Some of the original panels from Peter Kanicky’s VH Charger have come full circle, returning to him by chance after many years. He’s now in the process of restoring the car while still keeping the character of the patina look. Here’s his story.

First published in the February 2025 issue of Street Machine

“Here is my 1971 VH Valiant Charger. I bought this car off eBay around 2010 for about a week’s wage. It was a rolling shell with a white passenger door and green CM front panels.

“It sat in my parents’ hayshed until mid-2023, when I finally brought it home and started work on it. About this time, a mate sent me pics of a CL panel van he’d bought; miraculously, it had the original VH front guards off my car, so we arranged to get them back.

“Even more amazingly, about a week later, a Charger came up on Marketplace with my original VH door on it! I was able to do a trade there too, and after 13 years of ownership, my Val had its original sheet metal back!

“It has a hot 265 for power with a three-on-the-floor gearbox. I’m currently in the process of replacing the boot floor and lower quarter panels.

“I also have fresh blue trim waiting to go in, and I plan on painting the boot floor, underside and engine bay, but otherwise I’ll be doing the bare minimum to it – I want to keep its patina.”