Engine Punk

Something lurks in the wood shed (Photo Jon Clark) Just like the Siva Llamas, another UAZ-452 has come out of the woodwork. The woodwork in question belongs to Jon Clark's neighbour's shed and the UAZ is a bright blue pickup version, registered in 1979 and with right-hand drive. Since September it's belonged to Jon and he's planning to re-commission the little wagon. Considering the stories I've heard about build quality the panel fit doesn't look too bad. The 2445cc 4 cylinder engine turns over and he's freed the brakes off by hammering and pulling it a bit with a tractor. Here's picture of this impressive machine, bodily pulling a Massey Ferguson tractor backwards up a steep slope. (Photo Jon Clark) Actually, for some reason this photo won't upload in any other orientation except this one. I've no idea why it won't lie down properly. Currently, the fuel pump is blocked and due to be replaced by an electric one sourced in blight...

Sad that this very rare car got so far down the restoration path but then progress faltered. At least it got moved on to someone who might get it together properly. I spotted this on eBay yesterday -- it sold today for £300. The Austin Allegro Equipe is the rarest of all Austin Allegro production variants and earned notoriety as being the Allegro that had "Vroom!" As far as I know they were all in the silver and featured a rather fetching go faster stripe in orange and red. All Allegro Equipes had the 1750 cc engine and five-speed box. Those alloy wheels you see were also unique to the car. I have no idea how many Allegro Equipes were made but there can't be many survivors and I really hope this one has found a good home. If ever an Allegro was to become collectable, the Equipe is the most likely. The Vanden Plas 1750 may be posh but it doesn't have "Vroom!" Forget about folding down picnic tables and a burr walnut dashboard that really is as good as th...