“I started work on my 1961 EK Holden Special in 2008 with the intention of restoring it to original. A couple of years on, Dad and I decided to go all out and put a V8 in it instead, while keeping it looking original, but with FB side flashes. The process took 15+ years! COVID helped me hurry things along, and having a second child on the way really pushed me to get it registered; we got it roadworthy two days before they were born!

“It now runs a rebuilt L98 with a mild Crow cam, an RB30 radiator, Haltech Elite 950, a TH700 trans and a BorgWarner LSD.

“Inderneath, there’s Castlemaine Rod Shop independent front suspension, and standard leaf springs with a two-link out back. The Smoothie wheels are 15×6 on the front and 15×9 on the rear, hiding disc brakes all ’round.

“My dad Wayne did the bodywork before painting it in Mazda Soul red and Mazda Pearl white. Trim is factory EK. We wanted to keep the sleeper look, so there is a column shift for the TH700 using parts from Outlaw Speed Shop. Gauges are Dakota Digital and there is a Bluetooth stereo hidden in the ashtray holder.

“Thanks to Heinrich Performance & Tuning for the engine rebuild; Rob at RMF Race Fabrications Lonsdale for engine fitment; MV Automatics for the trans; Danny at DesignWire Motorsport Electrical for the engine loom and ECU; and A Class Metal Finishers for the chroming.”

Photos: Liam Mickan Photography

ENGINE

• L98, rebuilt
• Mild Crow cam
• Haltech Elite 950
• RB30 radiator
• Electric water pump
• TH700 trans
• Borg Warner LSD

SUSPENSION

• Castlemaine Rodshop IFS (f)
• Leaf springs with two-link (r)
• Wilwood discs (f & r)

ROLLING STOCK

• Smoothies
• Front: 15×6 185/65R15
• Rear: 15×9 295/50R15