Callan Donnan
Holden HT Monaro

“I’m currently building this Monaro here at Cal’s Garage in Toowoomba. The customer wants it to be useable as a street car but also suited to Powercruise and drag-and-drive events. They left the engine option up to us; the only instructions were that it should be something different and stand out.

“We think this Atomic Performance-built turbo Barra does the trick, although it’s not the easiest engine to install. We had to modify the K-frame and steering rack and make custom engine mounts to get the mill in there, as Barras are very long and tall. We also had to make a custom transmission crossmember to suit the TH400 auto.

“The mini-tubbed rear end will run a Race Products sheet-metal 9in and Gazzard Brothers rear suspension, while a Castlemaine Rod Shop IFS will sort the front end. The engine bay will be painted in factory white, but the rest of the car is going to be left in old undercoat for the time being with different-coloured doors and guards.

“The whole floorpan has been Raptor-coated. The interior will be re-trimmed, and a race shifter and Haltech dash will be installed. The Monaro’s been in the build for a year so far and is roughly six months away from completion.

“All fabrication and assembly has been carried out by the team here at Cal’s Garage, while the paint is by Kustom City Paint & Panel, and Goleby’s Parts has supplied many of the build components.”

Anton Brown
Holden VB Commodore

“After I completed the build on my 1973 HQ ute (Readers’ Rockets, SM, Jun ’21) and my wife Anne’s 1972 One Tonner (Iron Maiden, SM, Oct ’23), we decided it was time for a new project that would keep another classic Holden on the road.

“After some research, we decided on a VB Commodore, as parts are readily available for them and the cost to buy one is not yet beyond the reach of most of the population.

“We bought this one about a year ago but haven’t got very far with it yet, as we are missing three important things right now: time, space and money. It is completely stock and original, right down to the 173 motor, four-speed gearbox and vinyl interior. There’s only a little rust that needs attention, and the paint looks like it was put on with a roller, but it’s complete and an extremely good base to start from.

“Currently, the goal is to get everything back in working order and ship-shape. So far, we’ve refitted all the emissions lines, bought a new fuel tank and got it running. Down the track, we’ll spice it up a little with a new carb, intake and exhaust, and treat it to fresh paint, wheels and interior. Then it’ll be off for rego.

“We’re not aiming to make it into a quarter-mile animal or Elite Hall contender, just something Anne and I and our friends can cruise and have a great time in.”

Marcus Ohms
1948 Willys

“In 2008, I showed my wife a derelict Willys truck on eBay and mentioned that I had dreamed of building one since I was 10 years old. Much to my surprise, she said I should bid on it! Well, then I had to build a workshop to put it in, and the build finally started in 2011.

“It is now a 1948 Willys truck blended with a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We’ve used the Jeep’s Hemi V8 drivetrain, suspension, firewall, floor and dash, but to fit it all in, the cab had to be made 225mm wider and 175mm longer.

“A new lowered roof was made, and every single panel has been modified. I completely hand-formed the bed, along with the hardlid, which lifts electrically.

“It passed engineering, EPA and roadworthy testing first go, and is fully registered. I’ve been to 30 events and covered 4000 trouble-free kilometres in the truck’s first nine months on the road. However, it’s now been fully stripped back down for painting; hopefully it will be back on the road soon.

“I did all panel, mechanical, electrical and upholstery work myself at home, with the undying support of my wife Lisa. You can find more photos and info about the build process at willyshotrod.com.”

Mathew Alexander
Holden VL Commodore

“This is my uncle’s 1986 VL Commodore that he’s had for a few years now; it’s currently in the process of being built into a tough streeter.

“It runs a tunnel-rammed LS2 built by Warspeed Industries, with a built TH400 sitting behind it. It’s mini-tubbed and sitting on 20in matte-black Simmons wheels.” Words: Riley Alexander

Got a sweet ride that’s currently in the build and want to share it with our readers? Email photos of it (2MB+ each) along with some details on the build to [email protected].