THE March issue of Street Machine goes on sale 26 January, but if you are in Melbourne this weekend, you can check out the March 2017 cover car in the metal at the Victorian Hot Rod and Cool Rides show.

Inspired by the panel vans he saw in his youth and Aaron Mackley’s VANTASY, Doug MacDonald set out to build a tough HG Holden van that got more than a little out of control. Slammed down hard over 18 and 20-inch Intros and covered in bright green De Beer duco, the HG is the star debut of this weekend’s show.

Under the bonnet is a stock 6.0-litre LS2 V8, equipped with twin GT35 turbos and backed by a T56-six speed manual ‘box. Underneath is a Rod-Tech front end, four link rear and Shockwaves all round. Getting the car low wasn’t just left to the mechanicals – the body was channelled over the chassis and the sills extended to get the look Doug was after.

There are is a ton of subtle body mods in Doug’s van, including the trick bonnet and smooth engine bay. One of the highlights of the car is the trick– but tasteful- interior that includes a custom dash, suede headlining from front to back and cut-down VY SS buckets.

The van is just one of a bunch of stunning cars at the Victorian Hot Rod and Cool Rides Show, held in the beautiful Exhibition Building in Carlton. It is open tonight until 10.00pm, then from 10am to 10pm Saturday and 10am to 6pm Sunday. Entry is $28.00 for adults, $15.00 for kids under 12 and $56 for families. As well as the car inside the hall, there is an endlessly rotating outdoor display of cool rides that come and go from the VIP parking area in the forecourt, which is a real bonus in itself. For more info, check out the Victorian Hot Rod Show website.