KILLER RIDES #7

From the Desk HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE HIGH-PROFILE CARS FROM BACK IN THE DAY? You know the ones, the cars that were standouts, the one’s that you couldn’t get enough off, the one’s that were featured in magazines and adorned your bedroom walls. Where are they now? Some have disappeared, some have been transformed into drag cars and some are locked away either in the possession of collectors, or with their original creators.

There’s a rich history of custom cars in Australia, from the very early Hot Rods through the Vanning scene and into the Street Machine community. Add to that the many historic race cars and bikes and there’s quite a collection of vehicles locked away from view.

So what can we do about it? In the USA, they have the Peterson Museum – a world-renown museum that houses some of the US’s most prominent and important cars from history.

Each year thousands of car enthusiasts from all over the globe flock to check out what’s on display. Whilst something like that in Australia may not be as far reaching, I am sure we could build something that could be a main attraction in this country. With so many of the Masters building’s laying empty around the country, they would lend themselves perfectly to the cause.

There’s so many different elements that could be added to this venture to make it much more than just a display of cars. Who is going to step up and make this happen?

See you on the Street, Paul...

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Contents

363ci XR Falcon Ute

ISSUE NO.7 Dec 2018

REGULARS 06 WHAT’S HAPPENING News, views and things of interest

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10 HAVE YOUR SAY Tell us what you think 12

SHOW TIME Events coming up

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DARE TO BE DIFFERENT Tesla powered Mercury

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COMING ATTRACTIONS 1954 Chev Belair Cruiser

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CRUISING TO THE CAPITAL 2018 Torana Nationals

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RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE Shepparton Spring Nats

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2005 Custom Chopper

56 SOUTHERN STYLE Adelaide Auto Expo 66

CYBER CRUISIN’ The Lowrider of the Year Revealed

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THE FINAL HURRAH The South Coast Nationals

Tesla-powered Mercury

96 355ci LJ Torana 48

540ci HJ Holden

104 KILLER PIC Can’t Drive ‘55 107 KIAMA CRUISE-IN EJ-EH Holden Club’s Annual Show 111 FACTORY OPTIONS 2018 Track Hawk Jeep 117 WINDOW SHOPPING All the latest and greatest Products

111 707hp Jeep

FEATURES 28

RAISING HELL Blown 363ci XR Falcon Ute

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SUDDEN IMPACT 540ci of big block HJ Holden

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TWO WORLDS COLLIDE LSA-powered Pro-Touring 57 Chev Wagon

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TWO WHEEL THERAPY Life changing full-tilt custom Chopper

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BRONZED AUSSIE A Tuff Street, 355ci Holden-powered LJ Torana!

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Trackhawk

70 LSA-powered 57 Chev

LaurenJade Jade -- Xposed Xposed Photography Lauren Photography Joe KARSTORMZMaday Photography Julie Tartoosie Marshall Geof Mike Davison Julie Marshall Karstormz Photography

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What’s Happening MERRY XMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

I can’t believe its almost Christmas! It only seems like yesterday that I was driving home from Lovells Suspension for the last time with the idea of going back into publishing racing through my head. And here were are with Issue #7 done and dusted. I’d like to thank you all for your support, kind words and encouragement through this journey. To those advertisers who had come on board and took a chance with Killer Rides, thanks so much. To the car owners who may not have thought too much about the digital magazine deal, but have come around and enjoyed what I am putting together, I can not thank you enough for letting me feature your cars. Without you guys, we simply don’t have a magazine! The same goes to those people who were happy to help out and supply pics to the mag to help us cover a greater variety of events etc. You guys are awesome! The biggest thanks though, go to my two girls - Kathy and Montana. It was Kathy that really pushed me into going back into the magazine world and whilst I do spend most weekends at car shows and on shoots, we do spend more quality time together and that makes it all worthwhile. Thanks again everyone. Hope the big man in Red is good to you all - even those on the Naughty List!

See you in 2019 with Issue 8 and beyond...

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VALE SAM FOOSE

You’d swear that there’s one massive Hot Rod shop being built in the sky after news come in that US Hot Rod Legend, Sam Foose had passed on. Sam, father of Chip, was a shining light in the world of hot rod building back in the day and has been credited for taking the scene to the next level and beyond, much like his son has done in more recent times. Sam has been an inspiration for many car builders and will be sadly missed by a fraternity of Hot Rodders and Hot Rodding fans. Our condolences go out to the entire Foose family during this sad time. RIP Sam. The Legacy will live on!

BATHURST AUTOFEST IS COMING!

After staging the biggest Springnats in its long history, the Autofest team are moving their focus on to the just as popular Bathurst Autofest which will run at Mt Panorama over the weekend of March 8-10, 2019. The event will feature all the usual attractions including a huge show and shine, driving events on the main straight and of course the ever-popular Burnout competition. Also included in this years program will be the EJ-EH Holden Nationals. Entry forms are now available from the website along with all the information that MARCH 9th & 10th 2019 matters. Check it out at www.autofest.com.au Mount Panorama Bathurst

KILLER RIDES COFFEE CATCH UP



- Show N Shine - Heads Up Go To Whoa - Autokana - Grab A Flag - Trade Sites - Super Sprints- BURNOUT SHOOTOUT and MORE.

Killer Rides, in conjunction with Illawarra Street Scene, has set-up our own Cars and Coffee event on the second Sunday morning of each month at the Albion Park Rail Bunnings carpark from 7am-9am. Everyone is welcome. Hope to see you there! Check out the Illawarra Street Scene Facebook page for all dates in 2019. 

For Entrant Forms or For More Information See www.autofest.com.au or Call Mobile 0417 511557

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KILLER RIDES AT HOT ROD & CUSTOM AUTO EXPO

What’s Happening PRINTED VERSIONS OF KILLER RIDES

We’ve been asked repeatedly about whether or not Killer Rides will be going into print and the answer was always a definite No, but that has now been upgraded to maybe… We have managed to secure a printing company that will do a small print run at a reasonable price each month but we need to get at least 1000 people willing to lay down the dollars each month to make this happen. The cost will be $12 per issue and that will include postage to anywhere in Australia. If you would like to have a hard copy of Killer Rides to read each month, please email me your details to paul@killerrides.com.au and I’ll be in touch when we hit that magical number that will allow us to cater for both print and digital media!

THE HOME OF AUSTRALIA’S Toughest STREET CARS

ISSUE #5 - OCT 2018

604ci Pro-Touring Mega Falcon

THE HOME OF AUSTRALIA’S Toughest STREET CARS

RED ROAR

ISSUE #6 - NOV 2018

BLOWN 502 CUBE

FAMILY

POWERCRUISE LIGHTS-OUT RACING RETURNS TO SYDNEY

Powercruise, along with Haltech are bringing the Lights-Out Racing back to Sydney Dragway as part of Powercruise #76 on Friday, February 22nd between 6pm and 10pm. After the success of last years event, the available spots for racing will fill fast, so click on this link to secure your spot - https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/lights-out-grudge-racing-powercruise76-sydney-tickets-51863582371

Sydney’s only indoor custom car show once again takes over the expansive Rosehill Racecourse over the weekend of May 25th and 26th in 2019 and Killer Rides intends to being there with a few of our previous feature cars in tow. Make sure you visit the event and come over to our stand and say Hello! If you have a cool car you’d like to enter, you can do so from the website - www. hotrodandcustom.com.au

CRUISER

VIDEO’S GALORE!

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‘AINT

Street-Elite 350ci Torana

INSIDE THIS ISSUE!

7-sec 820ci 1928 Ford Rat Rod The Worlds Baddest EFI-Hemi Plymouth GTX Tuff-Street Valiant Ute - American Car Nats Laurie Starling Memorial Picnic - Muscle Car Show Ford-powered Drag Nats and much more!

ENOUGH!

V10 VIPER POWERED VALIANT!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE! 8-SEC ‘30 FORD COUPE BLOWN ‘57 CHEV TUDOR DODGE’S 840HP DEMON KING OF THE STREET DRAGS NSW ALL CHRYSLER DAY CAPITAL ALL FORD DAY LOWRIDER SUNDAY LOCKIES PUB CHARITY SHOW VINYL WRAPPING AND MUCH MORE!

BIG CUBE SMALL BLOCK

445ci XW FALCON STREETER!

1000HP MONSTER MOPAR CRATE ENGINE

For Mopar fans, the big news out of SEMA in 2018 was the announcement that the company was releasing a new version of their supercharged Gen3 Hemi codenamed the Hellephant! Now sporting 426 cubic inches, the engine will produce 1000hp and 950lb-ft of torque making the previous 840hp Demon-spec engine seem mild. Mopar have announced that there are no plans to put this monster Hemi into a production car and it will be available as a Crate Engine only option.

The 426 will feature a full alloy block, forged rotating system, a unique cam and a similar designed cylinder head used in the Hellcat engine. Getting to that magical 1000hp mark was no easy feat, but the upgrade from 2.7-litre supercharger to a huge 3-litre version certainly helped.

Gup likes to do things differently to everyone else and invites all spectators to gather on the startline during racing for a while new experience thats usually reserved for crew members, media and VIP’s. It costs just $25 to enter so get your entries in now before you miss out on a great nights racing! Remember the Powercruise action continues over the following two days at Sydney Motorsport Park so why not enter both...

The Hellephant can be ordered from Mopar with a plug and play system which incorporates everything you need to get the engine running such as the PCM, power distribution centre, engine wiring harness, chassis harness, accelerator pedal, ground jumper, oxygen sensors, fuel pump, control module and cam bus interface device. The 1000hp rating is at just 15psi of boost on lowly 93-octane pump fuel.

So who is going to be the first inAustralia to drop one of these beauties into something cool?

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Have Your Say! FIRST TIME READER - LOVE IT!

Hi Paul, I was speaking with a mate of mine recently about the lack of car mags available in the Newsagents near my place in St Kilda and he told me not to bother as he now finds everything he needs online. He then started to tell me about Killer Rides, so I jumped onto your website and WOW, what a great read! The added video’s are great and I love the links to have for advertisers which I have already put to use. I have now found my favourite magazine. Hope you continue to bring Killer Rides out every month. Great work!

