Longroofs on the Grass 2018 - Melbourne Australia

Unlike the Falcons which have dashboards able to accomodate either left- or right hand drive, this particular Ford is puzzling, especially because the dashboard wasn't of universal design. I've got access to an Oldsmobile factory parts list, to find out if GM produced parts particular to right hand drive vehicles. But, no information on Ford's practices. And what's with the fog lamps mounted in the bumper? I've never noticed any such thing before. It's either an option or custom added:

 

Hi Poison,

A lot of Aussie Fords of this era where often sent as CKD kits from Ford in America or Canada, but they also produced them here too, as I'm pretty sure this would have been. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to create tools for RHD dash.

I think the fog lights are standard, here is a 59 US Fairlane (LHD) which has them. 59 US is the same as 60-61 Aussie I believe.

 

Those aren't 'fog lights' in the bumper of the U.S. version - just the turn signals.

 

Thanks Krash, would be the same for the Aussie one too I guess.

 

You're right! I am. How did you know?

 

My bad. I've gotten used to seeing only fog lights mounted that low, on modern cars. You'd have to keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you, if he's expected to notice you signaling for changing lanes. New vehicles are designing out having to be a responsible driver, anymore

 

Don't worry about it. Even I've had to question if a car had some safety item, if it had been built before 1968, when the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act went into effect.

 

Howdy Mr 66! What a great wagon show! Looking at Yout pics at My lunch break really sawed My day.
Cheers, Kim

 

A Holden Premier I presume. What year is this? I like the clean body lines. The front end reminds me of a forward leaning '70 Chevelle.

 

The grille somewhat resembles those which were sold in Canada:

 

G'day Kevin,

Yep its a Holden (GM) Premier wagon, which was the top spec line of the Holden range (Belmont as the entry level, Kingswood as mid spec) this is HQ model, from 1971. It is super tidy that's for sure, and apart from a little bit of lowering I reckon she is pretty much stock (on the outside at least!)

Thanks Kim, glad you enjoyed the pics! It was a great day, and I reckon over 100 longroofs there.

Cheers

 

I have to say that I don't care for the fender skirts and venetian blinds on those cars. Must be a local fad.

 

You are spot on there Fox, the blinds in particular are very common from that era, not only the side windows of wagons but also the rear windows of sedans too.

Australia is well known for sun visors above the windscreen, and wire stone guards across the front windscreen too.

Cheers

 

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/twin...t-chevy-twin-turbo-australia-right-hand-drive

It seems, rack & Pinion conversions make life easier:







Makes brake-torquing easier: