DYLAN MATWIJOW
HOLDEN VX COMMODORE SS

“Here’s possibly Australia’s cleanest VX SS! Before builder’s fever hit the car, it was a standard, plain, untouched one-owner vehicle with under 80,000km on the clock. It wasn’t long before me pouring money into it became a familiar sensation. It’s only running a baby cam and freshened LS1 heads (with all the supporting mods as well), but the Harrop 2300 supercharger sure woke this beast up, as it makes just shy of 500hp at the wheels.

“From frying the tyres to Nan driving it to the shops, it offers the best of both worlds. It tucks 10in-wide Lenso D-1R wheels thanks to the Air Ride suspension, and a full exhaust system including ceramic-coated extractors gives this car the perfect note at all times. With the interior being in immaculate condition, it had to be kept. I hydrodipped the dash fascia trims, custom-moulded the airbag gauge and added some rear cup holders to set it off while still keeping a sleek appeal.

“The boot again had to be kept practical and clean, hiding the airbag set-up along with a hidden storage compartment for all the cleaning gear. It also features a genuine Monaro bonnet, Calais rear garnish, custom drop tank cover and more!”

Photos: Ben Hosking

LINDA RENNIE
FORD CORTINA MK1 CORTINA

“Over eight years, my husband Dave lovingly restored my Mk1 Cortina. The car was made a convertible by a previous owner, and it was ready for the car graveyard. She has had major structural work to strengthen her, which includes a rollcage and a complete box frame.

“We purchased a donor car for the engine, which is a 4.6-litre Range Rover V8. She has a five-speed automatic gearbox with overdrive, and HiSpec disc brakes all ’round. We had Porsche seats shipped from Scotland, and retrimmed the interior ourselves, which included leather to match the seats.

“The paintwork is candy purple, and all the bodywork was completed by my husband. Wheel-wise, instead of going for the norm, which would have been Minilites, we decided to have a set of rims custom-made for the car. She also has electric power steering, which helps make it an amazing ride.“

THE CALAIS KIDS
MERCEDES-BENZ W114

“Here’s my Mercedes. It used to race back in the day, but had been stored away for a decade or so. I purchased it and am starting to rebuild it to finally bring it back to life. In terms of running gear, it had a 454ci BBC and ’Glide in its early days, but I have opted to go down the nice and efficient turbo LS and Powerglide path.

“It will be getting a different colour, but will keep its original name, The Bahnstorma. You can find more about it on The Calais Kids YouTube channel.”

TROY BILLINGTON
HOLDEN LJ TORANA

“This is my 1973 LJ Torana, which is a replica of the great Peter Brock’s 1972 Bathurst-winning car. I have owned it for almost two years and love driving it. I had the pleasure of taking it around the Bathurst track last October for the 50th anniversary of the Great Race; it was an awesome event organised by Muscle Car Events Australia.

“There were 72 LC and LJ Toranas at the track that day, and 12 of those cars had just completed a lap around Australia in the ’Round the Block for Brock rally. Such an awesome achievement celebrating a great Australian icon.”

CHRISTIAN HANSCOMBE
FORD BF FALCON WAGON

“My BF Falcon wagon packs a built turbo Barra that’s fed 22psi. Behind that is a T56 manual and M86 diff. It makes 383hp at the wheels, with 737lb-ft of torque, and is engineered and mod-plated as my daily driver.”

SHAUN RICHARDSON
1956 BUICK SPECIAL

“This is my wife Debbie’s fully restored 1956 Buick Special that runs a factory 322 nailhead and Dynaflow auto.”

PAUL BERRYMAN
HOLDEN HQ ONE TONNER

“My 1972 HQ One Tonner runs a 355 stroker and a fully manualised TH400 trans with a 4500rpm stall. The rear end has a nine-inch diff with 31-spline billet axles and 4.33:1 full spool. I’ve had the Tonner for about three years now, and I still have some work to do on it.”

TROY HEARD
FORD FAIRLANE

“This is my 1963 Ford Compact Fairlane, with a 434ci Clevo up front that is good for 680hp through a Powerglide transmission. It’s mini-tubbed and runs Calvert suspension.”

Want to feature your ride?

Send photos of your car and a few details of what went into the build to Readers’ Rockets, Street Machine, Unit 9/3-5 Gilda Court, Mulgrave, Vic 3170 or email [email protected]. Please note: Send us copies of prints as we are unable to return your photos.