St. Kilda Steve via FB

Got something to say?

Send it to paul@killerrides. com.au or message us from the Killer Rides Facebook page.

DIGGIN’ THE DEMON

Hey Paul, I just finished reading Killer Rides #6 and yet again, you’ve produced another great issue! I really loved the article on the Dodge Demon. What a car! Damn I hope Dodge make the decision to release it over here - even if its just the basic Challenger. The video was awesome too. They really know how to put on a show!

Cheers, Revin’ Kevin via Email.

Hi Paul, Thanks so much for running the feature on FAT-70T. Its been one of my favourite cars for a while now, but never seen it get any coverage in a magazine before. I love that its big block, blown and still see’s plenty of street use with his family. That’s a true Street Machine right there!

Sarah T. via FB Hi Sarah, Lindsay and Nicole love nothing more than cruising with the family in their tough big blocked HT. As soon as the last shot was taken on the photo shoot, they were off to a local cruise night! It certainly is a great car!

G’day Kevin, It certainly is an amazing car. I just spent a few days in the Hellcat-powered Jeep and it was mind-blowing with 707hp! See the feature on it in this Issue! Cheers.

G’day Steve, Thanks for logging on and taking the time to have a read of what I put together each month.

Killer Rides is a labour of love for me and I will continue to put it out there for as long as there are people reading it. Hope you’ve enjoyed Issue #7.

SHOW COVERAGE

G’day Paul, You know what I am really enjoying about Killer Rides? Apart for the awesome mix of cars, I love the fact that you are giving the smaller shows some coverage. I have been to that show at Lockies Pub (and seen you there everytime), but no one really bothers to promote these smaller shows - until now! So thank you and please keep Killer Rides coming. I love kicking back on my iPad and reading each issue from start to finish.

All the best for the future, Adrian King via Email.

Hi Adrian, First and foremost, I am a car guy just like you so going to every show I can get to is what its all about for me and if I can help these smaller shows grow with coverage in Killer Rides then that’s exactly what I will do. Check out the huge show coverage in this Issue - Torana Nats, South Coast Nats, Springnats as well as the EJ-EH Holden show in Kiama and the Adelaide Auto Expo! Enjoy and thanks for the support!

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HT HOLDENS RULE

LEAVE WRAPPING FOR PRESENTS

G’day Paul, Don’t get me wrong, I love everything about Killer Rides! The feature cars are great, the event coverage awesome and for the most part, the articles you put into each Issue have me interested. But for the life of me, I can’t get my head around the whole vinyl-wrapping deal! It will never replace paint - or at least I hope so. The jobs that Ihave seen done all have joins in them with leaves big edges everywhere. And they just don’t cut it as far as shine goes. For me at least, its paint all the way...

Tony J via Email Hi Tony, I put that article together because of the sheer popularity that vinyl wrapping is currently enjoying. The guys that do it well, get unbelieveable results and from 10-feet away you’d be hard pressed to pick the difference. I think paint will always win out in the end - especially with the show car builders. Can you imagine vinyl wrapping suspension components etc. I won’t say its mpossible, but I reckon it would do your head in!

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Showtime!

To have your event listed here, send details to paul@killerrides.com.au

JANUARY - 2019

03-05 - ACT Summernats 32 EPIC, Canberra www.summernats.com.au 13 - NSW KIller Rides / Illawarra Street Scene Coffee and Cars Catch Up Bunnings Albion Park Rail 7am-9am Phone Paul - 0432 795336

FEBRUARY - 2019

02 - VIC Kaniva Lions Club Car & Bike Show Kaniva Recreation Reserve facebook.com/kanivacarandbikeshow 03 - TAS Huon Aquaculture - Wheels in the Park, Heritage Park, Geeveston Marlow - 0417 881838

20 - VIC 4th Northern Car & Bike Show Cole Reserve, Pascoe Vale sconroy@powercor.com.au

10 - NSW KIller Rides / Illawarra Street Scene Coffee and Cars Catch Up Bunnings Albion Park Rail 7am-9am

20 - NSW 37th All American Day Macarther Square Shopping Centre Campbelltown www.mustang.org.au

08-10 - NSW Coasters Hot Rod Coastal Cruise Edgewater Caravan Park, Port Macquarie www.coastershotrodcub.com.au

25-28- ACT CRAKK Hot Rod Run Capital Country Holiday Park Canberra crakkrun@gmail.com

10 - SA Corvettes Rock the Bay Wigley Reserve, Glenelg www.corvetteclubofsouthaustralia. com.au

26-28 - VIC Vict. Hot Rod & Cool Rides Show Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton www.hotrod.com.au

17 - VIC All American Car Display & Man Cave Alley Gembrook Recreational Reserve emeraldrotary.org.au

26 - NSW Narooma Moor Cars & Bike Show NATA Oval, Narooma www.naroomamotors.com 26 - TAS Wheels, Wine & Dine St Helens, TAS eastcoastcarclub@outlook.com

17 - ACT Canberra Mustang Show Vikings Park, Erindale, ACT canberramustangshow.com.au 24 - VIC Craigeburn 5th Annual Car, Truck and Bike Show Craigeburn Central, Central Park facebook.com/Craigeburn-CarTruck-and-Bike-Show

MARCH - 2019 08-10 - NSW Bathurst Autofest, Mt Panorama www.autofest.com.au 10 - NSW KIller Rides / Illawarra Street Scene Coffee and Cars Catch Up Bunnings Albion Park Rail 7am-9am Phone Paul - 0432 795336 10 - NSW 3rd Finley Show and Shine Finley Showgrounds Email: southern.riverina.vmc@ gmail.com 10 - QLD Dubs on the Hill Picnic Point, East Toowoomba 15-17 - VIC Chryslers onthe Murray Gateway Lakes, Wodomga Rod Taylor - 03 57222993 17 - VIC 11th Dandenong All Holden Show Greaves Reserve, Dandenong rotaryendeavourhills.org.au 17 - NSW Kool Kruisers 10th Charity Car Show Liverpool Catholic Club 31 - QLD Power Up Show and Shine and Swap Meet NSA Sports Fields, Burnett Street, Nanango 31 - VIC Rotary Club of Belgrave Car Show Ferny Creek Reserve, Ferny Creek www.belgraverotary.com

Dare to be Different

The Ultimate

SEMA SLEEPER

Each year, there’s one car at SEMA that sets tongues wagging. Its the car whose reputation for being the most unbelievable ride on display spreads through the SEMA halls like wild fire. Its the car that people purposely go searching for. In 2018, that car was the Tesla-powered ‘49 Mercury built

by Icon for their Derelict series of one-off builds.

Icon’s Derelcit builds are classic cars, complete with well-worn patina, that are chock full of technology. There’s been some phenomenal builds in the past, but none like this Mercury. Even though the team at Icon had considered doing an Electric vehicle many times, it wasn’t until a past customer came to Icon about doing a Mercury that takes the Derelict theme to the next level that the team knew that time to unleash a slick Electric vehicle was now here...

The guys found a one owner Mercury in SoCal that had just the right amount of patina to suit the build. Before any of the new electrical could be fitted, the Merc scored a new Art Morrison chassis with independent suspension, Brembo brakes larger diametre wheels shod with low-profile tyres - designed to look old school cool.

To get the electrical components sorted, Icon joined forces with Stealth EV to fit the all-electric drivetrain into the old Merc. The custom-designed EV system powering the coupe incorporates an 85-kilowatt-hour battery assembly usually found in a Tesla, that sends the power to twin Rinehart Motion Systems controllers under the bonnet that are sitting on top of the battery packs in a V-like configuration playing homage to the vintage flathead V8 engine that once sat in the same place.

To get the electrical components sorted, Icon joined forces with Stealth EV to fit the all-electric drivetrain into the old Merc. The custom-designed EV system powering the coupe incorporates an 85-kilowatt-hour battery assembly usually found in a Tesla...

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There’s dual, AM Racing permanent magnetic electric motors fitted producing around 400-horsepower and 470ft-lbs of torque which in turn are capable of propelling the big Mercury quietly to around 120mph for a range of approximately 150-200 miles.

The Merc is full of cool stuff including the custom digital dash (by Andromeda Interfaces Displays) mounted into the otherwise stock looking dash that is surrounded by a period correct interior. There’s an electric air-conditioning system fitted as well as electric-assisted rack and pinion steering.

Icon wanted this Merc to be a place where old and new can live comfortably together in a timeless street car that you wouldn’t give a second look to unless you knew what was hiding under that patinacovered classic body.

Is this the future of custom cars? Only time will tell...

The Merc is full of cool stuff including the custom digital dash (by Andromeda Interfaces Displays) mounted into the otherwise stock looking dash that is surrounded by a period correct interior.

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Coming Attractions MIKE DAVISON - 1954 CHEV BELAIR COUPE PICS - Supplied by Mike Davison WORDS - Paul Beck

BLOWN

Belair

During business hours, Mike Davison heads up the largest automotive suspension team in Australia at Lovells Suspension. But come the weekend, Mike takes a short stroll out to his garage where he can immerse himself in all kinds of high-performance machinery. He has built up a collection of toys that provides a nice break away from work - with everything revolving around high-performance engines - more specifically, the supercharged type.

Starting first with the chassis, the factory front end has been swapped out for a HT Holden item featuring McDonald Bros’ tubular A-arms and custom 26-way adjustable (bump and rebound) short body shocks and Lovells (of course) super low coils springs. A pair of Stub Tech drop spindles help improve the ride also. The rear of the chassis scored a pair of Lovells custom leaf springs equipped with Caltracs and the same adjustable shocks as the pointy end. Wilwood brakes feature on each corner. The wheel and tyre combo has yet to be decided on…

One of his big passions is racing boats, and it comes as no surprise to see that his boat is fitted with a blown small block Chev. His one time daily driver, a pristine mild-custom HT Holden sedan is blown too - but this one features just six cylinders and relies on a pair of weber carbs to feed the fire below.

One car that he has had sitting in his parents shed (some 12 hours from his home) is this cool 1954 Chev Belair coupe.

Almost 12 months ago, Mike decided it was time the Chev joined his fleet of toys and a trip was made south to bring the new project home so that work could get started.

