Local Muscle On Show At Repco

Local Muscle On Show At Repco

By Mark Humphrey

Geelong, Vic/Aus. 13^th September 2014. Local auto enthusiasts clubs Freeway, FX-HZ Holden and Renegade Hot Rod & Custom Club combined to put on a static motor display at two Repco Auto Parts stores to benefit local Scout and Guide clubs.

Mint examples of cars from yesteryear as well as modern day cars lined up side by side in static displays at the Geelong and Hoppers Crossing Repco Auto Parts outlets. Along with the array of vehicles were trade displays set up to accommodate the wandering minds of spectators who had ventured out to check out all the action.                                                                                                                   

1st stop was in Geelong where I caught up with several members of the Geelong FX-HJ Holden’s branch. Branch President Colin Brown had his 69 HT Brougham out on display sporting a late model VR injected 5 litre V8 running on straight gas. Like a lot of enthusiasts Colin has owned the car for the best part of his adult life. Having owned the car for just on 40 years the car sat in a shed from 1974-78 waiting for a resto job. With the help of his son Michael, Colin gave the Brougham a complete overhaul including the fuel injected power plant and has been a daily driver since returning to the road in 2004. The plan is to keep the car in the family for eternity.

Sitting just to the side of the Brougham was Michael Ford’s 67 HR Holden wagon. Purchased just on 12 months ago Michael is undecided whether to do a complete resto on the wagon or preserve its original condition. In some cases the odd scratch and worn paint seems to enhance the character of a vehicle with the HR wagon fitting this criteria perfectly. The cars runs a 161 power plant hooked up to a 3 on the tree manual box with a standard rear end. Michael says the car will sit on 110 kph all day every day.

Andrew Robertson was there showcasing his pristine midnight blue FJ Holden. A legend of Australian motoring, the FJ Holden has been an icon to the Australian way of life and even had popular songs written about the car. Andrew purchased the FJ about 18 months ago and although the paint was complete Andrew had to finish off the resto job which included a mechanical overhaul. The original 138 ci grey motor coupled to the original gearbox powers the ol’ FJ quite nicely along the road. Recently registered, Andrew opted to go along the full registration path rather than the popular “club Rego”. “It gives me more freedom with the vehicle not having to worry about a log book” he said. A quick look under the bonnet revealed just how original Andrew had kept the vehicle with the original copper washer bottle holder evident.

Next port of call was the Repco Hoppers Crossing branch some 50 k’s up the road. This was a bigger display with some serious horsepower on show. Local dude Andrew had the covers off his canary yellow VN Commodore. Putting out an impressive 350kw’s of power at the rears Andrew prefers to show the car along with the odd burnout comp. “No point having a car for show if it doesn’t go”. Andrew started on the build last August as a new project and has consumed his time for the best part of a year.

Clive Robert had his Holden HJ 1 Tonner on display boasting some nice little custom tricks. A member of the FX-HJ Holden club Clive purchased the vehicle as an unfinished project and spent more than 18 months putting on the finishing touches. “Basically the paint was done but I had to do everything else” he said. “I purchased new guards and wheels, hand built the tray, rear guards and the rear stop light detail”. The 1 tonner was finished in a Plasma Tech Gold multi flake paint job with a unique matching metalflake interior. The tonner runs a Holden 308 V8 coupled to a T400 auto with a standard diff. The rear suspension has been air bagged to keep the wheels from rubbing on the guards.

Everywhere you looked there was a story to be told from the mint EJ Holden to the Shelby Cobra replica. Shannon’s Insurance was on hand to answer any insurance questions along with trade stands from Throttle Gals and Iron Heads Custom Motorcycles. The Rev Heds crew were there putting together a video clip of the day and members of the Renegades Hot Rod & Custom Club were there promoting the next show on the local calendar.

Renegades Hot Rod & Custom Club present Westside Autorama & Bike Show,

Sunday 28^th of September, Grieve Parade Altona North. Doors open 10.00am.

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