Piloting rumbling-engined machines has become Judi Karaka’s way of life. The New Zealand expat is a copper recycling facility supervisor and excavator operator, while her spare time is spent behind the wheel of either her neat 322ci nailhead ’55 Buick Century or stout, Hemi-powered ’34 Ford three-window, as she promotes, runs or attends car meets.

First published in the January 2025 issue of Street Machine

Sounds like you’re a keen revhead, Judi!

I take one of my cars to an event every weekend, and I don’t mind travelling to get there. If I miss a week, I get itchy feet. Also, I run the All Things Classic Facebook page, promoting events across Victoria. I love to organise events and fundraisers, too, which led me to recently create the All Things Classic Car Club.

Tell us about your ’55 Buick Century.

It’s the first car that I’ve solely owned; I’ve had it for about 12 years now. When I bought the Buick, there weren’t many around – it’s pillarless, with great curves and lines and a lot of chrome. And I needed a four-door, as I have three boys.

Done much to it?

The paint was covered in crow’s feet, so some friends and I stripped it back to bare metal. Thankfully, there wasn’t a speck of rust or bog in the car – I’m pretty happy about that! A spray painter friend laid the paint for me.

It was a big project, with amazing friends helping me to restore it. I don’t mind giving things a go.

How about your ’34 Ford coupe?

I have always liked ’34s, and I had one before, but I was in a bad accident in it five years ago. When it came time to get another ’34, I started looking and the 392ci in this one caught my attention – I think the Hemis are a real rodder’s motor and something different.

Had it long?

About two-and-a-half years now. A Brisbane race-car driver of some sort built it, though I bought it from a guy in Victoria. Everything was yellow, including the Hemi and nine-inch diff, which I’ve toned down by stripping or repainting those areas. And the TH700 has been rebuilt after it caught fire just out of Yass on our way to the Hot Rod & Custom Auto Expo in Rosehill.

My mechanic, Mario, found the trans line was pinched when it was put back in by a previous mechanic, which stopped oil flow. Now that the trans is working well, I’ll try for Sydney again this year.

The hot rod is comfortable, handles like a go-kart and sits nicely on the road. And it always gets a lot of comments, including the usual ones about it being my husband’s car – and I respond with, “I’m single and it’s mine!”

Sounds like you’ve got a top bunch of mates, too.

I have a good group of car people who’ve rallied around me. Also, my three sons, Dillon, Jordon and Hayden, support my classic car hobby. As does Mario from MGA Service Centre – he’ll explain everything to me and point out what I can do myself. He’s very encouraging.

Girls — wanna be famous? Become an Iron Maiden! Email car details, pics (2MB+) and contact deets to [email protected]. You and your ride could appear in the mag!