When I found out you brought Betty to the UK I couldn't believe it. You've gone above and beyond Ian - making dreams come true! It also goes to show just how special AU Falcons are. There's just something about them. Wishing you both many years of happy motoring ahead!
@@MotoringBoxTV Yes, Land Rover tried replacing physical locking diffs with computers. Rarely ends well! Thanks again for your help, and your excellent videos on the AU.
This isnt about a ridiculous car-purchase, Ian. This is about you achieving something that warms your heart, and you taking us viewers with you in it, whilst sincerely thanking everybody who made it possible. Thank you for doing this❤️
As a resident of Southampton I got excited when I saw a metallic beige Falcon a couple days ago when I was collecting my ZT Turbo. I thought it looked just like Betty, now I'm pretty sure it was!
I once heard someone say "car magazines work when they're a bit aspirational, not too far that you can't imagine doing it but out of your current realm". This is exactly that for me, which is what makes it so bloody good
It takes a certain someone to pay thousands of pounds to ship over to the other side of the world a 20 year old family sedan with almost 300,000km on the clock... love it!
@@RichieRouge206 No car nut will top this bit of daftness for a long time; that's why I love this man! Sadly, he's already run out of Betty T-shirts in my size :-(
Bit Of stretch that one, although it could be a possibility. Being a ex Pat who lives in Australia I don’t think I’d wave at someone driving a Ford Mondeo😂
It always makes me homesick when I see a car with a New Zealand rego In the windscreen. Over the years I have spotted a quite a few. You are not the only person import a car from New Zealand to the UK.
My jaw literally dropped when the camera panned around I saw Betty. Then my face lit up!! SO happy Betty made it!! Ian - she needs to be a keeper, a permanent member of the fleet! Let the waft begin! 😁
We travelled the UK for 2mths. The whole time, all I could think of is how good it would be driving my Aussie car (Holden Cross8) It’s a dual cab ute, 4WD, LS1 version of a Commodore. The UK has so many great driving roads. You guys are blessed. Interesting how you had a similar dream and it’s great watching this video. Thanks Motoring Box :) Thanks Hubnut. Subscribed liked and commented for you :) Well done.
Speaking as someone who has owned their first car for 18 years now, and passed my test in it I totally understand the love for a vehicle. You have gone above and beyond bringing this car home and it's a Ford. I can't commend you highly enough. The very least I can do is buy another of your t-shirts for your efforts. Very well done. T-shirt & fridge magnet ordered.
I rarely have to keep secrets, and I'm amazed we kept this one for so long! The effort Ian has gone to in bringing Betty 11,000 miles across the equator is huge, and shouldn't be underestimated. Many people would have given up! Happy to help and priviledged to work on her (except the immobiliser - that can get in the bin). Enjoy!
A few yeas ago I tried to hire a Holden Commodore on four occasions when on holiday in New Zealand and Australia. Despite booking a Commodore hire car to drive the Great Ocean Road, I was given 2013 Ford XR6, very nice car and comfortable, would like to have brought it back to the UK, but Avis might have objected. My daily driver in the UK is now a Holden Commodore, bought by chance in the UK>
I hope you get the chance to add rustproofing. These Fords love to rust in Australia let alone the UK. I look forward to seeing the upcoming series on Betty, hope it brings you joy in the future.
What a cracking start to the weekend! That really made me smile, I absolutely did not see that one coming. I actually cheered out loud at a TH-cam video. Brilliant.
She has to be a permanent fixture, I think Ian had 4 lifetime keepers now unless he's got more hidden in the wings, Betty, Myrtle, TWC and Elly,have to admit I'm surprised Giselle has lasted this long and foxanne
Yay, Betty is back, after seeing how sad you were when you handed the keys over all those months ago, and seeing the grin on your face today, can we assume Betty is a looooonnnng term keeper, I am grinning with you. As for getting stuck on the beach, only you could transport a car halfway around the world just to get stuck on a beach AGAIN, true Hubnut style.
This is great news! I have owned a great number of cars, prob well over 100 to date. My current fleet, a 1969 rover 2000 and you guessed it, a 1999 ford fairmont. only 115 km . The Fairmont is the best value car I have owned, very solid ,easy to maintain, and a great drive. Looking forward to your Fairmont story. All the best Ian from Kerikeri NZ.
Just rewatched this in full and the reveal still made me smile like I was watching for the first time, honestly so happy to see you reunited with Betty and so looking forward to seeing it at Social next month, it's defo going to be worth the near 500 mile round trip from Scotland!!
There are grown men in multiple corners of the planet remembering four-wheeled friends that will never return, overjoyed at the sight of Betty on UK plates in Wales. I believe I shall go hug my Fiat.
What a smile inducing video, a car that over there is just a run of the mill vehicle in it's homeland gets to have a second life as an interesting machine over here. The amount of folks brains your going to stimulate as they think "ooh what's that?" will be fantastic.