When Mike first acquired the Coupe in 2000, the plan was to do a complete restoration back to original spec’s, but the custom car guy inside him soon had those plans scrapped.

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Continuing his theme of blown engines, the ’54 has a blown 406ci Dart “Little M” small block Chev built by Top Fuel pilot Darren Morgan now nestled into the engine bay with the polished 6/71 Dyers supercharger and quartet of 40mm DCOE side-draft Weber carbs the obvious highlight of this engine package. Mike had Jim Inglese in the USA set up the induction which will make for a great talking point once the Chev is finished and out cruising around the streets on the Gold Coast. Backing the tough small block is a Turbo 400 (with Lightning Rods) and a fabricated 9-inch diff housing 4.1-gears.

Mike is hoping to have the Chev finished in 2020, but is keeping the intended colour combo a closely guarded secret.

No matter what colour is laid onto the Belair, this will be one spectacular cruise car…

When Mike first acquired the Coupe in 2000, the plan was to do a complete restoration back to original spec’s, but the custom car guy inside him soon had those plans scrapped.

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Shaping a better Australia

e h t o t g n i s i u Cr CAPITAL

2018 TORANA NATIONALS - VIKING PARK, ERINDALE, ACT WORDS / PICS - PAUL BECK

The 2018 Torana Nationals held in the Nation’s capital, exceeded everyone’s expectations drawing hundreds of entries from all over the country.

Staged by the ACT Torana Club, the annual Torana Nationals is a three-day event that incorporates some cruising, lots of socialising and culminates with a huge show and show on the Sunday at Viking Park in Erindale, south of the Canberra’s centre.

For most though, it was an early venture into Canberra with a Meet and Greet session at the Alpha Hotel on the Friday. Hundreds of Torana’s lined the carpark and gave the owners an opportunity to either catch up with old mates or make some new acquaintances. This part of the event officially kick started the 2018 Torana Nationals.

Saturday’s blue skies ensure plenty of cars were lined up for the cruise out to historic Hall where the Torana’s were put on display providing a great backdrop to the small village. The cruise itself turned plenty of heads as the spectacle of seeing a few hundred Torana’s cruising together had other drivers and pedestrians pointing and gawking in amazement.

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Saturday night saw 250 entrants jammed into the Alpha Hotel’s auditorium for the Gala Dinner which also included talks from the invited VIP’s for the event including Bob Morris, Joe Felice, Sandra Bennett and Bev Brock. All of these VIP’s backed up the next day for several autograph signing sessions at the show and shine.

Upon arriving at the Show and Shine at Vikings Park in Erindale on Sunday morning, the event was already in full-swing and trying to find a parking spot was proving difficult. Under brilliant blue skies, the line-up of Torana’s on display around the venue was certainly a sight to behold.

Walking around the 250-plus cars showed a great mix of faithfully restored factory muscle cars, untouched drivers, modified street cars, over-powered street and strip cars and of course, race cars from back in the day.

Walking around the 250-plus cars showed a great mix of faithfully restored factory muscle cars, untouched drivers, modified street cars, overpowered street and strip cars and of course, race cars from back in the day. The cars on show are as varied as they were plentiful. And the owners of the cars were more than happy to answer any question fired at them from those wondering the grounds taking in the atmosphere.

After the presentation of the Trophy Winners was completed, the 2018 Torana Nationals had come to an end. After three days, the Nationals capital had seen an overload of all model Torana’s cruising the streets, taking part in social gatherings and of course coming together for what could possibly be the largest gathering of Torana’s in one place…ever!

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The organising and host club, the Canberra Torana Club are to be congratulated on a job well done and for the fact that lots of money was raised for their nominated charities! Lets see if they can better their efforts next time around in 2020! You now have two year’s notice!

So if you have a Torana, support the brand and be there! If you can’t wait that long, head to the Torana Fest in Maitland in 2019. Either way, we’ll be at both!

After three days, the Nationals capital had seen an overload of all model Torana’s cruising the streets, taking part in social gatherings and of course coming together for what could possibly be the largest gathering of Torana’s in one place…ever!

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RAISING

HELL

Saved from demise in the local junkyard, this XR Falcon Ute was only meant to be a workshop parts getter. However, the little devil on Peter Nusser’s shoulder kept telling him otherwise...

PETER NUSSER - 1967 XR FALCON UTE WORDS / PICS – Paul Beck

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When Peter spotted the Ute, it was relishing at the back on the local wrecking yard and would have probably ended up being crushed. Having been bought up in a family where old Falcon’s were the car of choice, Peter just couldn’t let the old Ute die that way, so a deal was struck with the boys at MJR Auto Wreckers in Albury and the well-used Ute was dragged back to Peter’s place for what was going to be a quick make-over.

At that stage, Peter had opened up his own workshop and thought the six-pack, three-on-the-tree manual Ute would be the ideal run around for the business. Those plans were quickly thrown out the window however when Peter’s nasty side decided the Ute needed more cubes, some forced induction and more rubber under the rear to deal with it all. Unbenowns to Peter at the time, but he had just embarked on a massive 6-year build.

After spending way too much time in the wrecking yard exposed to all kinds of weather, the body had seen better days. Upon removing the old paint (or what was left of it) the body showed what years of neglect will do to sheet metal. It was repairable, but was going to take some time to have it ready for paint. Lots of hours were spent on every panel removing dents, ripples and rust accumulated over the years. Peter wanted to keep the Falcon’s body lines just as old Henry specified back in 1967, so the only changes made was the removal and smoothing off of the spare wheel compartment, the removal of the badges and mouldings and the squaring up of the rear wheel tubs to accomodate the larger rubber that Peter had planned. Oh, and there’s now a chunk bonnet steel missing for obvious reasons.

When the time was right and the body was in primer, Peter knew exactly what colour the Ute was going to be. His very first car, an XY Falcon was Ultra White with black trim. In memory of that car, the Ute was to get the same colour combo. With the paint dry and the body fitted up with all of its chrome and jewellery, the once-tired old Falcon was starting to look pristine yet again.

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For the most part, the interior was still intact when the Ute was dragged away from its resting place. As previously mentioned, the all-black theme was already chosen for the interior space.

The repadded XR low back buckets and door trims were covered in vinyl with black carpet added underfoot. The factory steering wheel was tidied up and kept in place for that factory feel.

Its not all stock looking though. The shifter was taken from the column a long time before the trim was attended to, and now see’s gear selections done via a B&M shifter mounted to the tunnel. Also not resembling anything like the factory appointed unit is the dash which now houses a trio of AutoMeter dials with shift light in the facia and several more mounted under the Ultra white colour dash. Sabelt harness belts keep Peter and his passenger securely in place.

Any thoughts of putting a lowly six-pack back into the Falcon are now just distant memories.

Peter had ace engine man Ian Read, build him a blown 363ci Windsor small block that makes enough power to turn those bigger tyres into molten rubber with ease. Kicking off with a Dart Block and filling it with a Scat crank and rod combo, Probe pistons and a Camtech cam, Ian peiced together a stout bottom end that lays the foundation for one-tough Windsor. The World Products heads were given the once-over and bolted into place for the Dyers blower manifold to join the party.

Its obviously the crowning glory on this tough 363-cuber is the polished Dyers 6/71 supercharger that gets the E85 fuel pumped through it from a pair of 750 double pumper Holley carbs. These three components are the main reason this pumped small block made over 500hp at the sizeable treads. The only downfall (if you can call it that) is that the height at which the engine protrudes through the Falcon’s bonnet limits the amount of street use Peter can get out of the Ute. Some Police just have no sense of humour at all…

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Currently a C9 trans with TCI -internals and a 3500rpm converter from the same company, backs the blown Windsor. That could change soon though as Peter is looking into a swap for a two-speed Powerglide trans in the near future. Until that happens though, Peter is confident the Ford trans will handle the power delivery back to the nine-inch diff with ease. The tough rear-end plays host to a Strange centre and 35-spline axles. Ten-inch wide Weld wheels hang off the diff and match the 3.5-inch versions mounted to the front end.

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All that power is useless if you can’t pull the old girl up after some spirited driving. To help the Falcon slow to a stop, Peter installed XF Falcon discs and callipers to the XR’s front end and adapted AU Falcon discs on the rear end. Lowered custom springs were added to bring the XR’s nose down to a more suitable height with the rear coming down as well thanks to the Gazzard Bros’ springs which have been moved inwards for tyre clearance. Peter is planning a switch to a four-link set-up in the very near future as well.

Peter reckons the six-year build time felt a lot longer than it actually was, but at the end of the day, it was a project that happened when time and funds allowed and now that its completed, Peter plans to enjoy his creation as much as he can. The future includes some car shows and a little drag racing. “I love getting to car shows and the drags with my mates and love cruising the car with my son. He absolutely loves the Ute,” Peter explained. Looks like the next generation of Nusser men have already got the car bug. The Falcon, it would seem, will remain a family heirloom…

It’s obviously the crowning glory on this tough 363-cuber is the polished Dyers 6/71 supercharger that gets the E85 fuel pumped through it from a pair of 750 double pumper Holley carbs. These three components are the main reason this pumped small block made over 500hp at the sizeable treads.

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OWNER: Peter Nusser VEHICLE: 1967 XR Falcon Ute ENGINE: 363ci Windsor, Dart block, Scat crank, Scat rods, Probe pistons, Camtech cam, MSD ignition, World Products heads, Dyers 6/71 Supercharger, dual 750dp Holley carbs, E85 fuel, custom exhaust with Hooker mufflers.

POWER: Over 500hp at the tyres.

TRANS: C9 auto, TCI internals, TCI 3500rpm converter, B&M Pro-Sick shifter.

DIFF: 9-inch, Strange centre, 35-spline axles.

WHEELS: 15x3.5” and 15x10” Weld Magnum SUSPENSION: Front: Custom lowered springs, Calvert shocks, rubber bushes. Rear: Gazzard Bros leaf springs, Calvert shocks, split mono-track bar slipper shackles.

BRAKES: Front: XF Falcon disc and calipers Rear: AU Falcon disc and calipers.

COLOUR: Ultra White THANKS TO: All the boys at Azzi and Nusser, Ian Read, MJR Auto Wreckers.

