Lock's Heat Classic Cars enjoying the sun

The good weather brought out a good selection of cars at the Locks Heath Sunday meeting

Above Sunbeam Alpine of which I had 2 back in the early 80's one driven down to the south of France which wasn't such a great idea, traveling down we had the roof up to keep off the sun and buffeting wind noise but it was really hot. 

 Above - What a contrast in front grills, guessing this is a 70's Caddy with absolutely no apologies to aerodynamics. 

Below - In the Citreon DS looking like it might have flown in, incredibly the design debuted at the October 1955 Paris motor show 

 A crowd pleasing favorite Pininfarina designed Fiat (128 I think?) 

I think it was Hot Wheels that first brought out model hot rod and other wild designs back in the 60's, I wasn't much into toy cars back then but those were the ones I wanted, must be great to have a full size one now.

Interesting micro car, I forget the make and model, far too distracted by the snakeskin interior trim, which according to the owner was original, probably an option?

 White Corvette and red leather interior about as Americana as they come, fantastic.

Nice MGA, compared to the Corvette the 1500cc or 1600cc seems a little light for a sports car, but then it only weighed circa 2000lbs. 

Classically French and certainly in these parts rare, Peugeot. 

 

Vanden Plas Princess, my friend Malcolm and I bought one of these while we were at college at the local auction, I think for around £180 or so. Unusual features were hydraulic jacks at each corner operated via a panel under the drivers feet and a flickering fire effect heater in the rear.

Lot of fun, needless to say this one is in much better condition. 

If you're going to have an old sports card then one like this might just be perfect

 

Salterns Houseboats

It's been a while since I visited the houseboats in Salterns creek

Seen in the pictures they were still hunkered down coming out of winter, but with the early spring sunshine it's easy to see the attraction of living on the water.

So often I just row past too quickly such is the way with the all too familiar.

 

New Classic

I spotted this a couple of weeks ago from the shore in Hamble, but it may have been there much longer as we've been so busy at the end of 2025 we have hardly been to Hamble for weeks if not months.

Taking the opportunity for a couple of pics while rowing down and in fantastic sunlight. I didn't get a chance to read her name, the tide was running full spring flood so it was really hard to get close enough, control the boat and take photos.

 Subsequently had a chat with the owner interrupting him while working on deck, the boat was built for the Norfolk Broads so shallow draft, a centerboard and a large rig and sail area suitable for the inland conditions. Construction began in 1924 and launched in 1925 so just over a 100 years old, the construction is all teak which probably goes some way toward her condition.

The outboard is a temporary measure used only for maneuvering in light conditions, the owner is working on a replacement engine, originally built without one, a previously installed engine needs complete replacement.

There's a lot of TLC needed fortunately the base construction is sound and should be a stunning boat once the work is done. That large rig will probably be useful around the Solent in light summer breeze.  

Rude Giant

 If you're in the New Forest and looking for some rude refreshments, you could do worse than stopping off at the Trusty Servant in Minstead for a pint of Rude Giant.

 Actually brewed over in Wiltshire and a nice change from the hazy IPA's which seem to have become ubiquitous of late and an interesting example of memorable branding.

Surf's up at Netley

Brisk early season Sunday at Netley, afternoon winds well in the 20 MPH's maybe guts higher kicking up constant breaking waves on the Netley foreshore

 I'd decided earlier it was probably a better day for cycling than sailing or rowing - seemed like a good choice.

Sinking feeling

Could be accumulated rainwater over the winter or a leek gone unnoticed and unattended.

 Whichever way, it could become very problematic quite quickly

Good day for rowing

The high pressure had been hanging around for over a week with the resulting light winds and fine weather, I'd gone down to the sailing club to do safety boat duty but without the minimum number of boats turning up racing was cancelled.

With the prospect of a sea breeze in the afternoon cancelling out the light northerly rowing seemed a good way to make the best of the day. 

I wasn't alone in total I say 6 other boats out rowing including some I recognised from Hamble River Rowing club. These two I didn't recognise, the one at top to too far away to inquire why they were towing, presumably good reason.

Below really nice looking boat, seems about as small as practical for two rowers.

 It was a perfect rowing afternoon, so hopefully everyone had as much fun as I did, the tide was on the 2 hour stand so pretty much perfect conditions.