12/04/2012
Austin restored to its former glory
A number of previously popular vehicles have been consigned to the dustbin of time. Take a walk around a local scrap-yard and you're bound to see the parts of once grand cars such as the Sierra Cosworth or Rolls Royce. However, there are some motoring enthusiasts who are unwilling to stand by while their favourite cars deteriorate.
One such vehicle fanatic couldn't quite believe his eyes upon opening the garage of a recently deceased next-door neighbour to find a rusting and sad looking Austin 'Heavy'. As a long-term family friend he saw fit to enquire about the purchase and restoration of this 1930s vehicle.
Keen to see the classic car go to a good home the neighbour’s family readily accepted the offer and the vehicle's restoration is now complete. With a new lick of paint, exhaust system and tyres, the vehicle is ready to begin impressing the local people once more.
The new owner said, “It’s surprising how many gadgets there are, such as a picnic table on the back seat – it’s quite sophisticated really.
“When we took it to the petrol station we told the attendant that it was the first time it had been filled up in 53 years.”
As avid car lovers we are particularly intrigued to hear of similar noteworthy stories. So if you've taken the time to restore a battered and beaten rally car or a rusty Morris Minor then why not tell us about it? You never know, the story might even be good enough to feature in one of our regular blogs.
One such vehicle fanatic couldn't quite believe his eyes upon opening the garage of a recently deceased next-door neighbour to find a rusting and sad looking Austin 'Heavy'. As a long-term family friend he saw fit to enquire about the purchase and restoration of this 1930s vehicle.Keen to see the classic car go to a good home the neighbour’s family readily accepted the offer and the vehicle's restoration is now complete. With a new lick of paint, exhaust system and tyres, the vehicle is ready to begin impressing the local people once more.
The new owner said, “It’s surprising how many gadgets there are, such as a picnic table on the back seat – it’s quite sophisticated really.
“When we took it to the petrol station we told the attendant that it was the first time it had been filled up in 53 years.”
As avid car lovers we are particularly intrigued to hear of similar noteworthy stories. So if you've taken the time to restore a battered and beaten rally car or a rusty Morris Minor then why not tell us about it? You never know, the story might even be good enough to feature in one of our regular blogs.
Photo © Jon’s pics via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: Austin, cars, classic car, garage, motoring, restoration, Rolls Royce, scrap-yard, Sierra Cosworth, vehicles
02/04/2012
DJ creates perfect tune for the road
It is hard to deny the musicality of a gently revved Rolls Royce engine or rock and roll style screeching of the Ferrari exhaust. However, it is questionable whether many of us would have the vision to use such noises in the creation of a full length tune.
To see beyond the normal realms of R&B and pop takes somebody with imagination and willingness to experiment. Such traits accurately define Mark Marrington, a lecturer at Leeds University and the brains behind dance track, Cars.
Unlike Gary Numan's 1970s track of the same name, this new release is comprised entirely of vehicular noises. Listeners are treated to an intriguing blend of car horns, screaming brakes and vehicle alarms during the groovy little number.
The technologically-minded academic said, “Making this piece in fact seems to have broadened my ability to hear and process sound. I simply don't find these sounds annoying any more.
“In fact I'm more likely to consider the piped music we hear everywhere blaring from radios, supermarket speakers etc to be the real noise.”
It is fairly unlikely that the piece will find a place in the affections of the British public, as it sounds quite similar to most popular music. Still, Mr Marrington can look forward to acquiring plenty of fans via Youtube.
To see beyond the normal realms of R&B and pop takes somebody with imagination and willingness to experiment. Such traits accurately define Mark Marrington, a lecturer at Leeds University and the brains behind dance track, Cars.
Unlike Gary Numan's 1970s track of the same name, this new release is comprised entirely of vehicular noises. Listeners are treated to an intriguing blend of car horns, screaming brakes and vehicle alarms during the groovy little number.
The technologically-minded academic said, “Making this piece in fact seems to have broadened my ability to hear and process sound. I simply don't find these sounds annoying any more.
“In fact I'm more likely to consider the piped music we hear everywhere blaring from radios, supermarket speakers etc to be the real noise.”
It is fairly unlikely that the piece will find a place in the affections of the British public, as it sounds quite similar to most popular music. Still, Mr Marrington can look forward to acquiring plenty of fans via Youtube.
Photo © photosteve101 via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: alarm, brakes, cars horns, dance track, engine, exhaust, Ferrari, Mark Marrington, pop, Rolls Royce
23/12/2011
From mobility scooter to Rolls Royce
Everyone has a favourite television programme, whether it’s watching a hard-hitting documentary or indulging in a slightly far-fetched crime show. Here at duck2water we are fans of all sorts of different series, ranging from EastEnders to River Cottage to The Sopranos.
However, there is a great-grandfather who loves one particular television programme so much that he has gone to great lengths to create himself a permanent souvenir of the series.
The 74-year-old Thunderbirds fan has converted his mobility scooter into a replica of Lady Penelope’s Rolls Royce. He travels round dressed as the famous chauffeur, Parker, and has even put a model of Lady Penelope herself in the back of the vehicle.
The retired construction worker decided to build the creation to drive in a cancer charity run after a long-running wish that he could drive Lady Penelope around.
He said, “I set about building her Rolls Royce in my garage out of bits of old wood I had lying around.
“People are very supportive when they see me driving around town and I've even been stopped to sign autographs. I love being able to raise a smile for people.”
If only we could be chauffeured in a Rolls Royce on daily basis!
However, there is a great-grandfather who loves one particular television programme so much that he has gone to great lengths to create himself a permanent souvenir of the series.
The 74-year-old Thunderbirds fan has converted his mobility scooter into a replica of Lady Penelope’s Rolls Royce. He travels round dressed as the famous chauffeur, Parker, and has even put a model of Lady Penelope herself in the back of the vehicle.
The retired construction worker decided to build the creation to drive in a cancer charity run after a long-running wish that he could drive Lady Penelope around.
He said, “I set about building her Rolls Royce in my garage out of bits of old wood I had lying around.
“People are very supportive when they see me driving around town and I've even been stopped to sign autographs. I love being able to raise a smile for people.”
If only we could be chauffeured in a Rolls Royce on daily basis!
Photo © squeezeomatic via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: car, drive, garage, mobility scooter, Rolls Royce, Thunderbirds, vehicle
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