First published in the February 2026 issue of Street Machine

“I finally got my 1971 VG hardtop back on the road in November, after last being registered over 20 years ago.

“Growing up in a family that had tough Fords, I also loved the Blue Oval until I realised the value for money that could be had in Mopars. I bought my first – a freshly painted VC Valiant – for $400 in the late 90s, and went through several over the years.

“I bought this hardtop in 2005 when I was in Canberra visiting family; it was an unfinished project with a 265 Hemi six. The following weekend I borrowed a little truck and a mate’s Bobcat ramps and brought it home.

“Fast-forward to 2025, and the call was made to have the hardtop on the road for my daughter Caitlyn’s Year 10 formal. So, over a period of four months, I worked on the car around 12 hours a day, with very little sleep!

“But with the help of family and friends, the hardtop was on the road with only a few hours to spare for the big formal day.

“Under the bonnet is a freshened-up 318 Mopar small-block, with a rare Edelbrock LD four-barrel inlet, and it really cracks for what it is! It’s backed by a shift-kitted 904 Torqueflite, paired with a shortened, 28-spline, 3.45:1 BorgWarner diff from an EF XR6 station wagon.

“The wheels are 15×6 and 15×8.5 Convo Pros. I couldn’t have got it finished without the help and support of my wife Theresa, who is big on the trim!”

Want your pride and joy featured in the mag? Just send some photos of your car (minimum file size 2MB each) and a few details of what went into the build to readerscars@streetmachine.com.au.