THE latestStreet Machine Hot Rod contains a story on a fascinating piece of Aussie custom history – the tale of the Draggin’ Coupe.

Originally converted from a humble FJ sedan into a svelte two-door by Ian Bradley in the early 1960s, the car was made famous by Lance Simmers, who campaigned the car hard both on the show and drag circuits. When Lance sold the FJ in 1973, it disappeared from view and passed into myth.

Considered to be one of the best-looking of the FJ-based coupes that were built in the 1960s, many thought that the Draggin’ Coupe had rusted into oblivion. The truth, was quite different. A bizarre set of circumstances meant that the FJ had in fact been quite well preserved, as we discovered when we talked to the car’s new owner, John Trunzo back in the 2008Hot Rod Annual. Since then, John has been hard at work restoring the car back to show-winning condition and we bring you the results of his labours in the new mag.