Hey guys,

In November last year, Ross and I went over to the Classic Japan Show in Melbourne. We met up on the way and while I was at it, I managed to tee up a little meeting with the producers of Shannons Club TV.

Joe Kenwright was keen to showcase the car that helped give the Japanese a foothold in the Australian market, not to mention make a star out of a certain Colin Bond.

They said they'd have it up online by Christmas... well, they were right. It's definitely out well before Christmas THIS year!

Check it out in all it's glory!

http://www.shannons.com.au/club/video/isuzu-bellett-shannons-club-tv-episode-14/

Word brothers!

Dave

Here are some of my favourite screenshots...

The tantalising first look...



Presenter and author Mark Oastler with a pic of a Bellett sedan I'm fairly certain they gleaned from eBay.



Here the Finnish guys get a look-in!



Pretty sure this is Barrie Magor's Bellett GT. The other presenter is Joe Kenwright; he and Mark are probably the two most knowledgeable motoring writers out there. They've both been deeply involved in Australian Muscle Car and Unique Cars, while Oastler was also a commentator for the V8 Supercars in the early days.



Joe went into the history of the Bellett, including the Hillman, then the proceeding Isuzu Gemini. And quite rightly so!



Needless to say, DUN999 got a mention, although I was disappointed he referred to Arnold "Ike" Treloar as 'Arthur', which was his nom-de-plume so his Mum didn't find out he was racing!



When this was being set up, I had literally no involvement, but I did suggest to Joe to get onto Bellett.net and pinch a few pics; here is Andrew's 1970-model Bellett sedan with Gary and Monnica's 1964 sedan, at the time thought to be the oldest Bellett in the country.



This was one of Ike Treloar's cars.



History dealt with, they then get onto the good stuff; Gav's club-spec 1965 Bellett sedan!



This bit was hilarious. Director says... "Uh Gav, can you just drop your arms down by your side? You're looking a bit aggressive"
Gav puts his hands on his hips
"Uh, still a bit aggressive; can you put your arms down by your side?"
"I can't; I'm disabled," retorts Gav referring to his motorcycle accident that prevents his right arm straightening properly.
"Ohhhh my Gaaawd sorry sorry" they were so embarrassed; they didn't really need to be, but it was pretty funny.



Some great shots of the interior...



Excellent shot of some gravel spray! Filmed under controlled conditions! Yeah!



Ooo oooooo!!! Oooo everyone, check out the awesome JDM-spec Isuzu Bellett GTR hiding in the background!



Some more gravel, this time with a sprinkle of sideways....



Then the action was over.



AWESOME!!!



Cheers,


Dave

MAAAAAAATE!! HOW GOOD IS THAT?? FAN-TASTIC!

Its nice to see an insurance company, which could just take your money & say ta, putting in such effort.
Even came through our satellite connection with only a couple of pauses. Amazing.
And Gav! What a star!

Thanks for the link Dave, now I'm going to have to watch more episodes!

BTW, now 4 cars with Shannons, including the Sube daily. Great multi vehicle price.
Cheers, Matt.

yes good story on the bellett ... worth watching .....cheers rod

If you guys ever need something, let me know.




Also, if you want to keep a copy of that video, you can download it via...


http://www.keepvid.com


Cheers,


dave

Well done guys, it was a good weekend and some great Bellett footage!

As I think Gav said, "Who would have thought that a car as unknown as the Bellett would be getting some air time"

Pity they didn't mention the forum when talking about 'where to buy a Bellett' but beggars can't be choosers I suppose!

Cheers,
R

It is mind blowing to think that a car you once (and still do ) had to explain what it is, has been the featured marque at the Bay 2 Birdwood, featured in National Magazines and now a feature car on Shannon's Club T.V. I know that if you had asked me pre Bellett Nationals and Bellett.net I wouldn't have thought it was possible. Where do we go from here?? I know where I am going........ Back into the shed to get a GT ready for Tassie!!!!

Good move Gav, and great work in the starring role.
And I agree, once there was just the Brother and I with a Bellett each, wondering how we could get together with some others. Then there was the 2006 Nats, and I took my gold ratter and found some great people with their immaculate cars. Then came the advent of Bellett.net, and more joy. Now we have the profile you spoke of, and much of it is thanks to your young, tech savvy and enthusiastic generation.

So thanks to all, I'm loving this stuff.

Cheers, Matt.

Well spoken Matt,and thanks to Dav,not to mention making a star out of a certain Colin or should I say GAV,great to see,Gerry

It was a great show to watch
And good to hear how rare the Gt is
Must contact my nearest Shannon's agent and see what they can do

yes bellett gt are rare ......as rockin horse shit