I see Humber Super Snipes like my Mum used to have that were made in Melbourne by Chrysler and I wonder where people get parts for them then there is the occasional Vauxhaul that you would have to import everything from the UK - pitty help you having to import everything from Australia to the UK for Betty
Betty!! Betty Fairmont as I live and breathe! Some things are just meant to be. In a world of things going wrong, it is so good to see something going right for a change. I don't think I have ever wanted to give a car a hug before. Really looking forward to the collection caper videos. Having gone to Invercargill, we need a shot of Betty next to the Invacar. Even better if you know anyone called Gill. I will be interested to see that the Hublets think of her when they get back off their break. What a perfect car (fuel economy aside) for a family road trip to Scotland. Maybe at autumn half term? Flippin' 'eck, it's Betty! Now, about that headlamp lens...
My father has just passed away. He had an XR6 AU2 Falcon that I’ve been wondering what to do with. Perhaps this is a sign. Maybe I should keep it. Thanks Hubnut
Despite the delivery miles Betty is one of your more sensible purchases - again! Burnt out Oltcits for example!!! ;-) Good luck with the house purchase - far more stressful than car ones
"What?", I thought, "Hubnut makes a ridiculous purchase, I can't believe that, he usually makes really sensible purchases like incomplete Yugo Sana". Ha ha, so glad you've got Betty home!
Reminds me of the glasses with a frosted lens which they used to give to kids in the 1970's who had "a lazy eye". Wouldn't surprise me to see the offside front bumper being held together with Elastoplast soon.
So happy you’ve repurchased Betty and now is part of your fleet… also love seeing UK number plates on an Aussie Ford- looks great in its new home now …enjoying watching the adventures of Betty here in Australia
This made me soooo happy! Was hoping to see this in person when I was in NZ at the same time as you, but our schedules didn't quite work out. Hope to see it now on UK soil!
mate....my first ever comment but as a Kiwi living in Aus and loving your channel since...well way back...you are a total legend. thank you. this kind of made me quite emotional as an RN / RM in the midst of a shitty and tricky Covid week in Central West NSW .It's not always about the car but about your passion, integrity, sense of fun and humility.. made all of us just smile! x
This is fantastic news. The relationship you had with that car in NZ was wonderful. To get a car like that in the UK with that power and space you could only spend big amounts of pounds, but down here that was a standard family urban car before the SUV pandemic hit us. The AU falcon seemed to push ford down a notch in sales because what GM had with the VT-onwards was a better looking package. I had a new AU in 1999 as a loaner when my Taurus (yes I had one of those in Au) was in for repairs. I was amazed how well it drove compared to the EL/EF series, and told people that they needed to get over the looks. Well done. I hope you keep it preserved there for quite a while. It is special.
I kept telling you in these comments that you needed to get Betty over there. So glad you dunnit. Now, best advice is - rustproof her quickly. Please. Loved that during the whole video you didn't get much over 1500rpm. It's all torque as you know. So 4L doesn't have to mean stupid mpg unless you want it to. So glad you've done that!
Had a proper crap day today and I come home to this... What a great surprise. Well done Ian. You know it makes sense.. Actually, it makes no sense at all but well done anyway! 😄 Looking forward to seeing how you managed to get her here. 👍
Oh my god. Betty! This is just the best thing I’ve seen. Wowo wow wow. I am not going to lie - I was tearful when I saw her! So happy to see her again - the power of HubNut fans too! Such a happy occasion
Were you trying to enter Betty into the “Pebble Beach” concours d’elegance? Seriously, after the dismal Vectra, flaky Rover and tired Citroen this a definite step up! Very happy to see her again.
Wow I never thought I’d see this day but welcome to the fleet Betty she still has all the character she had in NZ hopefully you have her AJH857 plates too, funnily enough an ocker (OKR) is a slang word for an Australian down under. Now all you need is a a Toyota Camry wagon with the twin rear wipers!
“I made a ridiculous car purchase” No. No you didn’t. I don’t believe there is such a thing as a ridiculous car purchase, (as my own collection of crapness would prove), and I’m glad to see you have your priorities in order, (car before house).
O. M. G...! You've no idea how happy it's made me to see that you've bought and brought this car to the UK, considering how much joy it seemed to give you when you were in NZ, even when you were having your darker moments. Heartfelt congratulations.
....and the registration holder is still on the bottom left as well.....as well as all the Hubnut stickers that went on during the trip! Hope they all get to stay there.
It may be ridiculous that you had to transport Betty half way round the world, but not that you purchased her: you now have the spacious family car that you have been looking for. What a great story. I hope she serves you, and your family, well for many years.
Two or three grades of wet and dry, a bucket of soapy water, some t-cut and an old pair of pants are all you need to get those headlights both looking beautiful and shiny again. Well, shiny.
This warms my heart, I’m so happy to see that she’s back with you. May she continue to serve you well; I’m sure you have plenty of contacts back over this side of the globe but please sing out if you need help with spare parts and among many others I’d be happy to help!
Really happy to have been a part of making your dream come true (avid follower since 2018). This absolutely made my day. Can´t wait for the series of her journey to europe.
Betty's back to become the most famous car in the world! Maybe even more so than the million-mile lexus. Looking forward to the many adventures with betty and the hubnut family.
Heard your mention of an exciting addition to the fleet a few days ago, but... oh my actual goodness. "Dulce et decorum est" - how sweet an fitting it is to see this loyal steed join the fleet for many more adventures. Congratulations Ian, and welcome Betty!
