First published in the August 2024 issue of Street Machine

“This is my 1970s poor man’s Monaro – an HG Kingswood. I’ve owned this car going on six years now, and I used to daily drive it in its original patina.

“It was once a rusty ex-Melbourne taxi, but as I’m in the automotive refinishing trade, I was able to put all my knowledge and skill into doing a full bare-metal restoration.

“It was originally a 186-powered car with a three-on-the-tree manual, but I’ve now replaced those with a 5.7L Gen III LS1 and a floor-shift Turbo 350.

“It has also been mini-tubbed and runs a built Truetrac nine-inch diff out back. It has been a long journey so far, involving lots of blood, sweat and an empty wallet, and I’ve still got a fair bit to go, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!”