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RUMBLE gle!

In the Jun

The forecast for Shepparton on the last weekend of November is always the same, sunny with a 100% chance of a smoke haze predominantly over the Showground area.

26th SPRINGNATS, Shepparton Showgrounds, November 23-25, 2018 PICS – Karstormz Photography WORDS – Paul Beck

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From humble beginnings, the annual Springnats, part of the ever-growing Autofest series, now attracts entrants from all over country eager to take in everything the Shepparton-based event has to offer. And it offers plenty - all under strict no-alcohol guidelines!

After a long stint at the DECA centre on the outskirts of town, the event is now based at the superb Shepparton Showground which allows Les and his team to expand the Springnats to include new sections such as the indoor elite car show. But its the driving events that the Springnats are most famous for. The action kicks off on Friday night with the Autotek Night of Thunder which includes a Burnout Expression Session just to set the mood for the days that follow.

After a long stint at the DECA centre on the outskirts of town, the event is now based at the superb Shepparton Showground which allows Les and his team to expand the Springnats to include new sections such as the indoor elite car show.

Come Saturday, the 26th Springnats was in full swing when the spectators started flowing through the venues gates. Surrounded by hundreds of wild cars, the punters were in for a day full of high-powered entertainment - especially on the burnout pad where those with a hatred of tyres put on a show to rival the best. The fact that they had a massive area in which to entertain the crowds helped with the spectacle. The horsepower driven events kicked off with the Autotek Autokana, followed by the Jack Daniels Grab-aflag event and the Outlaw Speed Shop Heads-Up go to whoa. The first of the burnouts happens mid afternoon with the Wild Card Shoot-Out.

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MARCH 9th & 10th 2019 Mount Panorama Bathurst

At 3.45pm, those interested in the Supercruise from the venue to the Aussie Pub started to leave the Showgrounds. Its surreal seeing blown and tubbed cars cruising public streets without the fear of being defected into the middle of next year by the Police or EPA.

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

- Show N Shine - Heads Up Go To Whoa - Autokana - Grab A Flag - Trade Sites - Super Sprints- BURNOUT SHOOTOUT and MORE. 

For Entrant Forms or For More Information See www.autofest.com.au or Call Mobile 0417 511557

While all this action was taking place, the Autobarn Show ’n’ Shine was taking up much of the available space outdoors, with the Elite cars filling the expansive indoor arena. Due to the popularity last year, Les once again had a few unveilings to uncover in the Elite Judging pavilion in front of a big crowd.

At 3.45pm, those interested in the Supercruise from the venue to the Aussie Pub started to leave the Showgrounds. Its surreal seeing blown and tubbed cars cruising public streets without the fear of being defected into the middle of next year by the Police or EPA. Les Adams has worked closely with the local Police and Traffic authorities to ensure this part of the Springnats program runs smoothly and without any problems. The cars stayed on display for an hour at the pub before heading back to the show venue in one long continuous line up of horsepower!!

Les has initiated a new section to the burnout competition in Shepparton called the Young Guns Burnout Mayhem. Whilst everyone loves to see the big guns going hard at it on the pad, those that have never done a skid in front of a crowd before may feel a little intimidated in doing so, so Les gives them their own time to shine.

Once back in the Showgrounds, the Springnats Burnout Showdown was about to get underway. No less than five different groups of entrants were lined up waiting for their turn in the spotlight. Some excelled whilst others didn’t go so well. Its all about having a go I guess. Les has initiated a new section to the burnout competition in Shepparton called the Young Guns Burnout Mayhem. Whilst everyone loves to see the big guns going hard at it on the pad, those that have never done a skid in front of a crowd before may feel a little intimidated in doing so, so Les gives them their own time to shine. No one expects them to outshine the big names, and that takes the pressure off. For awards were up for grabs - Future Star (Rory Earnshaw XR8 Falcon), One to Watch out For (Aaron Brkic VY SS Commodore), Hard Charger (Jordy Campbell WH Statesman) and Top Young Gun (Jeremy Guijas VT Commodore). Got to start them off young.

A great idea... Day 2 finished off with the Springnats After Party at the Aussie Hotel.

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Sunday once again kicked off under sunny skies. The program for Day was a mimic of the previous day, though this time, it was all about the finals to see who was going to take home the gold.

The Show and Shine was broken up into two categories - Street and Show. In the Show car section, Peter Olver was the big winner, his EH sedan winning best in class in Sedan, Interior, Engineered, Undercarriage, Engine Bay and Custom sections. Craig Morrow followed suit with his VH Commodore winning Top Sedan, Top Interior, Top Engine Bay and Pro’s Choice (GM). Both Peter and Craig also placed in the Springnats Top 10.

Other stand out cars on display included Steve Bragg’s 39 Ford, Simon Waugh’s XA Falcon Coupe, Perry Meka’s Chevelle, Brent Murray’s gorgeous Dodge Dart, Justin Smith’s twin-turbo VK Commodore and Frits Pel’s XL Falcon. The show and shine at the Springnats continues to attract great cars each year and proves this events popularity.

After the Autokana and Go-Whoa competitors had run their course, it was time for the main attraction - the Burnouts.

After the Autokana and Go-Whoa competitors had run their course, it was time for the main attraction - the Burnouts.

Its no secret that the majority of the crowds attending these events are there to see tyres destroyed at a rapid rate and those attending the Springnats for that exact reason weren’t disappointed with a huge haze of tyre smoke hovering above the Showgrounds for much of the afternoon. In the Overall points score, David Watson did enough in his HJ Holden to secure the Overall N/A Burnout Champion bragging rights for 2018.

In the Pro Burnouts, the Overall Champion was awarded to Tim Barby whose unique A50 Austin literally smoked the opposition into oblivion.

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A full list of winners from the 2018 event is available on the Autofest website along with information on the recent Springnats and the events Les and his team have coming up including the awesome Bathurst Autofest (March 8-10) and the newest member of the Autofest event series, Ingham Autofest in Queensland (July 19-22). We’ll see everyone in Bathurst for the biggest Autofest yet!

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SUDDEN t

GLENN PHEGAN - HJ HOLDEN SEDAN WORDS / PICS – Paul Beck

Impac

Some people crave the limelight, needing to be the centre of attention all the time.

And then there’s guys like Glenn Phegan would would rather sit back and let his over-powered, retina-burning HJ Holden do all the talking, no make that shouting!

When Glenn found this car in Sydney, it was basically a roller - a 80’s style roller with Dragway wheels, velour interior and tinted windows. For Glenn, it was the perfect start. “It was in pretty good condition, and I ended up filling the engine bay with a blown 383ci small block Chev. It stayed that way for a year or so whilst I enjoyed cruising it.” Glenn explained. “Then, while removing the tinted windows with a heat gun, I accidentally melted part of the trim on the back seat. That incident was the catalyst for the cars first major rebuild.”

You don’t throw a 780hp big block engine at your car and paint it Pearl Orange if you don’t want to stand out in a crowd!

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When the HJ re-emerged onto the scene, it was a much better car. Glenn had the right people do the right job and the end result was an absolute head-turner. But still, there were issues with running that blown motor on the street. After more defect notices, Glenn decided enough was enough and opted to replace the pumped small block for an aspirated big block. Enter the ex-drag 509-cuber.

Whilst the 509 had all the right credentials, it proved to be way too unreliable as a street engine and was beginning to be a right pain. A trip to see Grant Watt at Grants Performance was all that was required for Glenn to give Grant the green light on the new engine combo. Grant went through the old gear and managed to re-use just the intake manifold and carby.

Starting with a virgin Dart block, Grant upped the cubic capacity to 540-inches and filled the bottom end with the right gear to provide plenty of performance, with a focus placed on being reliable. The forged crank, Oliver rods, JE forged pistons, big solid Crower roller cam and lifter kit and Mellings oil pump form the basis for a stout short engine. From there, the Brodix alloy heads were bolted down along with the CNC-ported Super Victor intake and 1250cfm Dominator carb. A pair of custom headers feed the spent gases into a dual 3.5-inch exhaust system and eventually out to play havoc with the atmosphere...

With 540 cubic inches of Chev ready to go on the dyno, Glenn was getting anxious to see what the new combo had produced. Knowing that Grant’s dyno is as accurate as they get, he was beside himself when the engine produced an impressive 780hp on Premium 98-octane pump fuel. Sure, it might be over the top for a street car, but who decides what is enough, and when does it become too much? Not Glenn, that’s for sure.

After more defect notices, Glenn decided enough was enough and opted to replace the pumped small block for an aspirated big block. Enter the ex-drag 509-cuber.

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The engine was built three years ago and was recently given a freshen up. All that was required was a set of bearings. Now that’s a reliable street engine! A full-manual Turbo 400 auto backs the big block and feeds the power through to the fabricated 9-inch diff that holds 4.11-gears and 35-spline axles.

When Glenn melted part of the seat, it gave him the perfect excuse for a complete interior makeover. The team at Resurrection Trim re-padded and re-trimmed the factory seats in black leather with cool Ostrich inserts.

The double Orange stitching adds a nice contrast to the all-black trim and brings the body colour indoors. The Isotta steering wheel sits just forward of the GTS dash that is complimented by an array of AutoMeter gauges.

A custom centre console was also added and is formed around the B&M Pro-Ratchet shifter and Accel ignition control pad. A complete Kenwood sound system was added to compete with the 780 wild ponies running from the engine bay.

Knowing that Grant’s dyno is as accurate as they get, Glenn was beside himself when the engine produced an impressive 780hp on Premium 98-octane pump fuel.

When the HJ emerged from its first build, this is how it looked.

Smaller wheels, drop tank, blown small block with carbs and scoop, tinted windows and side mouldings still in place. Whilst it was a cool ride back then, Glenn is more than happy with the way the HJ has turned out this time!

The HJ has been rebuilt twice since Glenn has had his name on the rego papers, and by far, this time around is the most impressive. Just check out that colour! You’d be forgiven for thinking that Glenn is an attention seeker. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, even the Pope himself couldn’t compete with Pearl Orange when it comes to taking centre stage.

