autofantasia's photos

The Avenger was manufactured under the Hillman marque by the Rootes Group from 1970 until 1976. Named to evoke memories of the Sunbeam Tiger, the Avenger Tiger concept began as a publicity exercise before the Tiger model itself was launched in 1972. Modifications included the 1500 GT engine with an improved cylinder head with enlarged valves, twin Weber carburettors and uprated suspension. A distinctive yellow colour scheme with a bonnet bulge, rear spoiler and side stripes was standard, set off with "Avenger Tiger" lettering on the rear quarters. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillman_Avenger

The Isetta was initially an Italian-designed microcar, but it went on to be built under license in a number of different countries: including Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil, Germany and here in the UK. However, most agree that it was the German manufacturer, BMW, who made the Isetta its own. They redesigned the powerplant around a BMW motorcycle engine and also re-engineered much of the car, so much so that none of the parts between a BMW Isetta Moto Coupe and an Iso Isetta are interchangeable. The first BMW Isetta appeared in April 1955. Because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows, the Isetta became affectionately known as a bubble car, a name later given to other similar vehicles.

I read online that the Mercedes-Benz W128, which was one of the 'Ponton' series of passenger vehicles they produced after World War II, wasn't introduced until 1958. However, the DVLA records show this one as being manufactured in 1956. Now that would suggest it might in fact be an example of the earlier W120, but given the lines of the bodywork and the fact that it had a 2.2 litre engine I'm pretty confident it is a W128. Regardless of the exact model, it sure was one fine looking old classic and a pretty chunky one at that. I don't normally care for Mercs, but I did like the look of this one.

A messy display what with all the stuff lying around and a poor shot if I'm honest what with blown highlights and all. Still, I don't come across these all that often so I thought it was still worth sharing. It was up for sale too ... a possible snip at £7,775.

The common wood pigeon is a large species in the dove and pigeon family, which is increasingly common here in the UK. Much to the annoyance of our two dogs, particularly the younger one, they are frequent visitors to our garden, which is where I took this shot last August. Stop The Pigeon

Another bit of fun based around a shot I took within Brompton Church cemetery itself. I was looking for something I could use at the time for the Sunday Challenge when the theme was pareidolia . As I wandered around, I couldn't help but notice the way the back of the very oldest headstones had been eroded over time with the wind and weather. Such beautiful patterns and colours not to mention this little 'soldier' who'd been frozen in time. Not sure what was getting him all excited, but he was certainly shouting about it to anyone in his vicinity. Done some basic adjustments to bring out the colours of the stone to best effect and added some texturing, but otherwise pretty much how I saw it on the day.

Sadly, due to security fears, that's true of so many rural churches here in the UK. However, the padlocked fence here at Brompton Church wasn't to keep people out of the building, but instead being used to screen off a section of the perimeter wall that surrounds the cemetery and which has a massive large crack in it ... presumably in case it collapses. Pretty sure it's been like that for years, but I guess when congregations are dwindling such maintenance issues are way down the list of priorities. Anyway, I took the shot into the 'processing room' and here's where I ended up!

Produced for this week's Sunday Challenge , for which we had to shoot something that rolls . I came across this old battered up football a few weeks ago when I was out walking in Brompton, North Yorkshire, looking for things I could photograph for the pareidolia challenge. However, when I read our mission for this week this image came immediately to mind so I hope you'll forgive me a dip into the archives as it seemed the ideal excuse for finally sharing it. Once again, it's a little bit on the dark side, so best viewed large with the curtains closed to be appreciated at its best. The original shot was considerably lighter, but the condition of the ball made me think of my title and that in turn seemed to be crying our for a darker and more sombre bit of processing.

The Morris Marina was manufactured from 1971 through until 1980 and sold in some markets as the Austin Marina, the Leyland Marina and the Morris 1700. The much-maligned Marina has been described in many a review as one of the worst cars of all time, although it was hugely popular car in Britain throughout its production life. Rust-proofing on British cars from that period was typically poor, which explains why these cars are a very rare sight on our roads today. So, it was nice to come across this one although the choice of exhaust fitted seemed a little dubious.

Another from the Fifties, but this time on a much larger scale!

Still from the Fifties, but this time on two-wheels, this old Triumph was pretty appealing too. As was the Norton in the background!

Parked up alongside 2066 UA from earlier was another Ford Pop, but this time it's a 1954 model.

Found this lovely old Ford Pop parked up in the shade. One of my favourite old British cars from the Fifties ... especially when modified!

Detail shot of the front end of that dinky little Nash from earlier.

The Nash Metropolitan was sold from 1953 through until 1961. I believe it was also sold as a Hudson when Nash and Hudson merged in the 1950s to form the AMC and later as a standalone marque during the Rambler years, as well as in the United Kingdom and other markets. And talking of the UK, because of the tie in with the Austin Motor Company, who became involved with its production, many people here also refer to it as the Austin Nash Metropolitan. Quite a complicated story for such a small car! Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nash_Metropolitan

For this week's Sunday Challenge , which had the theme of hands . After a few weeks of nearly having the door slam shut on me I thought I'd try and sneak in first this time around. Given how dark the actual shot it is, you might want to view large on black for best effect ... that's if you dare! Oh,and yes, in case you're wondering ... it is a real hand!

Don't worry, no need to call Mulder or even Scully ... just the results of me messing about again in the 'processing room'. Please view large on black if you have time.

Just another from the 'processing room' that I thought some of you out there might enjoy seeing. Best viewed large on black for best effect.