no secret that Regata had a very short shelf life. Firstly, they were badly screwed together and secondly, the rust was relentless. Other than that, I think it was quite nice to drive the Fiat Regata a few times in the 80s. I liked the soundscape, which was mainly conveyed through the exhaust system. Typical Italian. Then you can see between the fingers that the interior plastic panels occasionally loosened while driving on bad roads.

Air cooled is cool

Air-cooled Citroëns such as the 2CV, Dyane, Ami and Méhari are very popular and prices are now rising. If you are looking for something truly French, Citroën Visa can be a good alternative. Early versions had a slightly enlarged air-cooled 2CV engine, 652 ccm 34 HP and umbrella gear. The drive unit can well be regarded as an attempt to carry on the 2CV spirit. On the road, the Visa drives in typical "Citroën" fashion, softly with a long suspension travel. The models beyond the 80s eventually got water-cooled petrol and diesel engines from Citroën's engine range - as well as floor gearboxes. In France, there are still a great many Visa vans. You see them everywhere. They are fully drivable, although they often look quite battered. When the Citroën Visa was introduced, the air-cooled drivetrain was seen as old-fashioned, at least here at home. Today it's French and cool.

Another French robber is the small Citroën LN and its sister model the Peugeot 104. These are built on the same platform as the Citroën Visa. I find it difficult to imagine that these cars are actually classics, - or future classics. They look way too modern. These are the forerunners of today's subcompact cars, which really took off when the Ford Fiesta was introduced a few years later. The French were first.

dyane — Citroën Dyane and Renault B90 in the background

The 2CV wave

In the "French classics" series, you cannot miss the 2CVs. In the past it was quite common to see abandoned 2CVs. Today it seems that everyone who can be saved has been cleaned up and hit the road. Some look like new, others have a patina over them. I can't think of anything more French than a "clattering" 2CV through narrow city streets. Although the 2CV wave has sent prices up, you can get a usable car for between NOK 50-80.

If you're not too picky about coolness, the Dyane is a good alternative to the 2CV. It follows the same concept, but has a little more space, a little more comfort - and is perhaps less quirky than the 2CV, so to speak. The management at Citroën had intended that the Dyane would be the successor to the 2CV. The paradox is that the production of the 2CV survived both Dyane and Visa. The 2CVs rolled off the production lines long after Dyane and Visa were history. Unlike the 2CV, there are still many abandoned Dyanes out in the countryside. The red Dyane in the pictures was standing outside a workshop that brings old cars to life. I'm guessing someone has plans for it. In the same place is also an Acadiane – the van version of Dyane. Dyanes are rarely seen on the road, but Acadianes are still kept alive – as practical utility vehicles.

Beach cars

The Dyane/Acadiane shares a platform and drivetrain with the Citroën Méhari, the popular open beach car made from soft plastic. It must be easy to get parts for these cars. In terms of coolness, Méhari is probably one of the coolest to drive to the beach with - at least here in France. The model may be a bit reminiscent of the Mini Moke, which is also now produced as an electric car.

In the small harbor town of Port-Vendres, I came across something as rare as an ACL Rodeo. It is Renault's answer to the Citroën Méhari. Renault used the Renault 4 as a platform for its "beach car".

Citroën HY

Finally, I bring one of the coolest French cars at the moment, the Citroën HY or H-type van. The prices of these cars have skyrocketed. Many say that the HY follows the trend we have seen with Volkswagen's Type 2 – T1 and T2 – the so-called hippie bus, samba, van or pickup. The pictured HY is in normal operation. I don't know if it had an errand in the carpentry business (pictured) or in the greengrocer next door. I'm guessing the latter. What could taste better than sun-ripened tomatoes from the South of France transported in the back of a Citroën HY?

Carspotting - Guidelines

The car that gave Audi its identity

Posted 26/04/2017 by Terje Bjørnstad

Today's A4 carries the internal designation B9. However, Audi's success started with this model, an Audi 80 B1.

When Audi's story is to be told, one often brings in Horsch and Wanderer, luxury brands from the interwar period. The truth is that these cars never had any influence on Audi. Today's Audi originates from simple, popular car brands such as DKW and NSU.

Today's Audi?

The Audi 80 B1 was "Die neue Leistungsklasse". It gave Audi a new face. Its predecessor, the Audi 60, also bore the Audi name, but the internal designation F103 revealed its origins as DKW, – a continuation of the DKW F102 which was a simmering two-stroke.