I thought I was alone in liking the AU - I once drove my dad's Fairmont from Melbourne to Canberra and back. Effortless driving (apart from when an angry Commodore driver cut me up)!
@@linseyyoung1772 I remember seeing a CLS for the first time in Hong Kong and I pissed myself laughing and thinking about the AU. I have an AU Fairmont Wagon and it is a great vehicle.
Just WOW Ian, Big Ol' Aussie Fords are a breed of their own. it's something you can't describe, it must be experienced and they do ride and travel better than equivalent Holdens. So glad to see Betty back in your hands and almost had a tear in my eye, well done to you mate, really well done. I had a Territory Diesel until it was wrecked in a crash and I still miss that car for its comfort, quietness and excellent fuel economy, I will restore one in my retirement. You will get lots of attention and I think you probably wont part with Betty, considering all the effort and cost to get her to the UK. She looks fantastic and probably will be the most reliable in the fleet, Big Fords tend to be pretty reliable, apart from some annoying quirks, but the rear suspension should be fine, it was the independent set up that caused grief as I know all too well.
Re: rear suspension, I think you're thinking of the control blade introduced in the BA successor. The optional AU system was a well regarded, if heavy, unit from Ford in America. The control blade system is good also but consumes bushes and one bush in particular is very involved. I personally much prefer a live rear axle.
@@farken7467 yes we are. I hired a Territory diesel and it was excellent. Just as, if not more refined than the Barra version, and plenty of POWER a well as torque. I took my mate and his mum to visit her late husband's grave and she enjoyed riding in it.
Wow, I never expected this! I'd have burst having to keep this secret for so long. It's great to see Betty back on the channel you must be over the moon. Comfy lazy 4 litre automatic with loads of torque - my kind of car. Only downside is it's perfect for towing a caravan (don't tell Miss Hubnut).
The Belmont was the economy version of Holden's full sized sedan in the late sixties to the mid seventies. The mid-range was the Kingswood and the top of the line Premier.
@@posimativelynegative In the U.S. the Kingswood was the top of the line, full-size Chevrolet station wagon. And here, the Fairlane started out as a " posh " full-size Ford sport hardtop (about 1955) but over time the name was superceded by Galaxie, then LTD, then Crown Victoria. Falcon was a smallish " economy " car from 1960 to 1969 at which time it was replaced by the Maverick sedan. Fairmont was used here from 1978-79 until 1984-85 for a line of " inexpensive " family cars.
In I967 the Original American XL, XM, XP Ford Falcon CKD Production Line was replaced with a new line a Broadmeadow for the Larger Australian Designed XR and the old Production Line was relocated to Chile where Ford were used for a Front for the ASIS agents that the CIA Subcontracted the overthrow of Allende ans installation of Pinochet to without Gough Whitlam's knowledge - Pinochet's Secret Service would abduct people dragging them into green XP Falcon Station Wagons which were produced virtually unchanged in Chile until the 1908s other than fitting of rectangular headlamps
If I remember correctly when the AU was released it was panned by car journos here in Oz yet I think it's actually aged well. The AU2 and AU3 softened it a little too. I saw a Holden Commodore in Paris once. It was a shock. It looked massive squeezed into a Parisian car park bay.
Once those headlights are cleaned up the car will look like new, I’m so glad you bought her back and shipped her home. I’m guessing the engine likes a drink being 4 litres, petrol is much cheaper in New Zealand.
Only being a four-speed auto won't help much there, although she seems pretty long geared--I'm not sure it was much above idle when he was negotiating that roundabout partway through!
@@d2factotum I have an 06 Ford Mustang with a 4 liter, albeit the DOHC version of the Cologne V6 coupled to a 5 speed automatic transmission. While they are obviously different, you are correct that cars like this get poor gas mileage. My " old " car was an ex-police Crown Victoria sedan, much bigger than this Falcon, with a V8 and 4 speed automatic transmission, the gas mileage was low 20s except on long trips...and the car that replaced it? Has NEVER exceeded 24 miles per gallon.
On steady cruise they are reasonable good on fuel, 8L per 100 KM or close to it, 4 speed overdrive auto with lock up convertor and around 3.2 rear end it's still only running around 1700 RPM at 70 MPH
@@howardkerr8174 American MPG is a bit different to British MPG (1 US MPG = approximately 1.2 UK MPG), because British gallons are about 20% bigger than American ones.
Congratulations Sir Ian! Absolutely, but pleasently, surprised that you once again have Betty! Of course I followed your travels with Betty, and was sad you had to leave her behind. I never imagined she would be imported! This fits in well with Elly and Myrtle, their own stories. The styling of this Fairmont reminds me of the second generation of Ford Taurus, redesigned in 1996. Almost everything in Betty is taken from its US siblings. The only thing that will throw you is mileage and speed are metric, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem. I even remember when you sort out the headliner! Just give Betty a full service and she will give you love in return. Everything else in due course! Congratulations, well done !
You're famous for finding reasons not to keep a car, so who knows how long Betty will stick around. But: I have seen you posting things on Twitter, not understanding what you were on about. Guess it was Betty. What a lovely surprise seeing the old girl again. A very welcome surprise :) I'm SO looking forward to the upcoming series on how she ended up with a UK numberplate. Congratulations on getting her here in the first place. ..and for the nothing it's worth: When you panned from Betty to the Oltcit having Betty as part of the collection made 100% sense to me.
