Blue Beetle

Coming home from shopping in Beeston, I saw this vintage Volkswagen Beetle parked up on a road that I use to get home. It's quite a nice cornflower blue colour, and dates from 1970.

The bodywork seemed to be in good condition. So it has either been well looked after, or has had some restoration work done on it. Either way, it was nice to see it being driven around.

My dad had one when I was younger. A black one it was, and to give it a bit of identity, he got some thin strips of gold tape and put it around the doors. I'm not sure how long it lasted, but I do remember it beginning to peel after a while.  He then sold it and got a white Renault 5.

I hope to see a lot more old cars tomorrow, as it's the annual vintage car show at Wollaton Park. Just hope the weather keeps dry and sunny.

The Cars That Ate Wollaton Park

Today was the day for the annual classic car show at Wollaton Park. When it is advertised, I get quite excited and look forward to wandering around all the cars, vans and buses. Although I have to admit, some of them I have seen many times, but as it was lovely and sunny today, I didn't mind. I had a great time, and came across quite a few vehicles that I hadn't seen before.

I thought this converted 1967 VW Beetle looks like a real life Hot Wheels car. I saw that it was for sale, but didn't enquire how much.

If I did have any spare cash, and lots at that, I would be tempted to go out and get a E Type Jaguar, like this one from 1969. Only six years younger than me, but worth a lot more. Probably £30,000.

If you have less money to play with, you could try this 1972 Ford Capri, which may only cost you about £5000. Made famous of course by being driven by Bodie & Doyle in the TV series the Professionals.

Finally of course, if you have a leaning towards pre-war vehicles, you might like to hunt out an old van like this Austin from the mid 1930s. I just thought I would give the picture a little tweaking in Lightroom, to give it that old look.

Travelin In A Fried Out Combi

Due to me having to be in London yesterday, I was unable to post this week's Headbanger Challenge photo. It's Gail's turn as well, and she has gone for 'tattoo'.

Something different, I'm sure you'll agree. I was hoping to come across a really artistic tattooed person on my travels, but that illusive illustrated man (or woman) didn't make an appearance.

So instead I've had a look through my archive, and remember taking a photo of this model, who I shot during one of fashion shows that we attended sometime last year.

Although there are a lot of tattoos on her arms, they do seem quite tasteful. I wonder if her left arm isn't finished yet, as it's not so heavily decorated as her right one.

I don't think I'd ever want one. All that unnecessary pain. I wouldn't know what to have either. My late father had a couple on his arm. Nothing too outrageous, although I can't really remember now what they were. I think one might have been an anchor, as he joined the merchant navy when he was about 18.

Please click on the links, and see how the rest of the gang have interpreted the theme. Also enjoy this great piece of rock music while you do so.


I read on a recent Twitter post that the camper van that is used in the present theatre production called 'Grandpa In My Pocket', would be parked outside the Nottingham Playhouse for people to pose and take photos of it.

The play is aimed fairly and squarely at children, and is based on a children's television series of the same name. It is about a grandpa that can shrink when putting on a magical flat cap. So I just had to go and see for myself. And what a lovely vehicle it is. Brightly painted with a seaside theme. The vehicle actually comes from the TV show and is called Mr Blue Sky, or Campo.

I was talking to the owners about it. They run a company called FREEBIRD CAMPERS and is based in Wiltshire. They hire out these campers, so people can have touring holidays, and go where they like during the rental period.

Lights, Camera, Action

I was passing through the Square at lunchtime today when I came across this VW camper van promoting Myspace films. There was a lot of people queuing up to have a go, mostly under 25. I didn't hang around waiting for my turn, as I'm not very photogenic, and probably look even worse on a computer screen. So I took some photos and went on my way to find some more pictures for tomorrows entry.
The Volkswagen camper reminds me of a line in the Men at Work song from the 1980's called 'Down Under'. Remember it? "Traveling in a fried out combi".