The new Audi 80 with its straight, elegant lines became Audi's identity for many years. Not only Audi, but also Volkswagen. The following year, the sister model Passat appeared, then Golf and Polo. All with the same clean lines as the Audi 80.

In the first years, the Audis were not sold through Volkswagen's dealer network. If you wanted to take a closer look at the new Audi 80, you had to go to Audi NSU- the retailer. There weren't that many of them, and they certainly didn't last glass house, like today – more in backyards and the like.

When the Audi 80 B1 was launched

I was a young man who did not yet have a driver's license. I still wrote to Germany to get a brochure. I got that with a typed letter that referred me to the small Norwegian dealer network. So I stopped by the nearest dealer - on a Saturday with my father to test drive the wonder. The dealer had two demobiles standing by his house. We test drove a GL with the dealer's silent but beautiful wife in the back seat.

Audi 80's most important innovative technical solution was "Negativem Lenkrollradius", or negative scrubbing radius. The factory wheel angles were supposed to ensure that the car remained stable during braking on uneven road surfaces, or in the event of a puncture. The journal Car engine and sport set up a test track with dry asphalt in one wheel track and a water slide in the other. Then they let the Audi brake suddenly from 80 km/h. It worked well.

Another technical innovation was the placement of the rack and pinion housing above the engine and gearbox so that the steering would not be pressed into the passenger compartment in the event of a collision. The steering column was of course also designed to be deformed.

The Audi 80 B1 then, as now, had a longitudinal engine placed far forward above the front axle. The radiator had been moved to the side in the engine compartment so as not to steal space in the longitudinal direction. Despite modest external dimensions, the car was "well packed" so that it offered reasonably good space conditions.

To no avail

I was never able to persuade my father to buy the Audi 80. The 1,92 meter man did not find a good driving position in the Audi and instead ordered a new Saab 96 V4 the following week. The cheapest Audi 80 L with a 1,3 liter engine and 55 HP cost about 34 in 000, - exactly the same as the Saab. The Audi 1973 GL cost 80, - the same price as a Volvo 41.

I have taken pictures of a great 1975 model. It is an L, which originally has a 1,3 liter engine with 55 HP. Most chose the 1,5 liter engine with 75 horses. The nice GL grill with double headlights suits the car well. Despite good technology, high quality and good design, there are not many B1s left on the road.

A car that belongs in Memory Lane.

1975 Audi 80 with GL equipment (grill and black rubber strip on the bumpers).

The technique showed how Negativem Lenkrollradius works during emergency braking.

The Audi 80 started a somewhat minimalist design trend.

Click on an image for a larger format.
Click on a picture to enlarge.
Click on a photo to enlarge.

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Audi today

Spring muster of sports cars

Posted 09/05/2016 by Terje Bjørnstad

With a curb weight of around 600 kilograms and 136 horses, the Caterham 7 is a typical sports car.

Now the sports cars show up!

Imagine a whole field full of Porsches, then another with Mercedes, one with BMWs, one with Japs cars, one with Americans, - and the entire audience area full of Italian and English cars. That's the impression you get when you visit Norsk Sportsvogn Klubb's annual spring rally at Øvrevoll Gallopbane. I didn't manage to watch more than a fraction before the show was over. There is no point in lying in bed in the morning if you want to see all the cars.

I have placed the pictures consecutively in alphabetical order with Alfas, Ferraris, Jaguars, Lotuses, MGBs, and more, and commented under each picture.

Join us around!

1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce 118 HP in original style. — 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 (twin cam) Veloce 118 HP in original style.

Steel rims with capsules were quite common on an Alfa almost 50 years ago. — Early Spiders had this beautiful "round tail" rear. Authentic steel rims with caps (I like).

Inside, it can feel cramped for a full-grown northerner. The gear lever located high up on the center console has accompanied the model throughout its life. — Inside, it is cramped for a fully grown Norwegian. Standing pedals and the gear lever placed high up on the center console have accompanied the model throughout its life.

Probably a Series III with a 2000 engine. Form and concept from the 60s. A true classic. — A series III "duck tail" with Alfa's popular twin cam 2000 engine. Form and concept originate from the 60s. A true classic.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT with 3 liter V12. A classic Gran Turismo. — 1960 Ferrari 250 GT with 3 liter V12. Classic Gran Turismo.

2009 Ferrari California, 4,3 liter V12 with 460 HP.

A stylish and functional cockpit with clear signals that it is a Ferrari.

We move on to a 2010 Ferrari California.

A beautiful rear, especially the way the exhaust pipes are stacked. A great Mondial in the background.