Brilliant news Ian, so glad to see Betty has returned to the channel and you are so obviously thrilled to have her back home. Looking forward to watching your forthcoming adventures.
Ridiculous ? No this is the most sensible purchase ever .. You absolutely love this car so it makes perfect sense to buy it and ship it with funds permitting . Glad I helped in a tiny tiny way by watching liking and buying a handful of stickers... it's not much but I feel somehow involved .. Peace and love brother 👍🏻☮❤
When I found out you brought Betty to the UK I couldn't believe it. You've gone above and beyond Ian - making dreams come true! It also goes to show just how special AU Falcons are. There's just something about them. Wishing you both many years of happy motoring ahead!
Oh and back in the day Ford saw the new traction control system as a replacement for a proper limited slip diff. How wrong they were!
@@MotoringBoxTV Yes, Land Rover tried replacing physical locking diffs with computers. Rarely ends well! Thanks again for your help, and your excellent videos on the AU.
i can't believe it either, next purchase should be an Aurion to send to the UK...LOL
I think you should buy a summer house in NZ. Gosh the only Falcon in 🇬🇧
@@MotoringBoxTV unbelievable fantastic news!
The black dog needs his tracking adjusted- pulls to the right a bit
A bit? ;)
Rear leg drive terrier
Hmm, the way he disappeared under Betty I thought he might be the British equivalent of the French truffle hound, the gubbins sniffer.
It votes UKIP too...
@@benholroyd5221 No, No, No, let me woof
Funny to think this beauty once rested in my back garden for an evening 12,000 miles away
@Cecil ah go on, he is
This isnt about a ridiculous car-purchase, Ian.
This is about you achieving something that warms your heart, and you taking us viewers with you in it, whilst sincerely thanking everybody who made it possible.
Thank you for doing this❤️
As a resident of Southampton I got excited when I saw a metallic beige Falcon a couple days ago when I was collecting my ZT Turbo. I thought it looked just like Betty, now I'm pretty sure it was!
Probably one of the most sensible purchases you have made since Hub Nut began, and I feel this one will be a keeper!
I love that fact that trolls have helped both pay for and ship a car from NZ - that's a good way to stick it to 'em!! The universe is in balance.
I once heard someone say "car magazines work when they're a bit aspirational, not too far that you can't imagine doing it but out of your current realm". This is exactly that for me, which is what makes it so bloody good
It takes a certain someone to pay thousands of pounds to ship over to the other side of the world a 20 year old family sedan with almost 300,000km on the clock... love it!
We car nuts do all the daftest things lol
So sayeth motoring rule 4567 😂 ♥
@@RichieRouge206 No car nut will top this bit of daftness for a long time; that's why I love this man! Sadly, he's already run out of Betty T-shirts in my size :-(
300,000 is just run in for a four litre Ford six, loads of taxi ones here in NZ are at a million.
We've sold out of several sizes! We got that one wrong. We will be ordering more ASAP.
The people waving at you are probably ex-pat Aussies who saw a Falcon in a strange environment.
Bit Of stretch that one, although it could be a possibility. Being a ex Pat who lives in Australia I don’t think I’d wave at someone driving a Ford Mondeo😂
I would agree mate AUs are a cult favourite here
Yep, for sure! I'm Aussie, if I had seen an AU when I lived overseas, I probably would've stood to attention and saluted!!
@@matty6848 mondeos are sold in Australia and are nowhere near as culturally significant to Britain as the falcon is to Australia.
Brilliant! So glad you got Betty over here, I didn’t think we’d see her again!
Great stuff indeed, Matt! Now get your Crown Vic and join Ian to Norway! 😁👍👍
@@fhwolthuis weirdly that wears my exact thought when he said that trip!
@Integrale DMY thanks!
@@furiousdriving did you contact East Coast Classics already? 😉😁
@@furiousdriving Also visit Sweden, there is a large community who love American cars, they will love Betty too I'm sure 👍
It always makes me homesick when I see a car with a New Zealand rego In the windscreen. Over the years I have spotted a quite a few. You are not the only person import a car from New Zealand to the UK.
I must admit that I didn't see that coming, I hope you enjoy Betty over here as much as you did down under
Spoilers!
That nearly brought a tear to my eyes. Proof of the emotional connection we have with the Cars we Love and drive. Well done Ian.
My jaw literally dropped when the camera panned around I saw Betty. Then my face lit up!!
SO happy Betty made it!! Ian - she needs to be a keeper, a permanent member of the fleet! Let the waft begin! 😁
We travelled the UK for 2mths. The whole time, all I could think of is how good it would be driving my Aussie car (Holden Cross8) It’s a dual cab ute, 4WD, LS1 version of a Commodore. The UK has so many great driving roads. You guys are blessed. Interesting how you had a similar dream and it’s great watching this video. Thanks Motoring Box :) Thanks Hubnut. Subscribed liked and commented for you :) Well done.
Not sure I'd like to park a Crewman in the UK! Our parking spaces are a nightmare. Even the Fairmont feels too big.
