Six-car garage and workshop

[GT6 Nick]

One of the reasons I've been ignoring my GT6 is that I flew back to New Zealand quite a lot (when the borders were open) to build a garage on my quarter-acre of grass. Right now I'm working with a local architect on a house design, and hilariously it looks as though the house will be smaller than the garage.

Back in 2018 I measured all my cars and determined that I needed a 7 x 10m garage plus a workshop/cabin to fit the collection. As long as I didn't buy any more cars.... Once the council had approved my plans, a local builder poured the slab and finished it to lock-up stage. I took it from there, so now it has power, water, sewer and fibre, and a fully lined and insulated workshop. It makes for a good home away from home when I go back to visit friends in NZ. 

Lots of black. A mate mowing my lawn. 

I would be able to fit three cars side by side if I didn't have a lot of house materials in there.

My Herald back from its adventures in Australia, plus my late father's 3-series and my Grandfather's Avenger. And stacks of timber, furniture, and stuff from my late parents. Lesson - garage spaces get filled up. Always.

There's still room for the GT6 though!

The lined and insulated workshop, which is where I camp when I fly back. The benches will get upgraded for heavy stuff one day. 

A roll-up futon - amazingly comfortable. I was worried that a plywood interior might look like the interior of a packing crate, but it's actually a really nice look.

Workshop-style decor. I haven't got the steam gauge working yet.

The only thing I didn't include in the workshop fit-out was a shower, because a workshop isn't supposed to be for living in. My solution works and has a fantastic view, but can be a bit breezy.

Chapter 2 - later this year I'll be back over, helping the builder on the house.

[Escadrille Ecosse]

On 3/24/2024 at 12:22 AM, GT6 Nick said:

Right now I'm working with a local architect on a house design, and hilariously it looks as though the house will be smaller than the garage.

Exactly as it should be if I had my way

And a Hillman Avenger. Takes me back. Mine was the same colour (mostly) although with considerably more rust and the 1500 single carb estate version.

The fact that it was your Grandfather's I find slightly disconcerting as mine was only 6 years old when I got it in 1979.

[Nick Jones]

2 hours ago, Escadrille Ecosse said:

Exactly as it should be if I had my way

Quite.  Mind you, there’s a NZ fella on the OSNZ forum who does actually live in a mezzanine apartment above/beside his workshop with wife and cat. It’s very nicely done.

As for the Avenger, my grandparents had one (from new) which I occasionally rode in. It wasn’t very reliable and prone to failing to proceed when worked hard on hot days. It had a favourite lay-by near the top High Wycombe hill that it used to wheeze into for a rest. I assume fuel vaporisation in hindsight.

[Sprint95m]

Hmm, I like Avengers (especially the Hillman versions).

Simple and durable. Nice to drive.
Alas they rival Triumphs for rust....

Ian

[PeteStupps]

On 3/24/2024 at 12:22 AM, GT6 Nick said:

Impressive! I'm very envious. Is the black an aesthetic choice? Looks smart but I guess it'll be hot in summer

[zetecspit]

I had an Avenger for my own first car. 1300 M plate. 

I saw the advert, rocked up to the place and it was owned by the father of a lad in the year below me at 6th form. Whining rear axle, fuel tank rusted so you could only put a fiver in at a time. 

Axle was replaced by a one from a 1500, and fuel tank was sorted while I had an interview ay Southampton uni. My Dad came with me, went off for the day and found a scrappy who swapped the tank. 

Had that car for a few years, sadly front drum brakes that I soon discovered didn't like being heavily used, Bit disconcerting... But went all over the place in it. Eventualluy sold on, and was replaced with a Cavalier Sportshatch, which was rather quicker. But happy memories!

[GT6 Nick]

My Grandfather bought the Avenger brand new in 1971. It was his last car and the only one he bought brand new. My mother learned to drive in a column shift Humber 80, so I guess he traded the Humber in for the Toxic Avenger. Yes, they rust badly, and I had a lot of derusting to do when I inherited it. It's solid now, but hasn't run in about 20 years. How time flies. The interior still smells the same as I remember as a little boy.

I seem to have inherited my Dad's BMW the same way. My brothers don't want it, and it's in almost mint condition, so I'm looking after it. My Dad really liked it, even though it is so low that he struggled to get out!

The garage's black colour is mainly aesthetic. It's NZ's unofficial national colour, and New Zealand doesn't get nearly as hot as Australia. In winter, any additional warmth will be very welcome.