Lada Returns to Lebanon

I don't shun an occasional piece of automotive news on this blog which is otherwise a car spotting blog mainly.

Here is today's bit: Lada Opens a Dealership in Beirut, Lebanon, according to a press release which is here in Russian.

And here is a recap: Lada says has plans to sell at least 300 cars in 2016 at this outlet. Mainly LADA 4x4 (formerly the "Niva") but also some Kalina, Largus and Granta models. All under US$ 11,000 actually.

Moskvitch 2137

Here is the Moskvitch 2137 that I spotted earlier this year in one of the back yards.

The Moskvitch (also "Moskvich" without the "t") 2137 is a station wagon / estate version of the Moskvitch 2140, the last true Moskvitch meaning a compact RWD classic sedan.

It is the last car in the Soviet Union / Russia to have finned vertical taillights which were retained from the previous model to facilitate rear cargo door operation.

The Moskvitch 2137 was discontinued in 1985 so this car is at least 30+ years old.

Shilka on Display

Last month (April 2016) I saw this 2A6 Shilka on display where I also saw this Buk 9A310.

The Shilka is a self-propelled, radar guided anti-aircraft weapon system (SPAAG) shooting down aircraft with quad AA rapid fire guns. Also used against infantry, land vehicles and even armored machinery.

I think it's the first time I saw one up this close.

Lumina

Last (2015) autumn's spot and today's write-up is this pre-1994 Chevrolet Lumina APV.

 The Chevrolet Lumina APV is a minivan produced by Chevrolet for the 1990 to 1996 model years.

It has to be a pre-1994 model as it still has the APV lettering which was dropped in 1994.

Apparently it had some innovative technological features at the time but still achieved only a modest sales success.

For what must be a pre-1994 vehicle it looks remarkably in good shape.

AA Mustang Batteries

I have this original Ford tool set.

Nothing remarkable, it includes a tire pressure meter, a small flashlight and a pen but it's not about it per se.

I had to replace the batteries in said flashlight and guess what? Turns out it had Mustang AA batteries.

For some reason I found it interesting enough to do some internet searches (and obviously to write this post).

And the interesting thing is they are made by a China company called Zhejiang Mustang Battery Co. Ltd. and apparently not related to the Ford Mustang.

But still found in an official Ford product though also made in China.

Used Car Lot Toyota FJ Cruiser

A first-time spot write-up today being a Toyota FJ Cruiser spotted earlier this spring at some used car lot.

Having never seen (let alone driven) one before in real life, I had to find some info on it on the internet.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro style compact SUV intended to resemble the original Toyota FJ40 Land Cruisers in styling and off-road performance and aimed at young male audiences.

Neptune Expedition... internet search yielded no results.