@@HubNut lol.
Ian, I couldn’t stop smilingly watching this video. Seeing that you got Betty back just made my day. Congratulations. What a treat!
Speaking as someone who has owned their first car for 18 years now, and passed my test in it I totally understand the love for a vehicle. You have gone above and beyond bringing this car home and it's a Ford. I can't commend you highly enough. The very least I can do is buy another of your t-shirts for your efforts. Very well done. T-shirt & fridge magnet ordered.
I rarely have to keep secrets, and I'm amazed we kept this one for so long! The effort Ian has gone to in bringing Betty 11,000 miles across the equator is huge, and shouldn't be underestimated. Many people would have given up! Happy to help and priviledged to work on her (except the immobiliser - that can get in the bin). Enjoy!
I'm intrigued about what went wrong with the immobiliser...
The effort you've gone through has also been immense. Hugely grateful. Thank you.
@@steved3702 So was I!
Ian, rich, you’ve made my day…well done boys!
@@steved3702 Possibly having the battery disconnected for months in transit it may have forgotten which keyfob belonged to her.
Australian Fords and Holdens are gone for good now, so this is a true collectors car. Good for you 😍
A few yeas ago I tried to hire a Holden Commodore on four occasions when on holiday in New Zealand and Australia. Despite booking a Commodore hire car to drive the Great Ocean Road, I was given 2013 Ford XR6, very nice car and comfortable, would like to have brought it back to the UK, but Avis might have objected. My daily driver in the UK is now a Holden Commodore, bought by chance in the UK>
Wow. I had forgotten about the AU. I rode them often in Melbourne as a Taxi
The Transmission will go!!
Cheers hubby, love from fiona and steve, I teared up seeing her on the other side of the world!
Cheers!
"I've been stuck on a beach in both the northern and southern hemispheres." Absolutely brilliant, great stories to tell. Nicely rare in the UK too.
Everyone remembers where they were the day they found out that Ian had bought Betty back and shipped her half way around the world!
I hope you get the chance to add rustproofing. These Fords love to rust in Australia let alone the UK. I look forward to seeing the upcoming series on Betty, hope it brings you joy in the future.
What a cracking start to the weekend! That really made me smile, I absolutely did not see that one coming. I actually cheered out loud at a TH-cam video.
Brilliant.
Hahaha me too! First time EVER.
I did too
I think she's a really nice looking vehicle .Hope the sea air won't spoil her good looks.
And again, here is shown the emotion connection one can have with a car, and it's mostly the stories, the memories. It's quite amazing as a phenomenon
Totally agree with you.
@@RichieRouge206 Yes its kind of crazy but I had a tear in my eye seeing her again....must go back and enjoy Ian's trip again.
So happy that Betty made it to Wales, I think it was the car that so represented your trip to the Southern Hemisphere.
BETTY...... By far the best Hubnut video...... This has to be a keeper on the fleet.
Gosh yes she must be a keeper
How on earth did you keep that quiet for so long..!? I am gobsmacked and delighted! I can see (and hope) this becoming a permanent member of the fleet
It was a struggle!
Glad you got her back and hope she becomes permanent like Elle and TUC
Me too Adrian a lovely car there
She has to be a permanent fixture, I think Ian had 4 lifetime keepers now unless he's got more hidden in the wings, Betty, Myrtle, TWC and Elly,have to admit I'm surprised Giselle has lasted this long and foxanne
I reckon Betty is definitely a keeper. Congrats Ian on bringing her over :)
Yay, Betty is back, after seeing how sad you were when you handed the keys over all those months ago, and seeing the grin on your face today, can we assume Betty is a looooonnnng term keeper, I am grinning with you.
As for getting stuck on the beach, only you could transport a car halfway around the world just to get stuck on a beach AGAIN, true Hubnut style.
My hair stood on end seeing that swing into shot !
I couldn't quite believe it!
This is great news! I have owned a great number of cars, prob well over 100 to date. My current fleet, a 1969 rover 2000 and you guessed it, a 1999 ford fairmont. only 115 km . The Fairmont is the best value car I have owned, very solid ,easy to maintain, and a great drive. Looking forward to your Fairmont story. All the best Ian from Kerikeri NZ.
Awesome, so glad you and Betty are reunited.
Oh wow! amazing! Never thought I'd see her again.YOU are a very lucky man great news. Greetings from Oz.
That was sort of unexpected but still completely logical and definitely not at all ridiculous purchase.
I've just let out an involuntary "YES!"
Speechless. So happy for you Ian, well done.
Just rewatched this in full and the reveal still made me smile like I was watching for the first time, honestly so happy to see you reunited with Betty and so looking forward to seeing it at Social next month, it's defo going to be worth the near 500 mile round trip from Scotland!!
There are grown men in multiple corners of the planet remembering four-wheeled friends that will never return, overjoyed at the sight of Betty on UK plates in Wales.
I believe I shall go hug my Fiat.
"we ran the mic out of battery" - due to the frustrating situation I assumed that was the moment it all got a bit sweary 🤣
Hubnut has his Ford back. Interesting car. Looking forward to seeing how she runs.