Ford GT40 - one of the world's most sought-after sports cars. — Ford GT40 – one of the world's most sought-after sports cars. Alpine A310 from Renault in the background.

Pure sports car. 5 liter drive unit. I am unsure if this 1976 model can be a replica. — Pure sports car. 5 liter drive unit. This 1976 model could perhaps be a replica, i.e. built up later with the right components.

One of my favorite motifs, - dash and cockpit on a late Etype. — One of my favorite motifs, - dash and cockpit of an Etype series III.

You have to go all the way in to see the age here. This is probably a 72-73 model. — You have to go all the way in to see the age here. This is a Series 3 model from 1973-74.

V12, BRG color and tan hide interior. — Yes, everything is correct here – V12, oak rims, BRG color and tan hide interior.

If you like the Etype, you also like its predecessor, the XK 150 coupé.

Period-typical 50s interior with large wooden steering wheel and centrally placed instruments.

Under the hood of this 1958 model are 190 horses.

We, who followed rallying in the 80s and 90s, discovered the Lancia Integrale's fantastic handling. — We, who followed rallying in the 80s and 90s, got the Lancia Delta Integrale's fantastic road characteristics.

This means 211 HP, four-wheel drive and a car under 4 metres. — This is about 211 HP, four-wheel drive and a car of less than 4 metres.

The Lancia Delta came into production in the early eighties, while Lancia collaborated with Saab. Here a wonderful eighties detail.

Lotus Elise - true British sports car that is well suited around a race track. — Lotus Elise – true British sports car that fits perfectly in a British-inspired horse racing environment.

The interior (and comfort) is simple - bordering on primitive. Early versions with engines from Rover (Honda) and later from Toyota. — The interior (and comfort) is simple - bordering on the primitive. Early versions with 1,6-1,8 engines from Rover (Honda) and later 1,8 from Toyota (122 or trimmed up to 200+).

Orange Lotus Elise flanked by two Exiges.

The MGs from the 70s look brand new. Many believe the plastic bumpers ruined the distinctive character (white model).

Very beautiful color on this 72 model MGB 1800.

The "correct" MGB rims. In the background is the MGB's successor - the Mazda Miata (MX-5). — The "correct" MGB rims. In the background we see the MGB's unofficial successor – the Mazda Miata (MX-5).

From the Miata plain. New Miata in the foreground. You can get a usable Miata from under 100 (Finn.no) — From Miata land. New Miata in the foreground. You can get a usable Miata from 70-90 (**Finn.no**)

From the parade around the paddock. This is a 2016 Porsche GT3 RS. Proud father and son in one of the finest cars of the event. — From the parade around the paddock. This is a 2016 Porsche GT3 RS, one of the finest cars of the event.

At the TVR booth I took this photo of a 70 model Tuscan. In terms of design, it actually has certain similarities with the Norwegian "Troll". This one is also made of fiberglass, but 3-liter V6 (Capri engine) instead of two-stroke... — At the TVR booth I took this photo of a 70 model Tuscan. In terms of design, it actually has certain similarities with the Norwegian "Troll". This one is also made of fiberglass, but 3-liter V6 (Capri engine) instead of two-strokes...

Finally some advertising... — Finally, some advertising…

Southern French youngtimers

Posted 10/04/2016 by Terje Bjørnstad

In the south of France at the foot of the Pyrenees, towards Spain, the cars do not rust. Unbelievable but true. Therefore, it is possible to find cars that have long since turned into "biscuits" at home. Many of France's folk cars, such as the Citroën 2CV and Renault 4, are still alive and in daily use.

One of my previous cars was a 1977 Renault 4L, 850 ccm with 34 horses - if I remember correctly. A fun, easy-to-drive and comfortable car where you could operate the steering wheel, turn signals and umbrella gear at the same time with one hand. Few cars in Oslo managed to get up to 50 km/h faster than me, but overtaking had to be planned well in advance.

I have been around the streets and roads of France's 66th district, Pyrénées-Orientales, and taken snapshots of Southern French youngtimers - cars that are not so common here at home. The pictures also show some of the surroundings in the villages in the region.

2CV - late campaign model - which could use some TLC. — Citroën 2CV - promotional model - which has been around for a long time. Photographed in Maureillas-las-Illas.

rally — Mini, South European version with conventional instrument panel.

Rally cars

While I was out cycling in Amelie-les-Bains I came across rally cars on a transport stage in connection with Rally Vallespir. The race stages themselves were up on the mountain sides. I wouldn't be able to get there by bicycle - not even on closed roads. Taking photos of cars at speed is difficult. Here are some of the cars that were involved.