You may not be able to see them, but there’s Ghost flames laid onto the HJ’s flanks to compliment the body colour. But before the colour was added by the guys at Kingpins Kustom Paint & Panel, the body was stripped back and had years of neglect massaged from its panels. GTS guards were added along with a large cowl scoop. Not making a return this time around were all the badges and mouldings for a much smoother look. The 19x8 and 20x10 polished Intro Billets match the body colour perfectly.

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Glenn now has the HJ right where he wants it to be. Its got plenty of grunt, is reliable as he needs it to be and its not to bad on the eyes either! So for now, that car is done. Time to enjoy it more with lots of cruising, showing and generally having a good time in it. That’s not to say Glenn has finished building cars. He has just purchased a windowless HX Panel Van and will be getting stuck into it soon. He has firm plans on what he wants with the Van and intends on doing the job just once this time. Trust me, this one will be spectacular when its completed!

Stay tuned...

THOROUGHLY THOROUGHLY THOROUGHLY THOROUGHLY

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OWNER: Glenn Phegan VEHICLE: 1976 HJ Holden Sedan ENGINE: 540ci Big block Chev built by Grants Performance, Dart block, 4340 forged crank, Oliver rods, JE forged pistons, big solid Crower roller cam and lifters, Trend pushrods, Mellings oil pump, ASR sump, MSD ignition, Brodix alloy heads, Isky Gold valve springs, Jessel rockers, Reher Morrison CNC ported Super Victor intake manifold, 1250cfm Holley Dominator carb, custom headers, dual 3.5-inch exhaust system with Hooker Aero-Chamber mufflers POWER: 780hp on 98 Pump fuel.

TRANS:Full manual Turbo 400, TCE 5000rpm converter, B&M Shifter DIFF: 9-inch, Fabricated sheet metal housing, 35-spline axles, 4.11gears, Tru-trak centre. WHEELS: 19x8 and 20x10 Intro SUSPENSION: Front:Super low coil springs, Koni shocks Rear: QA-1 Coil overs BRAKES: Front: UPC Ventilated 330mm discs and calipers Rear: UPC 297mm disc and calipers.

COLOUR: Custom Orange pearl with Ghost flames by Kingpin Kustom Paint and Panel THANKS TO: Grant and Nathan at Grants Performance, Dan and Luke at Kingpins Kustom Paint and Panel, Darren at Ressurection Trim.

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2018 ADELAIDE AUTO EXPO WORDS - PAUL BECK PICS - AUTO EXPO

Southern The Annual Adelaide Auto Expo yet again bought the local and interstate car scene’s together for a display of top-shelf, high-powered custom cars!

The main section is of course the Extreme Auto Expo where the best Street Machines and Custom Bikes are set up. This area is full of colour, chrome and horsepower and for the majority of people, this is the main draw card.

Style

The Adelaide Auto Expo, under the guidance of promoter Geof Tartoosie, is guaranteed to bring together a broad range of cars and bikes at the Adelaide Showgrounds each November. With the doors open for just Friday night and all-day Saturday, the Auto Expo isn’t like your usually indoor show where it runs during both Saturday and Sunday - and for Adelaide, this format works.

Broken up into several sections, the Auto Expo is a group of events run simultaneously to cater for a wide crowd of enthusiasts. The main section is of course the Extreme Auto Expo where the best Street Machines and Custom Bikes are set up. This area is full of colour, chrome and horsepower and for the majority of people, this is the main draw card.

Especially when Geof gets so many high-profile cars across to Adelaide from the East Coast. The main attraction this year was the newly crowned Street Machine of the Year the EH wagon owned by Benn Judd. The serious-six pack powered wagon absolutely stole the show. Another stunning car that made the trip from Sydney was David Xuereb’s fine-detailed TC Cortina which took a swag of trophies as did the Fordson “Speedbox” built by Johnny Z’s. These 3 cars took the majority of trophies home with them.

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Another huge part of the show was the Adelaide Hot Rod Show which took place in another pavilion. In amongst the sea of rods and customs were some very high-quality cars including CHOODA, Tony Wilson’s rebuild ’32 Tudor that made the trek over from Melbourne for the show.

Jane Norris’ Harlequin coloured ’37 Ford “Minotti” Coupe went home with a host of awards including Best Judged Hot Rod. The Auto Expo also features an outdoors show and shine, Grid Girl Competition, Aussie Classics and Muscle Cars Cruise-In at 5pm on the Friday night, the Dream Car Garage, New Car Motor Show, Tuff Street, “Honest Geof’s Used Cars” and lots of traders in Trader alley. Friday night rocked away to the tunes of High Voltage, the AC-DC tribute band. Their set went for an hour until the show closed at 9pm leaving everyone in a great mood.

Saturday had the doors opening at 10am with plenty of people already lined up to come through the gates. By this time, the outdoor show and shine was in full swing and provided a great backdrop to the indoor show.

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Saturday had the doors opening at 10am with plenty of people already lined up to come through the gates. By this time, the outdoor show and shine was in full swing and provided a great backdrop to the indoor show. At 3.30pm, the entrants in the annual Zippel Cruise arrived the venue and took up every available spot left for parking in...and then some. Hundreds of American customs, classic and hot rods take part in this cruise each year and this year was to be no different. Watching the cruise depart the Showgrounds at 7.30pm has become a tradition amongst car enthusiasts in Adelaide.

At 8pm, the doors for the event closed for 2018.

Yet another successful event had come to an end. Geof and his team continue to stage the premier car show in South Australia and plans are already in place for the next one which will be held over the weekend of November 15th and 16th, 2019.

Geof and his team continue to stage the premier car show in South Australia and plans are already in place for the next one.

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If you don’t mind the travel, this is one event you need to get to. If you’ve never been to Adelaide, why not stay a week and do the tourist thing. The area is simply beautiful and the people are friendly. Then there’s the cars. You’ll be amazed just how tough the cars are over there. Mark this one down in your calender and I’ll see you there.

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Cyber Cruisin’

DOUBLE TROUBLE

It’s not hard to see why Bobby Garza’s amazing ’57 Chev Convertible took off the prestigious 2018 Lowrider of the Year crown!

I am constantly amazed at the detail these top-end Lowriders go to. The innovation and finely crafted idea’s that go into these show-stoppers is mind boggling.

Bobby Garza is no stranger to taking the top award in the Lowrider scene and did so previously in 2014 with his ’87 Oldsmobile Cutlass. His ’57 though, is not just one-step higher than his previous award-winner, its lifted the bar so much higher it seems it could be out of reach for most…

The stunning use of colour in the intricate graphics ensures a crowd around the car, constantly mesmerised by what they are seeing. Then you notice the artwork added to the quarter panels.

The same quality flows in, under and around the beautifully prepped body. Then, when you reach the engine bay, your eyes almost pop out of your head. That twin-turbo 454ci LSX engine isn’t just about raw, unadulterated horsepower! It’s about a mix of show and go – both equal partners in bringing that engine bay up to the standard of workmanship covering the rest of the build.

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That twin-turbo 454ci LSX engine isn’t just about raw, unadulterated horsepower! It’s about a mix of show and go – both equal partners in bringing that engine bay up to the standard of workmanship covering the rest of the build.

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Everywhere you look on this build, you find something that leaves you slack-jawed trying to find the right words to explain just how great it is. This is that type of car and its well deserving of the title Lowrider of the Year for 2018!

Bobby Garza is no stranger to taking the top award in the Lowrider scene and did so previously in 2014 with his ’87 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

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Part Classic American Cruiser, part HSV muscle car, this rare ‘57 Chev wagon is oh-so-cool!

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SHANE HATHER - 1957 CHEV WAGON WORDS / PICS – Paul Beck

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After parting with his much-loved four-door ’57 Chev, Shane Hather was miserable. He didn’t want to offload the Chev, but circumstances at the time forced his hand. He desperately wanted to get back into some more American iron of the same vintage - except this time he wanted something just a little more distinct.

A 1957 Chev four-door wagon.

Shane searched high and low for a suitable vehicle, preferring to find something within Australia so that he could easily check it out in person instead of relying on the owners opinion of what is a “good solid car!” He had convinced himself that he was never going to find that elusive wagon. Then fate stepped in to play a part. Shane’s sister Eliza was visiting and noticed that he has been looking down and out lately and was determined to help her brother out - especially considering his birthday was the next day.

Obviously the spiritual type, Eliza sat down with Shane and asked him to write down the type of car he wanted. So he listed 1957 Chev four-door wagon. Then she asked what colour. Shane immediately hit back with “there’s no use getting into specifics because then its even harder to find.” But Eliza was insistent. So he added White. She then had him put in the driveline, what condition it had to be, what price range and also where he would prefer it to be located - to which he put, the closer the better… She then told him to fold the note and put it in his pocket.

Not thinking anymore about it, he arose on his birthday morning to a phone call advising him of a ’57 Chev four-door wagon for sale. Obviously thinking someone was playing a joke on him, Shane couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Yes, it was white.

Yes it was big block powered as specified on his note and apparently it was a complete and going car. The clincher though, it was located just three short kilometres from his house! Are you kidding me? I am a firm believer in things happening for a reason, just like this. When Shane finally caught up with the owner, he said that he used to see Shane cruising the four door around but their paths never crossed until now. The wagon had been sitting in the guys front yard and Shane had always driven down the street before this one. On the original note, Shane said he had a budget of $30,000. The wagon’s owner wanted $36,000 but Shane being the persistant type, managed to do a deal at $30,000 and the wagon was on its way to its new home - just down the road… Maybe Shane should be looking at writing down some lotto numbers from time to time…

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The wagon had been sitting in the guys front yard and Shane had always driven down the street before this one. One the original note, Shane said he had a budget of $30,000. The wagon’s owner wanted $36,000 but Shane being the persistant type, managed to do a deal at $30,000 and the wagon was on its way to its new home - just down the road…

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Whilst the car was complete and driving, it had been built some 20-years before in the USA and was starting to show its age. The engine conversion wasn’t exactly right and the engineer told him it needed more clearance before he would pass it and there was a host of other issues that needed fixing. In fact, the first first engineer provided Shane with a page of things to be fixed. Deciding on a second opinion, the next engineer upped that to two pages. Not tempted to go for a third, Shane decided now was the time to bite the bullet and give the Chev a much needed make-over.