"You're crying"
"No, I'm not crying, you're crying"
What a smile inducing video, a car that over there is just a run of the mill vehicle in it's homeland gets to have a second life as an interesting machine over here. The amount of folks brains your going to stimulate as they think "ooh what's that?" will be fantastic.
I see Humber Super Snipes like my Mum used to have that were made in Melbourne by Chrysler and I wonder where people get parts for them then there is the occasional Vauxhaul that you would have to import everything from the UK - pitty help you having to import everything from Australia to the UK for Betty
Betty!! Betty Fairmont as I live and breathe! Some things are just meant to be. In a world of things going wrong, it is so good to see something going right for a change. I don't think I have ever wanted to give a car a hug before. Really looking forward to the collection caper videos.
Having gone to Invercargill, we need a shot of Betty next to the Invacar. Even better if you know anyone called Gill. I will be interested to see that the Hublets think of her when they get back off their break. What a perfect car (fuel economy aside) for a family road trip to Scotland. Maybe at autumn half term?
Flippin' 'eck, it's Betty! Now, about that headlamp lens...
My father has just passed away. He had an XR6 AU2 Falcon that I’ve been wondering what to do with. Perhaps this is a sign. Maybe I should keep it. Thanks Hubnut
Very sorry to hear that, but yes, you should keep it if you can.
@@HubNut thank you
Despite the delivery miles Betty is one of your more sensible purchases - again! Burnt out Oltcits for example!!! ;-)
Good luck with the house purchase - far more stressful than car ones
Now that Betty has come to reside in Great Britain wouldn't it be more appropriate to call her "Elizabeth"🤣🤣
Or Lillibet
We insist upon "Her Royal Highness."
@@wanderinggentile her royal highness the duchess of hubnut
Lady Elizabeth Fairmont, countess of Aberystwyth. Or Betty to her friends (which is basically everyone).
I love how Ian accidentally named an AU after the place where the Holden Commodore was made. 🤣
"What?", I thought, "Hubnut makes a ridiculous purchase, I can't believe that, he usually makes really sensible purchases like incomplete Yugo Sana". Ha ha, so glad you've got Betty home!
As an Australian, I’m beaming for you and Betty Ian! Really looking forward to watching the story of her big trip.
Aw bless, for everyone who'll never see their favourite old car again. Nice one Ian 👍👍
I really have the urge to polish that front headlamp so she can see properly.
Oh yeah I'd have to get that sorted. It looks cock-eyed!
Reminds me of the glasses with a frosted lens which they used to give to kids in the 1970's who had "a lazy eye".
Wouldn't surprise me to see the offside front bumper being held together with Elastoplast soon.
I actually did that to this car when it was in New Zealand it was much worse before however sitting around has obviously taken its toll again
@@Flying_GC I believe it needs a coat of lacquer to seal the finish.
So happy you’ve repurchased Betty and now is part of your fleet… also love seeing UK number plates on an Aussie Ford- looks great in its new home now …enjoying watching the adventures of Betty here in Australia
Thought you should have done that back when you left NZ, fantastic to see, that'll make you so happy, Betty make sure you behave for Ian.
Whoa! It's BETTY! And in the UK! That took me by complete surprise! Looking forward to the global journey/import videos...
This made me soooo happy! Was hoping to see this in person when I was in NZ at the same time as you, but our schedules didn't quite work out. Hope to see it now on UK soil!
It’s amazing to see an Aussie car in the uk, good times. Still has a NZ WOF sticker on the windscreen 😁
So glad to see Betty back!!! Never in a million years would I of expected her to be over here 😁
mate....my first ever comment but as a Kiwi living in Aus and loving your channel since...well way back...you are a total legend. thank you. this kind of made me quite emotional as an RN / RM in the midst of a shitty and tricky Covid week in Central West NSW .It's not always about the car but about your passion, integrity, sense of fun and humility.. made all of us just smile! x
The food literally came flying out of my mouth! Wasn’t expecting that at all. Amazing. Well done.
I love the look of that car. Like the low glass at the sides and the styling generally
At last something with a bit more poke in the fleet as Hubnut was liking the powerful cars he was reviewing and now has a taste for speed.
This is fantastic news. The relationship you had with that car in NZ was wonderful. To get a car like that in the UK with that power and space you could only spend big amounts of pounds, but down here that was a standard family urban car before the SUV pandemic hit us. The AU falcon seemed to push ford down a notch in sales because what GM had with the VT-onwards was a better looking package. I had a new AU in 1999 as a loaner when my Taurus (yes I had one of those in Au) was in for repairs. I was amazed how well it drove compared to the EL/EF series, and told people that they needed to get over the looks. Well done. I hope you keep it preserved there for quite a while. It is special.
I kept telling you in these comments that you needed to get Betty over there. So glad you dunnit. Now, best advice is - rustproof her quickly. Please. Loved that during the whole video you didn't get much over 1500rpm. It's all torque as you know. So 4L doesn't have to mean stupid mpg unless you want it to. So glad you've done that!
AU's are surprisingly economical for a big engine, steady motorway cruising should see around 8 litres per 100km, city stop start not so good.
@@raygale4198 What’s that in “old money” I mean mpg?
@@barryhumphries4514 8L/100 is about 35mpg. Combined fuel economy is probably going to be closer to 25mpg.
