Not only was Matt Etchell’s XE Falcon built in his parents’ garage, both his mum and dad helped out along the way. Here, Matt tells his story.

First published in the October 2025 issue of Street Machine

“I bought my 1982 XE Falcon when I was 18. It was originally meant to be a simple project, but like all cars, it snowballed. In the end, it turned into a wicked street car that’s going to get me into some trouble!

“It was fully built on axle stands in the garage of my parents’ house, with lots of help from Mum and Dad.

“All the panel and paint was done in the garage, as well – which Mum wasn’t too happy with, as the house stank of paint!

“As for the engine, it’s a 347ci Windsor with AFR aluminium heads, ITBs and a lightened flywheel. It definitely barks!

“It’s super snappy, happily free-revving all the way up to its full 500hp.

“Behind it is a T5 manual gearbox, and it’s being controlled by a Link G4 Extreme computer.

“It’s rolling on one-of-one custom three-piece Minilite-style wheels, and the car was finished in March of this year.”

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].