Like any self respecting Street Machiner, Shane wanted to re-power his aspirated big block wagon with a blown, carby-fed engine that towered above the bonnet line. But, after Ian at Kreative Enterprises, who was the engineer on the job, politely said “I don’t think so”, Shane knew he would have to change his plans if he wanted to have his wagon street legal. Within minutes of the engineer squashing Shane’s dream of the mountain motor, he laid eyes on a tough little Datsun Ute in an adjoining workshop that was getting kitted out with a HSV GTS-inspired LSA engine. Shane asked the question about fitting one of this engines to the Chev, the engine said no problem and the rest is now history.

Like any self respecting Street Machiner, Shane wanted to re-power his aspirated big block wagon with a blown, carby-fed engine that towered above the bonnet line. But, after Ian at Kreative Enterprises, who was the engineer on the job, politely said “I don’t think so”, Shane knew he would have to change his plans if he wanted to have his wagon street legal.

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The supercharged LSA engine package is an ideal choice when building an early GM-product. They are available in a crate engine for just a little over $10,000, make almost 500hp at the wheels, are ultra reliable and parts are easily found at any Holden dealership. They don’t look half bad either! Shane wanted the LSA to look like a factory fitted engine. To achieve this, he has used everything new from the manufacturer.

There’s no bling braided lines, no over the top rocker covers and relocated coil packs - just a stock LSA in every sense. Even the original exhaust headers were used and flow into a dual 2.5-inch system that uses twin high-flow cats to keep the emissions under control. A matching HSV GTS-spec Tremec TR6060 MG9 six-speed manual was bolted up to the LSA and is held in place via a fabricated cross member. The twin-plate clutch handles the power from the LSA engine with ease and sends it rearwards to the 9-inch diff via a custom 3-inch tailshaft made by Kreative Enterprises.

As mentioned, the car was painted in the US some 20-years ago. All this time later, it hasn’t held up too bad considering the car has travelled half way around the world and was languishing in the previous owners front yard. Shane would like to give it a new lick of colour eventually, but for now, he is happy to be cruising the wagon with out fear of stone chips or the occasional scratch.

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Whilst it may look like a standard issue Chev body, there have been some subtle changes done. The most obvious ones (if you’re a Chev aficionado) is the quarter windows being removed from the front doors to allow one piece glass. The front guards have been subtly flared and lipped to accomodate the larger diametre wheels, LED’s replace all of the globes front and rear and the headlights are now Halo items. The bullet over-riders on the front bumper are usually black rubber, but here, Shane has added chromed versions and the rear bar is now a one-piece item from a sedan that allows the numberplate light to illuminate the scroll work on the tailgate. The grille is a custom item, hand-made by the last US owner before the car headed to Australia. By far, the coolest change is the custom LilyMay badges that adorn the front guards and tailgate. Made by Custom Car Badges, these badges represent three things - the White paint in regards to the Lily flower; Shane’s daughters name is LilyMay and his Grandmothers name was May - who incidentally cruised around with her hubby in a white ’56 Ford wagon back in the day! Finishing off the exterior visual appeal are the 20x8 and 20x10 chromed Ridler 5-spoke wheels.

The interior is user-friendly. As Shane explains, “When the mechanics were working on the car, occasionally there would be grease marks or whatever on the seats, but that comes off the white vinyl easily. Its all about being practical.” The front and rear bench seats were rebuilt and covered by Springwood Upholstery and keep the passengers in place with the red seat belts that compliment the same colour carpet. The dash, which is still on the left side, is filled with Dakota Digitals finest instruments and sit just behind the full billet 13inch steering wheel. A sizeable car audio system litters the expansive interior space and keeps Shane and all passengers thoroughly entertained when out cruising.

There’s been plenty of heartache during the build and probably more times than Shane will admit to where he could have thrown his hands in the air and just walked away from it. But when you’re as determined as Shane is, and went to the hassle of having the Chev tattooed onto your body, you don’t give up on things like this easily. Perseverance has certainly paid off for Shane. He can’t stop smiling when he is around the Chev and promises that this one will not be going anywhere. This one’s a keeper and will probably be hauling LilyMay to her high school formal in many years to come….

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BUILD

PARTNERS

OWNER: Shane Hather VEHICLE: 1957 Chev 210 Wagon ENGINE: Factory-spec Supercharged 6.2-litre HSV LSA. modified muscle car sump, 2 Walbro fuel pumps, custom Aussie Desert Cooler radiator. POWER: 430kW at engine - 480hp at the wheels. TRANS: Factory Six-speed manual Tremec TR6060 MG9 with double plate clutch, Hurst shifter, custom cross member.

DIFF: 9-inch, 3.55 Trutrak centre, Mark Williams 31-spline axles by Craft Differentials WHEELS: 20x8” and 20x10” Chrome Ridler 625 SUSPENSION: Front: 2-inch lowered springs, Koni shocks, 2-inch Heidts drop spindles Rear: Wholesale Suspension 6-leaf springs, Koni shocks, factory rubber bushes.

BRAKES: Front: Baer 4-piston calipers, 325mm disc Rear: Baer SS4 calipers, 325mm disc.

COLOUR: Ford Colonial White - painted 20 years ago in the USA by Marino Vargas THANKS TO: Mark Daksakalakis and Sean at PSC Racing, Ian Carpenter at Kreative Enterprises, Ian Workman at Real Steel Chevy, Damien at Custom Car Badges, Wholesale Suspension, Craft Differentials, Springwood Upholstery, Timic Hot Rods, Craig Mohring at Winmalee, Shane’s Chassis, Daniel Grima at Gizmo’s Auto Electrical, Justin Stark at Ultimate Wiring Conversion, Liverpool Exhaust, Goerch at LSX Tuning, Pete at Custom Wheels and Tyres, Mal Wood Automotive, Michael John Bakotich, Snowflake Powdercoating, Windsor Exhaust, Andre Rendon in California, The Repair Shed, Alien Retro, my sister Eliza Hather for her inspiration, my awesome wife Melissa for her support and understanding, and my incredible kids - Alia, Jordan, Aden, Lily May and Ruby Rose.

Unit 2, 56 Preston Street, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone (02) 4704 8632

Call us today to get a quote!

Phone (02) 4751 1222

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25th SOUTH COAST NATIONALS, MORUYA HIGH SCHOOL WORDS - PAUL BECK PICS - JULIE MARSHALL

The Final

! h a r r u H

After 25-years of rocking Moruya, the South Coast Nationals called it a day with their biggest and most memorable event ever!

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Lee and Debbie Pearce are to be congratulated for staging the South Coast Nationals through some very tough times, especially when it came to venues. What started out at the local Sports Ground as a show and shine, quickly grew into a multi-day event that included driving events - and that’s when the event got noticed big time. From that point on, the show expanded and drew in a huge number of entrants and spectators.

A move to the local airport was next on the cards, which saw the inclusion of a burnout competition added to the program, along with some other driving events. This happened long before there were burnout comps on every second weekend that offered $10,000 in prize money. These entrants travelled from as far a field as Sydney and Canberra to take part simply because they could. By this time, the South Coast Nationals had gained quite a reputation and was firmly placed in the list of must-do events.

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Problems with the Airport prompted the move to the local Speedway where a burnout pad was added to the infield of the circuit so that the event could live on and continue to grow.

Although the Speedway was a dustbowl, Lee and his team did everything they could to settle as much of the dust as possible. I still think this venue offered a great atmosphere and had it not been for some in-fighting within the Speedways committee’s and a local resident who complained about everything, I think the South Coast Nats could have continued at that venue for quite a while. A short run at the car park of the long-time supporting Golf Club happened next before the show eventually moved to the local High School where it remained until the final show this year.

A short run at the car park of the long-time supporting Golf Club happened next before the show eventually moved to the local High School where it remained until the final show this year.

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When the decision was made to end the show with the 25th event, Lee, Deb and the helpers that are behind the scene making things happen were putting plans in place to make this the most memorable Nationals ever. Little did they know at the stage just how memorable this final event would be...

After having a host of drag cars on display in 2017; Lee, with the help of Mario and Catriona Colalillo had decided to put on a display of custom cars never before seen on the South Coast of NSW. Through Mario’s contacts, AKA “the Bros” the Arena of Customs was going to be a big part of the last South Coast Nationals. “Mario never did tell me what he had coming”, Lee told me, “but he did day it was going to be impressive.” And when Mario says impressive, he means mind-blowing!

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Unfortunately, with less than a couple of weeks before the show, Mario was tragically passed away, leaving the entire car community in shock. But, as no doubt Mario would have insisted, those close to the family that gathered to mourn his loss, also agreed that the show must go on. Lee, also dealing with the loss of his mate, decided to change things around on the show. The street parade on Saturday morning was cancelled for the general entrants and was held specifically for the custom guys lead in by Mario’s wife Catriona. What followed was a long line of slick customs including Benny Gatt’s Lincoln Zephyr, Andy Colalillo’s ‘55 Chev Gasser and Chris Palazzo’s Hemi-powered ‘34 Ford Roadster.

When the procession arrived at the school, they drove in through a “guard of honour” formed by the already set up entrants - all clapping a cheering as the cavalcade of customs made their way onto the oval. Mario would have been looking down with a grin from ear to ear! Well done Bro, you’re plans came together well...

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Mario would have been looking down with a grin from ear to ear!

Well done Bro, you’re plans came together well...

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Numbers wise, this was the biggest South Coast Nationals by far. The show and shine, along with the kids rides, dyno comp and sound-off covered the majority of the grassed area’s of the schools expansive grounds creating quite a spectacle for those coming for a visit to the event.

As per usual, the event finished up with a charity Auction on Saturday night at the Golf Club where entrants handed over plenty of money for the donated items that were up for grabs.

The night continued on until the early hours of Sunday for some which bough to an end the South Coast Nationals. To Lee, Debbie and their tireless workers, congrats on 25-years of bringing the custom car scene to Moruya. You’ve created a lot of memories and made a million friends. Good luck in the future endeavours. Time to have a break and live life!

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TWO WHEEL erapy Th

Craig Honeybrook had hoped that importing this US show bike would have a profound impact on his family.