@@barryhumphries4514 about 35 to the imperial
@@raygale4198 Thanks mate! That is pretty good.👍
Had a proper crap day today and I come home to this... What a great surprise. Well done Ian. You know it makes sense.. Actually, it makes no sense at all but well done anyway! 😄 Looking forward to seeing how you managed to get her here. 👍
He protecc
He attacc
But most importantly
He took his ford bacc
No.1 comment here.
Oh my god. Betty! This is just the best thing I’ve seen. Wowo wow wow. I am not going to lie - I was tearful when I saw her! So happy to see her again - the power of HubNut fans too! Such a happy occasion
Were you trying to enter Betty into the “Pebble Beach” concours d’elegance? Seriously, after the dismal Vectra, flaky Rover and tired Citroen this a definite step up! Very happy to see her again.
you forgot the Primera!
Betty has once again found her rightful owner. Properly chuffed for you, Ian!👍👍 Just ordered a Betty Goes Global T-shirt.😁
It is nice that even trolls unwittingly helped make this dream come true 😅
Wow I never thought I’d see this day but welcome to the fleet Betty she still has all the character she had in NZ hopefully you have her AJH857 plates too, funnily enough an ocker (OKR) is a slang word for an Australian down under. Now all you need is a a Toyota Camry wagon with the twin rear wipers!
“I made a ridiculous car purchase”
No. No you didn’t. I don’t believe there is such a thing as a ridiculous car purchase, (as my own collection of crapness would prove), and I’m glad to see you have your priorities in order, (car before house).
I made a “ridiculous” car purchase 4 weeks ago. £1300 for a ‘94 M reg Ford Escort. The buyers remorse has only now passed. 😁🙈
As Jared says on "Wrench Every Day", "Always make questionable choices."
@@yellowbird8690 I'm looking at my second Alfa 75 when posting this...
@@TheChill001 Get an arna instead if you can. LOL
@@JohnnyPaton how is that ridiculous? Bill Clinton spent hundreds of thousands on escorts over the years.
O. M. G...! You've no idea how happy it's made me to see that you've bought and brought this car to the UK, considering how much joy it seemed to give you when you were in NZ, even when you were having your darker moments. Heartfelt congratulations.
Loving the fact the WOF sticker is still in place on the windscreen.
And the registration card.
....and the registration holder is still on the bottom left as well.....as well as all the Hubnut stickers that went on during the trip! Hope they all get to stay there.
It may be ridiculous that you had to transport Betty half way round the world, but not that you purchased her: you now have the spacious family car that you have been looking for. What a great story. I hope she serves you, and your family, well for many years.
Two or three grades of wet and dry, a bucket of soapy water, some t-cut and an old pair of pants are all you need to get those headlights both looking beautiful and shiny again. Well, shiny.
I honestly wasn’t expecting this!! How utterly fabulous. Hats off to you Ian, I’m chuffed to bits that you and Betty are reunited
Best thing about getting Betty back is how happy it's obviously made you Ian. Great to see!
This warms my heart, I’m so happy to see that she’s back with you. May she continue to serve you well; I’m sure you have plenty of contacts back over this side of the globe but please sing out if you need help with spare parts and among many others I’d be happy to help!
Welcome to the UK Betty, I hope she brought a coat 😁
Really happy to have been a part of making your dream come true (avid follower since 2018). This absolutely made my day. Can´t wait for the series of her journey to europe.
Betty's back to become the most famous car in the world! Maybe even more so than the million-mile lexus. Looking forward to the many adventures with betty and the hubnut family.
Heard your mention of an exciting addition to the fleet a few days ago, but... oh my actual goodness. "Dulce et decorum est" - how sweet an fitting it is to see this loyal steed join the fleet for many more adventures. Congratulations Ian, and welcome Betty!
An AU, a car after my own heart. Mine was a series 1 with factory LPG. And styling so good that Mercedes copied it for the first gen CLS.
I thought I was alone in liking the AU - I once drove my dad's Fairmont from Melbourne to Canberra and back. Effortless driving (apart from when an angry Commodore driver cut me up)!
@@linseyyoung1772 I remember seeing a CLS for the first time in Hong Kong and I pissed myself laughing and thinking about the AU. I have an AU Fairmont Wagon and it is a great vehicle.
Yep. A CLS looks like an AU that has been sat on by an Elephant...
07:37 I've never seen a car wheelspin on ONE pebble. Very impressive!
Just WOW Ian, Big Ol' Aussie Fords are a breed of their own. it's something you can't describe, it must be experienced and they do ride and travel better than equivalent Holdens. So glad to see Betty back in your hands and almost had a tear in my eye, well done to you mate, really well done. I had a Territory Diesel until it was wrecked in a crash and I still miss that car for its comfort, quietness and excellent fuel economy, I will restore one in my retirement. You will get lots of attention and I think you probably wont part with Betty, considering all the effort and cost to get her to the UK. She looks fantastic and probably will be the most reliable in the fleet, Big Fords tend to be pretty reliable, apart from some annoying quirks, but the rear suspension should be fine, it was the independent set up that caused grief as I know all too well.
Re: rear suspension, I think you're thinking of the control blade introduced in the BA successor.
