Mitsubishi GTO: “Mitsubishi entered the Japanese sports car craze in 1990 with their GTO (aka 3000GT) to match country rivals Toyota (Supra), Nissan (Skyline) and Mazda (RX-7). It came with many advanced technology system including four-wheel drive and utilised a powerful V6 engine available with single and double overhead cams.”

Renault 16: “The Renault 16 was marketed as a large family car though the styling was not so clear-cut making it hard to find a definite categorisation. TL was the marque’s distinction for their previously known Renault 16 ‘Super’ and this example is probably pre-1974 due to the aluminium grill. These were replaced by plastic grills thereafter.”

Chevrolet Corvette: “An true American icon, the Corvette is a thing of beauty and pure muscle. This third generation model was introduced in 1968 and based mostly on the previous version. Production lasted until 1982 at which point the car design was more aerodynamically influenced. In 1981 a 5.7L V8 engine was the only one offered but I’d hardly be complaining despite a measily power output of 190hp.”

Pics and text: Patrick ‘Carspotter’ Cummins

Fiat 500 Giardiniera: “The Fiat 500 is one of motoring’s biggest icons and here is one of its lesser-known variants: the 500 K or Giardiniera. This 1971 model still sported suicide doors at a time when the 500 supermini had long done away with them. Giardinieras from 1966 onwards were built by partner company, Autobianchi hence the badge on the front of the car.”

Although it might look underwhelming, the once-revered Daihatsu Charade has disappeared from the many roads it once travelled. The 1.0L, 3 cylinder diesel had a reputation for bulletproof reliability and economical motoring. The sporty GTti and GTxx were known for the punchy 1.0L turbo engines and are much sought after today. The Charade was also available in the even rarer small saloon body shape.

The BMW 635CSi demonstrates all I loved about the marque’s styling techniques in the late 70s and up to the early 90s. An aggressive “shark-nose” which peters back to a luxurious yet sporty rear end – the reason why it’s probably the most beautiful production car I’ve ever seen. This one had an automatic transmission, which I don’t fancy, but I’ll own one some day!

What might look like a slightly modded Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra is, in fact, the range-topping GSE model. My guess is that it is a post-1988 model and, therefore, fitted with the bigger 2.0L engine (previously 1.8L before emission regulations forced a change). I found this seemingly forgotten example near O’Brien’s Bridge close to Limerick city.

Pics and text: Patrick ‘Carspotter’ Cummins

MG A: Here is a 1956 model of the beautiful MG A owned by Italian radio personality and author, Paolo Tullio. Initially opposed for its avant-garde styling, the MG A proved a success and had a production span from 1955-1962. Notice that no external door handles were manufactured for this model.

Renault 18: Replacing the Renault 12, the 18 became a very successful car in many countries. This version is a GTS model and the driver says it’s from 1982 and has a 1.4L engine. GTS trim level apparently included electric front windows and a 1.6L engine and this car certainly didn’t include the former so I wonder…these were popular in Ireland and the UK in the 1980s and into the 90s and had an equally successful estate version.

Porsche 928: The 928 filled a gap in Porsche’s limited range that required a motor to freshen up the 911’s thoroughbred but dated image. Initially planned as a replacement for the 911, the 928 eventually took it’s title as luxury touring car alongside 911 production in 1978. It was one of few front-engined Porkers and was always powered by a V8. This is the 928Stt model and has an automatic gearbox. I’m guessing it’s a late 80s example.

Pics and Text: Patrick ‘Carspotter’ Cummins.

205 GTi: Peugeot’s high-performance 205 GTi helped coin the term ‘hot hatch’ during the 1980s. Production began in 1984 and offered a 1.6 and 1.9 version, the latter including all-round disc brakes. Production ended for the 1.6 in 1992 due to emission regulation though the 1.9 continued for a short while after, albeit with reduced power output due to a catalytic converter. This 1993 model is one such though it is still in impeccable condition.

Mercedes W123 Series: Although the W123 series is not the rarest of Mercedes’ classic cars, this version is a pillarless coupe model.  You will notice that there is no pillar separating the front window from the rear. This is a 280CE version if I recall correctly.” (I asked the owner if he minded me taking the snaps and he was more than happy to allow them)

Golf GTi: The 205 (top)’s German rival from Volkswagen: the Golf GTi. It was marketed at the VW Rabbit in the US and this left-hand drive version seems to have been labelled as such, though it has European plates. This example has been lowered in classic VW fashion and boasts some nice alloys.

Pics and text: Patrick ‘Carspotter’ Cummins.

Twice now, the stunning Volvo P1800 has been mentioned as someone’s idea of a proper classic. Here’s one I found along the [Grand] canal. It was in pretty good nick. At first glance, I thought it was a VW Karmann Ghia!

The Renault 19 is an uncommon sight on the roads today. This is a post-facelift model from 1995 with a 1.4 engine. The owner has had it since the late 90s if I remember correctly.

I’m unsure of what this car is. It has a Ferrari label on the back and doesn’t look unlike one of their 1970s supercars, though a search done by a friend proved fruitless. This needs a lot of restoration and has been lying in the same spot since at least 2007, and probably a lot longer. What a shame…

Pica and text: Patrick ‘Carspotter’ Cummins

A Mini Clubman Estate which was the replacement for the previous Mini Traveller and Countryman range. I really admire the squarer front end of the Clubmans. It’s been very well kept.

A pristine example of BMW’s 528 (E12) at the Grand Canal. Unsure of the year.

1973/4 VW Beetle 1.6. It’s owned by a German lady, Stephanie Flaherty-Klapp, who tells me it’s been imported from Japan. It has a 1599cc, air-cooled engine which was marketed as a sporty variant in Japan. Car is fully original apart from the seat-belts and JVC radio.

Pics and text: Paul ‘Carspotter’ Cummins

I came across this 1990 Citroen 2CV6 in Ranelagh [Dublin]. Production of this iconic car ceased the same year so this would have been one of the last examples.
Another gem in Ranelagh. The Lite-Ace was placed below the High-Ace in Toyota’s range of vans – a very rare commercial these days however.

A 1973 BMW 2002 Touring hatchback [Off Baggott Street, Dublin]. Really well preserved/restored. A Classic BMW show takes place in Straffan, Co. Kildare, on Sunday (June 23) and this car will be raffled off as a prize

Pics and text: Patrick ‘Carspotter Cummins