CRAIG HONEYBROOK - 2005 CUSTOM SOFTAIL WORDS / PICS – Paul Beck

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The intention of owning a full-tilt custom bike built on the other side of the globe wasn’t about winning awards or going for long rides through the countryside. For Craig and his wife Charmaine, it meant much more than that. Charmaine is disabled and was confined to being at home. Craig knew there was more too life and devised a plan that saw the pair take the bike to various shows and events - mainly to get his wife out of the house and socialising once more. And it worked a treat…

Craig exlplains, “We’ve met so many great people and have made lifelong friends. We’ve won lots of awards with the bike, but they are always a bonus when the focus is on my wife’s mental well-being first and foremost. The improvement she has made was been quite incredible!”

Before landing on Australian soil, the bike had already built up quite a reputation. It was on an episode of Sons of Anarchy in Season 4 and featured on Hollywood Treasure.

The spot light didn’t fade when it reached Australia having been seen on Classic Resto’s, Blokes World, Temporary Australian’s and others. That’s on top of being a star attraction at various car and bike shows. And whilst the bike is doing its thing, Craig and his wife were socialising more and more!

Mission accomplished!

The intention of owning a full-tilt cu stom bike built on the other side of the globe wasn’t about winning awards or going for long rides through the countryside, for Craig and his wife Charmaine, it meant m uch more than that.

Built in 2005, the bike dubbed Dragons Breath is a 250 Custom Softail - with custom being the operative word. Like any bike of this calibre, there’s a lot of fabrication that goes into the build to create a one-off piece of art. The frame is a custom item made in-house at Big Boy Choppers and features a 2-inch down tube, 48-degree rake and has a 250 rear end kit to accomodate the much larger tyre fitted to the 18x8.5-inch billet rim. The matching front rim measures 21x2.25-inches. Each wheel features a matching polished disc rotor with a single piston caliber used on the front and a fourpiston caliper providing the braking power on the rear. A highly polished, full-billet front end along with billet headlight, custom bars and billet controls were added to the frame and, in true chopper style, accentuate the length of the bike from the rake added to the frame.

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After fabricating the custom front and rear guards, Lenny made sure that they would fit snuggly over the tyres, hugging the rubber with just a millimetre or two to spare. It was then time for the tank to be added, and once again a custom design was bought to reality before being fitted to the frame to make sure the design flowed from front to back. Getting the thumbs up from Lenny, the frame and tins were then sent to Rock and Roll Customs where the bare steel was cleaned, prepped and then coated in Steel Cobalt Blue pearl. The colour alone is spectacular, but when you combine the incredible 3D graphics and artwork, the colour gets taken to the next level! Finishing off the visual appeal of the bike is the custom seat covered in black ostrich leather.

Whilst it would have been easier and less expensive to have just thrown an EVO-spec Harley engine into the freshly painted frame, that’s not how they roll at Big Boy Choppers. The polished V-twin engine sports 100ci, that’s 1638cc in the old money, and looks as good as it goes. The engines internals have been beefed up and include forged rods and pistons, a much bigger cam and a custom exhaust system that’s not only stylish but emits a great sound as well. A 6-speed gearbox, again polished, sends the power to the 250 tyre.

and A highly polished, full-billet front end along with billet headlight, custom bars e the billet controls were added to the frame and, in true chopper style, accentuat length of the bike from the rake added to the frame.

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Since the bike has arrived in Australia, is has remained unregistered because the Australian authorities aren’t real keen on the frame. That’s OK, because as mentioned earlier, the bike was a show piece whilst Craig helped Charmaine regain some sort of normality. Soon enough though, the newly acquired, Aussie-friendly frame will be painted and fitted up with everything from this bike to make it 100% legal and registrable. At that point, Craig will be out and about on Dragon’s Breathe whenever time allows.

“NO ONE KNOWS YOUR P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”

OWNER: Craig Honeybrook VEHICLE: 2005 Custom Softail FRAME: Custom by Big Boy Choppers, 2-inch down tube, 48 degree rake, 250 rear end.

ENGINE: 100ci (1638cc) V-twin, 9.6:1 compression, 625-inch lift cam, forged rods and pistons, alloy cases, alloy cylinders with heavy wall liners, billet oil pump, CA Dot compliant fuel system slide carburettor, single fire ignition, custom 2.25” exhaust POWER: 110hp TORQUE: 110ft lbs TRANS: Polished 6-speed, BDL multi-disc clutch, Kevlar Belt.

WHEELS: Front: 21x2.15” Rear: 18x8.5” Billets BRAKES: Front: Polished Rotors with single piston calipers.

Rear: Polished Rotors with 4-piston calipers.

COLOUR: Steel Cobalt Blue with 3D graphics THANKS TO: Built by Lenny Myer - Big Boy Choppers, USA, Paint by Rock ’n’ Roll Customs, USA.

Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like: n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discounts n Limited Use & Club Plate cover n Laid up cover n One excess free windscreen claim per year n Total Loss Salvage options n Home Contents Insurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your collectables & tools n Towing & storage costs as a result of loss or damage n Pay by the month premiums at no extra cost Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special car, daily drive, bike or your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast.

INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU Shannons Pty Limited ABN 91 099 692 636 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Contact us for a copy.

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DANNY GOVEDARICA - LJ TORANA WORDS / PICS – Paul Beck

BRONZED AUSSIE

For his final foray into the world of modified cars, Danny Govedarica wanted a tough, Holden-powered LJ Torana. Mission Accomplished!

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Danny has had plenty of cool rides over the years and included the typical blend of cars from back in the day kicking off his driving adventures with a Gemini before adding a Cortina, a couple of Commodores, several Torana’s, a HQ Monaro and even an XE Falcon.

None though, would match the latest and last tough car he will be putting his name to, this two-door LJ Torana dubbed 1BADLJ.

Backing the potent engine is a modified 2-speed Powerglide. Knowing that a standard box would last about as long as Mundine’s last fight, Danny had Wollongong Transmissions fit stronger internals…

Danny found this LJ simply by luck. Whilst his mate was out walking the dog, he went passed a house that had the garage door up and although it was covered, was sure there was an LC or LJ Torana under the cover. He gave Danny the address and the curiosity of it all got the better of him so he called by and checked it out. Sure enough, it was an LJ coupe - just what Danny had been thinking about doing for his final build. Before too long, a deal was done, and Danny was driving his newly acquired six-pack Torana home…

Having had V8 Torana’s in the past, there was no way in hell this one was going to keep six cylinders under the bonnet. So that basically left the options at traditional Holden V8 or an LS-conversion - which seems to be the norm these days. For Danny, it was an easy decision. Sick of seeing the LS engine jammed into anything and everything, Danny decided his LJ was going to be a Holden-powered Holden!

Starting with a prepped 308 block, a COME stroker crank and rod combo soon joined the party and instantly upped the capacity to 355 cubes. Forged pistons followed as did a huge cam that produces an idle wild enough to rattle the fillings from your teeth.

And it only gets better from there…

Knowing full well that the VN-series heads are a much better option, Danny had a set of those given the full treatment before being bolted down onto the short engine. Filling the gap between the heads is a COME tunnel ram intake that proudly holds a pair of 650cfm Holley carbs high above the bonnet for all to see. Getting rid of the gases created is left up to a pair of custom headers that unwind into a dual, 2.5-inch exhaust system. On pump 98 fuel, the stretched Holden combo made an impressive 470hp. When you compare the power to weight ratio, you can understand why people ditch the six and add the eight!

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Backing the potent engine is a modified 2-speed Powerglide. Knowing that a standard box would last about as long as Mundine’s last fight, Danny had Wollongong Transmissions fit stronger internals including a Transbrake and 4500rpm converter. Gear selections are short and swift thanks to the B&M shifter. Transferring all that power to the rear wheels is ably taken care of by the much-narrowed 9-inch diff that scored a 3.55-geared Trutrak centre. The driveline is about as bullet-proof as you can get and has yet to give Danny any reason to make any changes.

Finishing off the underside meant a brake upgrade to DBA discs and VT Commodore calipers all-round along with Pedders hocks wrapped in King springs on the nose and coil-overs added to the mini-tubbed rear end. The wheel of choice (at the moment anyway) are 20x8.5” and 20x10” Simmons. Danny told us that he intends to changes these very soon to something a little different.

Probably the most painful part of this entire build for Danny was deciding on the colour, or more accurately convincing Wally that he really wanted the Torana to be black. Whilst Wally agreed it would look great in black, it really wouldn’t stand out like Danny wanted. Wally assured him that he could mix a colour that simply screamed for attention. After months of trying different colours, Wally emerged from the booth with a sample panel coated in this bronze. The smile that came across Danny’s face ensured Wally he had just hit the bullseye. Aptly named “Wallys Special Colour”, the colour compliments the black accents perfectly. Danny has no chance blending into the crowd now! The body was in pretty good condition when the boys stripped it down so the repairs were kept to a minimum as were the body mods. Just the hole in the bonnet and the general smoothing off of badges, mouldings etc for a much cleaner look.

At a quick first glance, the interior looks to be a faithful GTR restoration. Look closely though and you can see the dash has been padded and double stitched and the GTR gauge cluster now features AutoMeter dials. The GTR steering wheel has been recovered to suit, whilst the original Torana seats and door trims were retried to look original.

BUILD

PARTNERS

8 Veronica Street , Warilla NSW 2528

Phone Wally - 02 4296 1887

Making Dreams Come True!

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Its been two years since the Torana first rolled into the Dreamworks Restorations workshop and Danny can’t speak highly enough of the way Wally and his team have taken to the job. Nothing was a problem and the workmanship was first rate.

Since having it back, Danny and his wife Draz along with the kids Luka and Tatjana have enjoyed taking the Torana out about. The build as always about having a cool cruise car that they family can enjoy anywhere and anytime. Cruise on…

138 DUNSTERS LANE, CROOM, NSW 2527 20-minutes South of Wollongong

Danny found this LJ simply by luck. Whilst his mate was out walking the dog, he went passed a house that had the garage door up and although it was covered, was sure there was an LC or LJ Torana under the cover.

