Willam City Lambretta Microcar | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2009)

Dinosaur scares Willem Lambretta

Flag FranceWhoa! Watch out! There’s a dino on the roundabout!

My girlfriend tried to scare me while pointing out the obvious. Oh well I thought and pretended to be calm and totally in control of the situation – while flicking on the high beams of my Impala brown 190E. Remember the day in driving school, when they told you that deer and many other animals freeze and subsequently don’t move, due to temporary blindness? Gotta tell you – it works mighty fine to stop a French dino in its’ tracks. Just look at his eye.

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Borgward B611 | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2009)

Borgward B611 | Long extinct – but not forgotten

Flag GermanyBorgward produced quite a few technically interesting vehicles in the 1950’s but was forced into bankruptcy in 1961. The Borgward B 611 I found in Bremen represents a company that unfortunately is long extinct. However, the brand is still loyally supported by enthusiasts from the (e.g.) Borgward IG and the Borgward Club Bremen. The van featured here looks like it was properly restored at one stage and painted in period-correct colors. Sun visors have been popular accessories back then, available in various sizes and colors.

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Toyota Hiace Siyaya Taxi | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2008)

Toyota Hiace Siyaya Taxi | Rainbow nation transportation

Flag South AfricaTaxis in South Africa. They may not always adhere to the street code of conduct and find make their own way around traffic jams. They may not always yield to somebody that has the right of way or cut in front of you. But – they do provide (more or less) reliable transportation for many people, who can’t afford to own a vehicle. I especially like the colorful and well kept ones in Durban. The old-school Toyota Hiace Siyaya is my favorite body style, even though the newer models have more safety features and are equipped with air-conditioning. I found these two beautiful Siyaya Taxis in Durban, near the uShaka marine world.

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Jeep Wrangler Kallies Quarry | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2008)

Jeep Wrangler | Playtime at Kallie’s Quarry

Flag South AfricaKallies Quarry. A four wheel drive playground that features very steep tracks in some places, with deep ruts and a pond that requires wading through. This bone stock Jeep Wrangler did it without problems. A Jeep actually going offroad is a rather rare sight in South Africa, because most 4x4ers prefer either Toyota or Land Rover. This actually reminded me of the fun we had with Jeeps when I was living in Texas/USA, many years ago.

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Ford Cortina Bakkie 4x4 | Drive-by Snapshots by Sebastian Motsch (2007)

Ford Cortina Bakkie 4×4

Flag South AfricaFrequent readers might remember the Ford Cortina Bakkie based tow truck featured here at Drive-by Snapshots earlier this year. There is more variety to this topic, though. On my way to Bloemfontein, I found this Ford Cortina Bakkie 4×4 for sale at a used car dealership. Admittedly a nicely executed four wheel drive conversion in mint condition. Actually, I wouldn’t mind at all owning something like that. Pure early 80’s style & function!

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