Results

Some more common cars

Finally brings an Englishman on French 66 signs. Triumph TR4. The car on the right is a 2010-2011 Reanult Wind, which is actually quite rare in France as well.

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Amerikafest in French

Posted 04/04/2016 by Terje Bjørnstad

This year, the 11th Fête Americaine took place on the beach outside the small French village of Argelès-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean - close to the Spanish border. Every spring, friends of America gather for a show with music, dancing, good food, sales stalls, displays, American motorcycles and cars. All in an American spirit. We have been there and taken some photos among cowboy hats, Elvis's and Pin-ups in American 50's style.

A small curiosity for us Norwegians was when the whole square swayed in a line dance to the tunes of "Møkkamann" from the Norwegian group Plumbo. It was perfect for an American party and made us Norwegians feel at home.

Plymouth Special Deluxe Convertible

Americafest — Stately donning for its time.

Buick Sedanette

Chevrolet Corvette mk6

Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra

Americans

2005-2010 Hummer H3 (Pyrénées-Orientales FR, 2016).

Volkswagen

Volkswagen T2 Transporter on the beach (Pyrénées-Orientales FR, 2016).

Renault 4CV

Matt Murena

Perhaps the show's rarest. 1980-1983 Matra Murena (Talbot/Simca).

barn cars — 1980 Matra Murena 1600 (source: Interencheres)

mood images

I also include a mood picture of correctly dressed Civil War soldiers (photo: Jonny Bunæs).

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America party in France

The boardwalk with country and rockabilly music and people line dancing like they've never done anything else. In between, the rumble of American vehicles is heard.

Argeles-sur-Mer

Along the streets of Rome

Posted 28/06/2015 by Terje Bjørnstad

Join us on a quick trip to Rome and see what you can find along the streets there!

The Fiat 500 is made for cities like Rome. You see them everywhere. Not only the new editions, but also surprisingly many of the old "Nuova 500" - the model that appeared in 1957 and replaced the popular "musa". It is perhaps an exaggeration to say that the Fiat 500 from the period 1957-1975 lives in Best going well. Many are in rather poor condition after having lived for several decades in Rome's relentless traffic and senseless parking culture.

Seen in the light of posterity, it is clear that Fiat 500s built between 1957-1975 have been good cars. The simple is the best - and has the longest shelf life. It is not as easy to produce Polish-built successors such as the Fiat 126 and the horribly ugly one Five hundred. The very latest Fiat 500 is also built in Poland. Will it last as long on the road as its model, the Nuova 500, do you think?

I think a successful design contributes to a car model staying on the streets for a long time, such as the Nuova 500, - and perhaps today's model.

rome-cars-5

You don't exactly think that the 500 of our time is a big car, but compared to the Nuova 500 it actually looks big, not to mention the Countryman in the background. The pictured Nuova 500 is a manufacturer after 1972.

rome-cars-79

One of the old 500's big advantages is that they can be parked across. Here a beautiful model from around 1970.

rome-cars-49

Many of the old 500s are in the same condition as this one, which comes from Agrigento in the south. Previous repairs with steel plastic and frequent dents.

rome-cars-51

The front bears witness to a lot of physical contact at previous parking lots. The problem is that newer cars' bumpers hit over the 500's bumpers.

rome-cars-29

A Frenchman in Rome. I like the old signs. Very decorative.

rome-cars-57

A stately post-war Fiat 1100 Camioncino, circa 1950, which has been decorated with extra chrome at the front, restored and placed in a commercial area with flowers on the plane.

rome-cars-59

I passed a beautiful Bentley rigged for a wedding - and an even more beautiful bride. I chose to focus on the bushes to give the entourage some anonymity.

rome-cars-69

Not so common to see an original Mini on the street. This is a Mark III from around 1970 in original condition, probably made in Italy.

rome-cars-71

Note the instrument panel. Traditional instruments have been chosen instead of the mid-positioned instrument setup.

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This Ferrari was to be used for one demonstration purpose or another. I'm not sure if I would choose the same blue color on min Ferrari.

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Lovely interior.

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This black Swiss-registered Ferrari was also to be used for demonstration purposes.

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Italian job made in Modena.

"Everyone" drives a scooter in Rome.

Thanks for the ride!

See

When someone says culture, I think Italy. — When someone says culture, I think of Italy.

fiat 500 — Completely Italian at Fornebu

Dignity above the Garibaldi hill