OWNER: Danny Govedarica VEHICLE: 1972 LJ Torana ENGINE: 308 stroked to 355ci, COME tunnel ram, dual 650cfm square bore Holley carbs, ported and polished VN heads, forged pistons, COME stroker crank and rods, larger valves, double valve springs, high volume oil pump, High Energy sump, Holley black fuel pump, 4-core radiator with twin fans, dual 2.5-inch exhaust system, MSD ignition POWER: 470hp TRANS: Powerglide, transbrake, 4500rpm converter, B&M shifter.

DIFF: 9-inch, 3.55-gears, TruTrak WHEELS: 20x8.5” and 20x10” FR Simmons SUSPENSION: Front: King springs, Pedders shocks Rear: Coil over shocks BRAKES: VT Commodore disc’s and calipers front and rear.

COLOUR: Wally’s Special Mix Orange.

THANKS TO: My wife Draz for never complaining about the bills for the car, my son Luka and Daughter Tatjana, Wally and the Team at Dreamworks Restoration - the best in the business and always willing to help where needed, Ryan and his staff at Veronica Street Automotive, Nick Gramatkovski from Ignite Auto Electrical for getting the wiring sorted and a big thank you to Frank and Naomi.

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SUPER FLOW ENGINE DYNO STANDARD & PERFORMANCE REBUILDING

138 DUNSTERS LANE, CROOM NSW 2527 Email: sre_mc@hotmail.com

PH 02 4256 0100

Email: sre_mc@hotmail.com

MOBILE 0418 431518

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Killer Pic

CAN’T DRIVE

‘55

Lined up on Pro-Street alley at the DuQuoin Street Machine Nationals, his triple treat of tough, blown ‘55 Chev’s certainly had people talking. Sammy Hagar reckon’s he “can’t drive ‘55?” I reckon he’s not trying hard enough!

Pic by Greg “Beach” Ball

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2018 EJ-EH HOLDEN CLUB OF SOUTHERN NSW SHOW ‘N’ SHINE BLACK BEACH, KIAMA NSW - WORDS / PICS - PAUL BECK

KIAMA Cruise-In Situated 40-minutes south of Wollongong on the NSW South Coast, the sea-side tourist village of Kiama plays host to the annual EJEH Holden Club’s show and shine at one of the most picturesque venues in the country.

Sitting right on Kiama’s harbour, Black Beach is an expansive patch of real estate that could easily hold a few million dollar mansions with its spectacular views and being a short walk to the Marina and shops. Thankfully, the Council have decided that this green area will remain just that, green. Usually the venue for the local monthly markets, amusement fairs at Christmas and various other community events, it’s also the venue for the club to fill each year for their show and shine.

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From early in the morning, the stream of cars flowed into the venue. This continues throughout the day until the venue reaches its capacity, which it normally does midmorning. Attracting cars from as far as Sydney, further down the coast and across the highlands, there’s never a shortage of cool cars and trade stands to take in during the course of the show. The main shopping area, littered with great food outlets is just 5-minute’s walk away which made it attractive for families to be part of the event as well.

The 2018 event was another spectacular success for the club with a couple of hundred cars on display and plenty of lookers making a gold coin donation to charity before wandering through the many different cars on show.

Motorsport Video Specialists Over 6000 Video’s Online and More Added Weekly!

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Factory Options

y r u f o n s w o n k l l e H 2018 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE TRACKHAWK

like a Trackhawk at Full Noise!

I had been waiting a long, long time to jump behind the wheel of the Hellcat-powered Track Hawk Grand Cherokee. And boy, was it worth the wait!

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You know you’re driving a special car when, even when in what I call “pussy-mode”, you can feel the rumble and hear a morethan-slight blower whine emanating from under the scooped bonnet. Turning the dial around to Track Mode and the 707hp, 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi felt like it was trying to rotate the earth at twice the speed! The G-Forces felt from a standing start had you wondering just where you left your stomach behind!

Of course, the Track Hawk is about more than just the raw power from the all-conquering Hemi and 8-speed auto! You know what? That’s a complete lie! It’s ALL about the power! That’s what makes this SUV world-famous. Sure, the interior of the Track hawk is a bloody great space to spend time in whilst enjoying all that grunt, but its the engine that brings the smile to your face, not the ultra-comfy leather seats, or the great sound system, or the full length sun roof.... The heated and cooled seating is superb and the dash layout, with all its extra performance based dials, is easily navigated and offers plenty of information to keep you informed. The full-length sunroof provides plenty of light and just to give that street-racer feel, the good folks at Jeep added red seats belts to contrast the all-black leather trim.

Our test car look sensational in bright sunshine where the red pearl overlay really came into its own. The colour changed dramatically when the ambient light did and at night almost looked burgundy. Either way, the Grand Cherokee kept its stylish appeal from the previous model. The bigger rims shod with super sticky Pirelli tyres announced that this isn’t your everyday, dieselpowered Jeep. It couldn’t be further from it to be honest.

Of course, the Track Hawk is about more than just the raw power from the all-conquering Hemi and 8-speed auto! You know what? That’s a complete lie! It’s ALL about the power!

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This isn’t the ride for you if you drive around saving every cent you can on fuel. Even in conservative mode, this Jeep loves a drink and only likes it from the Top Shelf! In the 9-days I had the Track Hawk, I reckon I pumped more Premium Unleaded into the tank than I would have in my 300C in the past two months. But when you’re dropping over $150K on a brutal performance machine, you already know your new ride has a severe drinking problem. That’s the trade-off for having so much horsepower at your disposal!

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TO LET YOUR

s r o t i t e p m Co

ADVERTISE HERE?

Without doubt, the Track Hawk is the most impressive, factory performance vehicle I have ever driven. Period. The only thing I would do is to tint the front door windows. That’s it. Take a bow everyone at FCA, you’ve created a monster that has set the bar incredibly high for everyone else to strive for. Now show us the Challenger please…

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e v i t a v o n n I t e G r u o y h t i w ! g n i s i t r e Adv

CALL PAUL (0432) 795336 TO SECURE YOUR SPOT

paul@killerrides.com.au

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Window Shopping NEW BILLET SPECIALTIES ROLLERS NOW IN STOCK AT SPEEDPRO

Billet Specialties new Win Lite wheel launches hard with aggressive styling and features for a street and strip wheel. The Win Lite features a machined recessed bolt pad for additional weight savings. This unique feature along with the optimised design of the spokes saves nearly a pound off the weight of similar wheels. The Win Lite’s black hard anodised finish with machined accents is not only durable; the contrast gives it that winning look that makes your car stand out in a crowd. Like our Street Lite wheel, the Win Lite is tested and certified to SFI 15.1 specification for 15” diameters. 17” is SAE J-2530 Certified for your safety. A push through cap is included with each wheel. Like all Billet Specialties products they are made in the USA. Now in stock at Speed Pro call for more details and other products in the range.

Phone (03) 97945177 www.speedpro.com.au

SUPERFORMANCE - PERFORMANCE ENGINE BUILDING FOR OVER 30-YEARS

Engine specialist Superformance has been building Turn Key Performance Engines for more than 30 years. During this period, Superformance has been leading the way in the importation of parts from around the world, in which include used engines suit reconditioning. So if you dont mind getting your hands dirty and like to be more hands on, Superformance can happily set you up with all the parts needed to build a Performance Turn Key Engine yourself. Whether you are looking for a Supercharged, Turbocharged, Diesel or a Marine Engine, Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler or Holden, Superformance have the knowledge and skills to turn dreams into reality. Check our engines out at key events such as Summernats, MotorEx, Hot Rod Shows, Street Rod Nationals, Street Machine shows and many others.

All of our new Engines are Built and tested on an Engine stand or an Engine Dyno if requested. All Turn Key Performance Engines Include Alternator, Air cleaner assembly, Flex plate or Flywheel, Plug Leads, Pulleys, Spark Plugs, Starter Motor, Thermostat, Thermostat housing and Belt. Please Contact Us for all of your Engine Enquiries contact us now - www.superformance.com.au

METAL MAN TOOLS - ELECTRIC BEAD ROLLER - 850MM THROAT DEPTH

TUFF TRANSMISSION MOUNTS

Designed to paired with our Engine Mounts to improve overall performance of your car. Transmission Mounts are suitable for your Race, Street, Drift & Drag cars.Our clients also choose Tuff Mounts for Show and Shine.

Extra Heavy duty for BIG HORSEPOWER applications.

All Tuff Mounts have Specialty Polyurethane bushes designed by our team and are manufactured with high grade steel construction and CNC Aluminium Billet.See our list below to find your model, we have designed solutions for Ford, Holden, Chevrolet, Chrysler and more. Don’t forget to Also checkout our Performance Cross Members! To view the entire range of applications, click on the website here to be taken direct to the listing...

This unit was introduced at the request of many customers that were creating decorative art and sign work and needed that little bit of extra depth over our well known 600mm model.

Features a stiff and strong fully welded frame, not just bolted together.

Made in Australia by Metal Man Tools this stylish Bead Roller features one of the stiffest and strongest frames in the business. It features a large 850mm throat depth and an opening height of 32mm, it has large 25mm shafts, keyed machined steel drive gears and mandrels, suitable for steel up to 1.2mm and aluminium up to 1.5mm, one standard mandrel pair of your choice comes with the unit. With a tough powder coat finish this unit is ready for serious work with it’s variable speed foot control, forward and reverse constant torque motor that makes your deep throat beading an easy one man operation. Simply plug it into 240v and be creative! *One mandrel of your choice included, extra dies, stand and guide are optional at additional cost.

CHECK OUT THIS ITEM AND MANY OTHERS AT WWW.METALMANTOOLS.COM.AU

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vative CALL PAUL o n n I t e G (0432) 795336 r u with yo TO SECURE ! g YOUR SPOT Adver tisin paul@killerrides.com.au

JUST $14.95 each *Free Postage Within Australia!

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year To all of our Advertisers, Readers, Contributors and especially the car owners who have helped us make a huge impact with Killer Rides in our first year, thanks so much for being part of Killer Rides. Hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year!

Motorsport Video Specialists See you all More in 2019Added with Issue #8!

Over 6000 Video’s Online and Weekly!

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