On this episode of Aussie Garage, we roll up the doors and step into serious project territory with Joe — a dedicated early Holden enthusiast whose garage tells the story of passion, persistence, and just a little bit of project overload.
Joe’s love affair with the EH, EJ, HR, and HQ era of Holdens started young, riding shotgun in his dad’s Holdens as a kid. Those memories have clearly stuck, because today, Joe is knee-deep in not one, but four classic Holden projects. And as we found out, when opportunity knocks, Joe tends to answer — with a car trailer and toolbox in hand.
Project 1: HR Wagon Sleeper Build
First up is a beautifully straight HR wagon that Joe picked up in rare condition. With minimal rust and only some minor damage to fix, this was a dream find for any HR fan. Joe’s already repaired the damage, painted the engine bay and door jambs, and had the K-frame blasted and powder-coated. His vision? A “grandpa spec” sleeper with a V8 under the hood — something subtle but seriously quick.
Project 2: The Original EJ Time Capsule
Joe’s second project is a recent acquisition — an EJ Holden that’s as original as they come. Still wearing its factory paint and trim, and free from any rust bucket horror stories, this car is a true survivor. With solid floors and sills, Joe’s plan is to give it just enough love to get it running again. It’s currently missing a motor, but with its condition, this one’s all about preservation over transformation.
Project 3: HR Restoration That Escalated Quickly
What started as a “quick tidy-up” turned into another full-blown restoration. This HR Holden was bought as a runner, but once Joe got stuck in, he found rust — and lots of it. Not one to back down, Joe has tackled the rust head-on, and the car is now looking solid once more. It might not have been part of the original plan, but it’s well on its way to becoming another head-turner in Joe’s collection.
Project 4: The Dream Build — HQ Monaro
And then there’s the one. Joe’s dream car — a HQ Monaro 2-door — is the crown jewel of the garage. This one has been years in the making, and the level of craftsmanship is next-level. Painted in stunning Shockwave Blue, the body is flawless from top to bottom, thanks to a full rotisserie build. Underneath, it’s packing serious heat: a 350 stroked to 383 with alloy heads, Turbo 400 transmission, and a tough 9-inch diff. It’s almost complete — just waiting on glass, some trim, and a few mechanical finishing touches like the radiator.
The Verdict
Talking with Joe was a blast — his enthusiasm is infectious, and the work he’s doing is nothing short of impressive. Whether it’s a subtle sleeper build, a faithful restoration, or a high-end dream machine, Joe’s garage is full of Aussie classics being brought back to life with skill and care.
We can’t wait to see these builds hit the road. Thanks for tuning in, and as always, stay classic.
— The Aussie Garage Team
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