Idle Torque: Car on pole recalls days of awe
Mounting a car at the top of a pole is one of those pre-internet activities, more likely to surprise in a world where people haven't seen it all on their computer.
If I recall correctly, there was once a Valiant on a pole at Paceway Chrysler on Scarborough Beach Road, which was superseded by a Mitsubishi Magna on the same pole.
Now, before I go any further, I should clarify that when I say 'car on a pole', I am not talking about placing a car on top of a person from Poland - that would be surprising and a crime.
As a kid, I would marvel at how the cars got up on to the poles, while also quietly wishing they would fall down so I could see what they looked like afterwards.
Nowadays, the internet has made us weary of preposterous things, and if you Google cars on poles you get myriad variations on the idea, including several cars on a pole, like a car kebab.
The truth is, there are fewer cars on poles these days, which is why I am so pleased to bring you the news that Perth has a new pole-mounted car.
It is a 1950 Austin A40, which now points the way to the Motor Museum of WA and stands at the entrance to Whiteman Park in Beechboro Road.
Museum curator John McLean said the car was donated by the Austin Car Club.
"Motor Museum volunteers prepared the car for display by removing all the unnecessary mechanical items such as its engine and gearbox," Mr Mclean said.
The car's interior was completely stripped and its exterior painted in the Motor Museum colours, yellow and blue.
"The car is part of our ongoing promotional work to build an extension to double the size of our current facility, allowing us to display even more of our Western Australia motoring heritage," Mr McLean said.
EPIC RIDE A BOY'S OWN ADVENTURE
It wasn't until I had reached the ripe old age of 32 that I was able to wrangle a ride in a Lamborghini.
My son Tom, he's ticked that off his bucket list at age seven, and as you can see in the photo, he was rather excited about the fact.
Tom was driven in the 388kW, 5.0-litre V10-powered all-wheel- drive 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo by Gavin Beer, from the local business Supercars Perth at a private, closed-circuit demonstration event last Sunday.
Given the age of his passenger, Mr Beer kept his speeds well back from the vehicle's full potential, but the looks and noise of the Lambo were more than enough to thrill young Tom.
"It was totally epic and I wasn't scared at all," Tom said.
As well as the Lamborghini, Supercars Perth runs a 2001 Ferrari 360, and offers customers the opportunity to drive either or both of these cars as well as training from its instructors.
The driving packages start from $395 for the Ferrari and $475 for the Lamborghini.
Motoring Moments
TOMORROW
Thunderbirds Pancake Breakfast.
8am @ The Kiosk, Fremantle.
Phone 0417 766 552 or see tbirds.com.au.
Last Blast Motorkhana
See classicrally.com.au.
FEBRUARY 8
Big Al’s Poker Run.
Display Taylor Reserve, Victoria Park.
Phone 0414 551 928.
MARCH 30
Old’s Cool Car Cruise.
From Tomato Lake, Kewdale. Departing 10.30am.
Phone 0407 444 917 or see torrietorque.com
Send event details to acforro@gmail.com
