Ricky Brown
Holden HQ Kingswood

“I had always wanted to buy an HQ Holden, as it was the model I learnt to drive in as a kid. About 18 months ago, I found this 1974 Kingswood here in Adelaide, still wearing its factory Barbados Green paint and with a bunch of work already sorted by the previous owner, so I snapped it up.

“All I’ve done since is some upgrades to improve the performance. It runs a 390rwhp, 400ci small-block Chev V8 topped with an Edelbrock Victor Jr manifold and a Holley 750 carb, and the Pacemaker headers flow into a 2½in exhaust system.

“Behind the mill is a TH700 with a 4000rpm converter, and a built 10-bolt diff with a 3.55:1-geared Truetrac and One Tonner axles. The Weld Draglite wheels measure 15×6 on the front and 15×8 out back.

“My partner absolutely loves cruising in the car with me and is just building up the courage to take it around the block herself! Thanks to John Scorpos and Enzo at JSR Race Engines for all the mechanical and dyno work, and Daimo at Corsa Lumina for his awesome photos.” Photos: Corsa Lumina

Jordan Basic
Holden VK Berlina

“I bought my 1984 VK Berlina about two years ago from Melbourne, with only 80,000km on the clock. The previous owner had already done a bunch of work to it, including a bare-metal respray back to the original colour and installing a new, North Vic Engines-built LS1 383 stroker and a fully manualised TH400.

“My original plan was just to make it a good-looking streeter, so I bought 17×4.5 front and 15×10 rear Weld Magnums for it. I then needed to mini-tub the rear to get the 15x10s under the guards, and things snowballed a bit from there. I ended up getting a GJ Drivelines 3in tailshaft; a Shane’s Chassis fully fabbed, sheet-metal 9in diff with a Diff Technics Pro nodular-iron centre and Mark Willams 35-spline axles; Wilwood disc brakes all ’round; a new fuel system; and a fuel cell in the boot.

“The interior is still completely original and in perfect condition; I just had to shave the rear seat a bit to clear the mini-tubs, but you’d never know. I wanted the car to look as period-correct as possible and be a reliable streeter, but still have some fun with the lads in it at Powercruise and Summernats. Down the track, I plan to get a bigger engine for it, but I’m unsure whether to go blown or keep it naturally aspirated but step the cubes up to 440.

“Big thanks to Ty at Pro Finish for getting the whole rear end done; Judd’s Speed Shop for all the bits and pieces engine- and fuel-wise; Ben at Hills Performance for having the engine always reliable; and Wicked Reflectionz for always keeping it looking mint.” Photos: 355 Media

Peter Wijsman
Holden LJ Torana

“This LJ Torana was bought as a cool father-and-son project for my son, Peter. It was mostly complete and running but needed bodywork to finish it off.

“After we carried out some rust repairs and added fluted guards and an XU-1-style spoiler, it was ready for paint. We settled on GM-H Mustard with blackouts added, and Peter painted it himself in the shed at home. It runs a mild 202 with a Yella Terra head and triple Strombergs, backed by a Supra five-speed and 3.55-geared diff.

“It’s been on the road for two years now and has been a good turn-key cruiser. Future plans include a potential triple-Weber upgrade and maybe some bigger wheels.” Words: Brad Wijsman

Want your pride and joy featured in the mag? Just send some photos of your car (minimum file size 2MB each) and a few details of what went into the build to [email protected].