Readers’ rockets: Hudson Wasp, family-heirloom HQ GTS Monaro, RB25DET-powered VL Commodore, XB coupe + more

Bligh Endacott
Hudson Wasp

We spotted Bligh’s ’51 Hudson Wasp at Dubbo Motorfest, where it was awarded Best Custom in the Street class. We had to know more, so Bligh’s son Indy filled us in:

“The Hudson build started as a distraction for Bligh after his best mate, Dave, was sick with cancer, but unfortunately, he passed away before it was complete. It was originally a four-door, but Bligh has made it into a two-door sitting on an HQ chassis.

“It has also been chopped six inches in the back and three in the front. Other mods include a single-spinner front windscreen, an upside-down FJ Holden rear window, and airbags all ’round. Powerwise, Bligh used all-VN Commodore running gear: 304 V8 stroked to 355ci, Turbo 700 gearbox, and BorgWarner diff. It also has mod cons like electric windows, a/c and heater! It drives unreal, and it’s probably the most low-maintenance car we have.”

Luke Townsend
HQ Holden Monaro

“This genuine HQ GTS Monaro has been in my family for over 30 years. I bought it off my brother in April 2022 and wasted no time in getting stuck into a full nut-and-bolt restoration, which took us roughly 18 months. It was finished and on the road in September 2023.

“First, we had it stripped back to bare metal and professionally painted back to its original Monterey Green colour. The rest of the build we completed ourselves in our back shed.

“The engine is the matching-numbers, high-compression 253, which we fully rebuilt along with the Trimatic transmission and 10-bolt Salisbury diff. We also fitted a brand-new black and Houndstooth GTS interior.

“Our plan for the car now is to enjoy it by taking it to a few car shows and cruises, as well as to any local charity fundraising events for a good cause.”

Jaidyn McIntosh
Holden VT Commodore

“I purchased my 1998 VT Commodore in the Burdekin region in North Queensland in 2021. My dad found it sitting in a backyard, unregistered, with terrible paint and wheels, and a bunch of leaves sitting on it.

“My dad and I bought it with the intention of just giving it a good detail, adding new wheels and selling it for a profit, but as every enthusiast knows, I couldn’t just do that.

“So, over three years, my dad and I completely stripped the car of its interior, engine and trans, and then rebuilt the engine with a 232/234 cam and supporting mods like an upgraded timing set, LS7 lifters, dual valve springs, new pushrods and oil pump, and an underdrive balancer.

“Behind the motor is a built, shift-kitted 4L60E with a 3000rpm stall. It has stainless Manta 17/8in headers and a 3in stainless cat-back exhaust system, which makes it sound tough-as. The suspension now consists of coil-overs in the front and airbags out back to tuck the nice, 20in staggered Walkies.

“Inside, we added HSV Coulson seats and white rear venetians, and had the interior trimmed in red leather. After that, Dad and I sanded the car back and had it painted in the original Raven Mica Pearl.”

John Tearle
Ford XB Falcon

“My 1973 XB coupe was purchased about 23 years ago for $1200 – it was due to go to the wreckers the next day.

“At the time, it was running a 250 2V six-cylinder and single-rail four-speed, but it’s since had a 351C and the current 302C.

“I’ve done everything on the car myself, from mechanical to paint, and it’s never been off the road for longer than a few days since I’ve owned it.

“With the original purchase price, the cost of two engines and everything else, it only owes me about seven grand! I get offers on it all the time!”

Troy Appleton
Holden VL Commodore

“Here’s my 1988 VL Turbo, powered by a Nissan RB25DET from an R33 Skyline and backed by the VL Turbo five-speed manual and 28-spline LSD. That work was done by Allen White in 2016.

I have upgraded the turbo to a GT30 and put in a twin-plate racing clutch from Direct Clutch Services, along with a bigger alternator and a new 3in exhaust system with high-flow cats.