Ben Jackson
@benjacksontp.bsky.social
Petrolhead (2 and 4 wheels), AuDHD. Lover of punk rock. Dad of 3 + Frazzle the labradoodle. Often confused. Proud member of the tofu-eating wokerati. YT: Exzorsted
Just a Ford Taunus Transit from the 1950s minding its own very happy business on Marlborough high street this evening. Absolutely immaculate condition and a long way from home...
Alas, no #Rustival for me in September. I've been to every one so far and have massively enjoyed them all. Sadly, child #1 needs to be taken to university that day which I have to concede might be a bit more important...
Apologies for more non-automotive posting, but this interview with Mr T is EVERYTHING you wanted it to be and much, much more. Absolutely brilliant. A true legend. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
‘I don’t chase the dollar. I never did’: the astonishing hidden life of Mr T
He grew up in the ghetto, became a global superstar – then gave it all up. Why did he step away from the spotlight?
theguardian.com
100% worth a few minutes of your time. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
‘If he can make money in a tyranny, that’s fine by him’: Francis Fukuyama on Trump, democracy - and changing his mind
The political thinker became famous for declaring the triumph of liberal democracy. Thirty-seven years on, he explains what he really meant and why he made the rare journey from right to left
theguardian.com
After an excellent long weekend on the Isle of Wight with child #3, I leave you with two Bedford TKs, a bonus D-series Ford and what appears to be some sort of Franken-Bedford.
Nice to see you over here @stripeymiata.bsky.social !
I think I've peaked. Bedford CF camper van in apparently totally original condition, running slot mags. Looks like its owner is Terry, who apparently has some CF spares available, if you're interested.
A few interesting spots from the Isle of Wight today. Daimler was very crusty, Bristol 412 was constantly surrounded by people so I couldn't get close to it for a good photo.
A more sensible and balanced view on graduate employment prospects.
This post is not denying that the graduate/entry level jobs market is tough, but if there were a 50% decline as reported yesterday on top of the 30% decline reported a year ago, the majority of young people would be unemployed. www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
I've known these idiots for more than half my life. Older? Definitely. Wiser? No. Excellent night in Camden last night watching the King Blues and drinking more than my aged constitution appreciates.
Hungerford spots from today. Proton Persona (when did you last see one of those?), Scirocco and a slightly shabby V12 E38 for barge fans.
Spruced up the profile pics, mainly because I couldn't hide behind a 7 year old pic of me anymore given the dramatic ageing that appears to have occurred since I was a stripling of 44. But now there's added Frazzle, so I think we're all good.
I'd stuck with tapes and vinyl up to this point, being something of a contrarian at the time. But at the age of 17 I succumbed, bought a CD player and this was my first CD.
44 years ago today, the first CD was produced. What is the first CD you owned?
Absolutely stellar spot here from John (and yes there's the faintest ghost of a pun above). Love to see survivors like this.
And back to the usual programming. This is very tidy. Clearly washed often. And clearly hasn’t moved in a long time. Zoom under the wheels! Not your usual Chelsea fodder. #WeirdCarBS
Spot from yesterday. Not sure what it is but looks yank (and therefore NOT my area of expertise) and I think it had the same V8 logo on the spare wheel hub cap that I have tattooed on my right arm. That suggests Ford. Thoughts?
Delighted to report that after several decades of *exhaustive* research, I have definitively proven that the finest three varieties of crisp are: 🥉San Carlo Piu Gusto Vivace 🥈Walkers Max Hot Chicken Wings 🥇Brets Chèvre et Piment d'Espelette I will be taking no further questions on this matter.
Looking for a cheap track / fun car that'll get people talking at shows? Lewis has your back.
This GTM Rossa K3R kit car looks a whole bundle of fun. Uses a Metro front subframe, MG F rear, has a 'glass body/tub, and a mid-mounted engine. Weighs ~800kg. This one has a 160bhp+ K-series (and a Torsen) so it'll be lively! No reserve, ends today, currently £3k. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/27825399...
Splendid spot just now in Marlborough. I do love an Excel. Quite like the subtle silver over blue combo here too.
Spat out my tea* *I don't drink tea, but you know what I mean
He's got what we in the acting business call "range". Mild surprise, empathy, Spitfire pilot, Brezhnev... You name it.
I know, I know. Every petrolhead who finds themselves near Reims has to get the photos of the old Reims-Gueux pits / grandstands, but I have to confess that I found it genuinely moving to be there this morning. If you haven't been, go. It's a really haunting place which resonates with its history.
Just a Greek registered mk1 Fiesta 1.1L boarding the ferry from Calais to Dover... #notallheroeswearcapes
Little to report from an automotive perspective in Reims, and that's unlikely to change since we got here around 5pm and we're leaving at 9am tomorrow. BUT, a lovely Saab 99 convertible in the *best* colour was a sweet thing to see. Also a Jeep thing specifically for @arressveetwin.bsky.social