The optional AU system was a well regarded, if heavy, unit from Ford in America. The control blade system is good also but consumes bushes and one bush in particular is very involved. I personally much prefer a live rear axle.
@@jamesfrench7299 we are on the same page brother. Re-read my post. The AU live rear was superior.
@@farken7467 yes we are. I hired a Territory diesel and it was excellent. Just as, if not more refined than the Barra version, and plenty of POWER a well as torque. I took my mate and his mum to visit her late husband's grave and she enjoyed riding in it.
Wow, I never expected this! I'd have burst having to keep this secret for so long. It's great to see Betty back on the channel you must be over the moon. Comfy lazy 4 litre automatic with loads of torque - my kind of car. Only downside is it's perfect for towing a caravan (don't tell Miss Hubnut).
The Belmont was the economy version of Holden's full sized sedan in the late sixties to the mid seventies. The mid-range was the Kingswood and the top of the line Premier.
Kingswood was the Holden in Brokenwood Mysteries from memory?
@@DavidJohnston58 yes, a 1971 HG Kingswood.
@@posimativelynegative
In the U.S. the Kingswood was the top of the line, full-size Chevrolet station wagon.
And here, the Fairlane started out as a " posh " full-size Ford sport hardtop (about 1955) but over time the name was superceded by Galaxie, then LTD, then Crown Victoria. Falcon was a smallish " economy " car from 1960 to 1969 at which time it was replaced by the Maverick sedan. Fairmont was used here from 1978-79 until 1984-85 for a line of " inexpensive " family cars.
In I967 the Original American XL, XM, XP Ford Falcon CKD Production Line was replaced with a new line a Broadmeadow for the Larger Australian Designed XR and the old Production Line was relocated to Chile where Ford were used for a Front for the ASIS agents that the CIA Subcontracted the overthrow of Allende ans installation of Pinochet to without Gough Whitlam's knowledge - Pinochet's Secret Service would abduct people dragging them into green XP Falcon Station Wagons which were produced virtually unchanged in Chile until the 1908s other than fitting of rectangular headlamps
If I remember correctly when the AU was released it was panned by car journos here in Oz yet I think it's actually aged well. The AU2 and AU3 softened it a little too. I saw a Holden Commodore in Paris once. It was a shock. It looked massive squeezed into a Parisian car park bay.
Once those headlights are cleaned up the car will look like new, I’m so glad you bought her back and shipped her home. I’m guessing the engine likes a drink being 4 litres, petrol is much cheaper in New Zealand.
Only being a four-speed auto won't help much there, although she seems pretty long geared--I'm not sure it was much above idle when he was negotiating that roundabout partway through!
@@d2factotum
I have an 06 Ford Mustang with a 4 liter, albeit the DOHC version of the Cologne V6 coupled to a 5 speed automatic transmission. While they are obviously different, you are correct that cars like this get poor gas mileage. My " old " car was an ex-police Crown Victoria sedan, much bigger than this Falcon, with a V8 and 4 speed automatic transmission, the gas mileage was low 20s except on long trips...and the car that replaced it? Has NEVER exceeded 24 miles per gallon.
On steady cruise they are reasonable good on fuel, 8L per 100 KM or close to it, 4 speed overdrive auto with lock up convertor and around 3.2 rear end it's still only running around 1700 RPM at 70 MPH
@@howardkerr8174 American MPG is a bit different to British MPG (1 US MPG = approximately 1.2 UK MPG), because British gallons are about 20% bigger than American ones.
Congratulations Sir Ian! Absolutely, but pleasently, surprised that you once again have Betty!
Of course I followed your travels with Betty, and was sad you had to leave her behind. I never imagined she would be imported!
This fits in well with Elly and Myrtle, their own stories.
The styling of this Fairmont reminds me of the second generation of Ford Taurus, redesigned in 1996. Almost everything in Betty is taken from its US siblings.
The only thing that will throw you is mileage and speed are metric, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
I even remember when you sort out the headliner!
Just give Betty a full service and she will give you love in return. Everything else in due course!
Congratulations, well done !
You're famous for finding reasons not to keep a car, so who knows how long Betty will stick around. But: I have seen you posting things on Twitter, not understanding what you were on about. Guess it was Betty. What a lovely surprise seeing the old girl again. A very welcome surprise :) I'm SO looking forward to the upcoming series on how she ended up with a UK numberplate. Congratulations on getting her here in the first place. ..and for the nothing it's worth: When you panned from Betty to the Oltcit having Betty as part of the collection made 100% sense to me.
I'm speechless (and this actually doesn't happen very often)! Happy to see Betty back again. And happy to see you being happy! 💥👍💥
This has made my day, what a beautiful reunion!
Brilliant news Ian, so glad to see Betty has returned to the channel and you are so obviously thrilled to have her back home. Looking forward to watching your forthcoming adventures.
I was gobsmacked when the camera turned and there was Betty….WOW
Ridiculous ? No this is the most sensible purchase ever .. You absolutely love this car so it makes perfect sense to buy it and ship it with funds permitting .
Glad I helped in a tiny tiny way by watching liking and buying a handful of stickers... it's not much but I feel somehow involved ..
Peace and love brother 👍🏻☮❤