First published in the April 2026 issue of Street Machine

“This is our 1968 VE VIP V8 Valiant, which has earned every mark on its skin. It was the pace and push car at the Wilby Circuit in Victoria.

“Eventually, it was left in a paddock outside Wangaratta for 15-20 years. We came across it, and came back to collect it a month later, dragging it out of a muddy paddock, flat tyres and all.

“We loaded it up, crossed two state borders, detoured to Flynn’s Cooma for parts, and hauled it to the Sunshine State.

“In the two years since then, all the rust has been cut out, the roof gutters have been repaired, and it has new floorpans and boot pans.

“The carburettor’s been rebuilt, and there’s a new ignition, cooling system, radiator and water pump. It fired on the first turn of the key!

“Underneath, it has had a full front end and steering overhaul, torsion bars and new springs on the rear, and new brakes and shocks all ’round.

“Inside, it’s still VIP, with the original seat cushions reupholstered in the factory pattern, and refurbished original door trims and retrimmed coffin console.

“On the outside, the patina and speedway graphics are staying, because every scrape, fade, and chip tells a story of where and what it has done.

“Hopefully its first proper outing will be at the Brunswick Heads Hot Rod Show in July.”

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