With two Street Machine features (Jan-Feb ’87 and Jun ’93), Top 10 placings at Summernats 6 and 8 and a Top 20 spot at ’Nats 7 to its name, the pedigree of Steve Hodges’ 1971 HG Holden ute is beyond dispute.

First published in the November 2024 issue of Street Machine

Powered by a stout 327ci small-block under Steve’s ownership, the HG was built for drag racing, but the lifelong truck mechanic eventually sold it on after becoming frustrated at the lack of dedicated drag venues in Sydney at the time. Somewhat ironically, the ute then spent 15 years tearing up drag strips in Perth.

Happily, Steve had the opportunity in 2020 to buy the HG back, and he’s since been making up for lost time by getting it out and about around Sydney. Now powered by a 427, the ute still looks as slick as ever, so we thought it was time to catch up with Steve for a chinwag and get a closer look at SH-396.

The SH-396 plates have always been a signature feature of the HG, but did it ever actually run a big-block?

No, but lots of people thought it did, as it was good for 12s at Eastern Creek. In its day, the 327 went really hard, especially for a little small-block. But no, I never considered going big-block. I ordered SH-000 plates, and SH-396 is just what came; that’s just how it was back then.

How did it evolve over the time you first owned it?

It changed a lot in the early days. It had a succession of hot sixes, along with lots of broken Aussie four-speeds, axles and diffs, before I went to the 327 in ’84. It went from a Ford eight-inch diff and 15×10 12-slotters hanging out of the guards, to small tubs and a shortened nine-inch to tuck in the 12-slotters by the time of its first Street Machine story in 1987.

Then I bought a set of 15×10 Welds and 12-inch Hoosiers back from the US – no way they were going to fit! That prompted me to pull it off the road, four-link the rear, add bigger tubs and the rollcage, and put a lot more detail into it. That’s how it was when it was in SM again in ’94.

You were runner-up to Peter Fitzpatrick’s FC in Top Super Street at Summernats 7 in 1994 – that’s some illustrious company!

In the three years I did shows, Pete and I were at a lot of the same events. We were regularly taking trophies off each other. It was a friendly rivalry, and we’re still good friends to this day.

What did you do after selling the ute?

I used the money from selling the HG to go racing in the V8 Ute Series; I went racing all over Australia. I’d built the HG to go drag racing, but not having a dedicated drag strip here in Sydney for so long, I didn’t see the point – that’s why I sold it and went circuit racing instead.

Who ended up with the HG in the meantime?

I sold it to Kevin Hort, who bought it for his son, Ethan, to race in Perth. They’re a great family who really looked after it. We became friends, and I would catch up with them whenever I was over racing at Wanneroo.

When they put it up for sale, loads of people messaged me, so I rang and said I had to have it, as I’d always regretted selling it. Ethan commented that he was glad I’d called, as he felt I should have the car back.

Did Kevin do you a good deal?

I paid a lot more to buy it back, but truth be told, I sold it with a 450hp 327 and bought it back with a 650hp, 427ci small-block. It’s got a Dart block, AFR alloy heads, 1050 Dominator carb, parachute and loads of good gear, plus a built TH400 with transbrake. Considering the value of these cars nowadays, I reckon I pretty much got a free engine upgrade.

What condition was it in when you got it back?

Really good. Underneath was covered in black exhaust soot, as the Horts ran straight headers with no exhaust. I just wiped it down, polished it up and it looked like new. In fact, other than touching up a small scratch on the rear quarter – that I did – it’s never been resprayed!

Have you built other cars?

A few circuit racers. However, I’ve got two Toranas. My partner Linda and I joined the NSW Torana Club and love going away with fellow enthusiasts. The red LX SL/R sedan has an LS and six-speed, while the green LX hatch has got everything: a 620hp 427ci LS, twin Holley Terminator X, six-speed, power steering, air con, deep-dish Simmons wheels and SH-427 plates.

What does the future hold for the HG?

Not sure. I bought it back with the intention of going drag racing – it was ready to go. But then I did a wedding, so I chucked an exhaust and street tyres on it. I also did Paul Beck’s show, as the ute was at his very first show way back. This has brought back great memories; it’s just like being in the 80s and 90s again! It’s given me that buzz. I do have another straight, rust-free HK ute shell that I already have some crafty ideas for. I love doing all the engineering work. Besides, I already have the encouragement from Linda – it’s green lights everywhere!

STEVE HODGES
1971 HG HOLDEN UTE