The First Evolution: Enter the V8

John’s first major step in his build journey was to bring in more power. He decided to give his hatchback the muscle it deserved by converting it to a V8. To accomplish this, John sourced parts from an SLR5000, taking its 253 V8 engine and drivetrain and transplanting them into his Torana. This was the first evolution of his dream car, and it marked a turning point for John—he was no longer just an owner but a creator, shaping the car to reflect his unique vision.

The Full Restoration: Turning Dreams into Reality

Fast forward to 2015, when John took his Torana off the road for a complete restoration. It was time for his vision to be fully realized. He stripped the car down, allowing him to meticulously plan each step of the rebuild. When it came time to choose a color, he settled on a striking white base, accented with blackouts precisely where he wanted them. For John, the Torana’s iconic flares were a must, so he added a full body kit to give the car a bold, aggressive look, finishing it off with 14-inch Hotwire Wheels that perfectly fill the flared guards.

Under the Hood: Performance to Match the Looks

For the engine, John chose a 5.0L 304, as 308s are becoming rare, and he wanted the VN heads setup for better performance and reliability. Paired with a Supra 5-speed gearbox and a Borg Warner differential, this combination delivers the power and drivability John dreamed of. This setup not only boosts the car’s performance but also gives it a unique edge, blending classic Torana elements with modern enhancements.

The Interior: A Modern Nod to Classic Style

Inside, John aimed for a classic look with a modern touch. The interior features herringbone upholstery complemented by grey dash panels, maintaining the Torana’s original charm with refined upgrades. He kept the original radio but gave it a clever Bluetooth upgrade, combining the nostalgia of classic audio with today’s convenience. With an SS steering wheel tying it all together, the cabin of John’s Torana is immaculate, a place where classic and modern converge seamlessly.

The Heart and Soul of a Dream Build

Every inch of John’s LX Holden Torana SS Hatchback is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the project. The combination of the bold paintwork, the aggressive stance, the throaty sound of the V8, and the timeless interior styling makes this Torana a true showstopper. It’s a car that demands attention and admiration, an all-around stunner that embodies John’s dream and dedication.

We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed featuring John’s incredible build. Thanks for tuning in, and keep an eye out for more remarkable builds from passionate car enthusiasts just like John here on Aussie Garage.

The post John’s LX Holden Torana SS Hatchback Dream Build: A Tribute to Classic Muscle and Personal Passion appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

Clive’s passion has led him to run a car storage facility, where he takes care of some prized machines. His knowledge of each car he looks after is extensive, and he ensures the owners are part of a community with regular social events. It’s clear he’s created an environment where both cars and relationships thrive.

The 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia: A Targa Tasmania Champion

One of the standout cars in Clive’s collection is a 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia. Far from stock, this car has quite the backstory. Built by a father and son team in Canberra in 2001, it was designed specifically to compete in the legendary Targa Tasmania. And it didn’t just compete—it dominated, winning multiple times and earning a reputation as a real contender in the event. Clive first bought this car on behalf of a client, but after borrowing it for a race, he couldn’t resist and ended up purchasing it for himself. He proudly declares it as the most successful race car he’s ever owned.

The Porsche 914: A Jägermeister Tribute

Next in line is a Porsche 914, a car that Clive describes as a “beast.” A few years ago, he had what he calls a “crazy idea” that these cars were undervalued, so he scooped up a couple and advised his friends to do the same. He was right—the value of the Porsche 914 has since risen. But for one of these cars, Clive had something special in mind.

Inspired by the first Porsche 914 ever sponsored by Jägermeister, Clive transformed his 914 into a bright orange tribute to the iconic car. The original Jägermeister CEO thought the car’s initial design was too dull, and so it was quickly redone in the now-famous vibrant orange with bold decals. Clive replicated this look to perfection, but the car isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s equipped with a serious driveline boasting close to 300 horsepower. To handle all that power, Clive had to upgrade the gearbox. He calls the car “unforgiving,” a real challenge to drive, especially when things go sideways. But as he talked about wrestling with this machine, that familiar smile crept back onto his face—it’s clear he loves every second behind the wheel.

A Passion Beyond the Track

Our conversation with Clive was nothing short of inspiring. His passion for racing, restoring classics, and creating a community around cars was palpable. We hope you enjoyed getting to know Clive and his incredible cars as much as we did.

Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you on the next episode!

The post Clive’s Race Car Passion: Love for Speed and Performance! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

The 1973 Ford Cobra Jet Mach 1 Mustang

First up is the 1973 Ford Cobra Jet Mach 1 Mustang, a true beast on wheels and Peter’s personal favorite. The car’s journey with Peter began when he purchased it from a company planning to use it as a promotional vehicle for their performance division. However, when the project fell through, Peter seized the opportunity to bring this Mustang into his collection.

Though the car had already been painted, it still required significant assembly and some trim work. Peter found himself unpacking 40-odd boxes of parts that came with the car and spent the next 18 months bringing it back to life. The end result? A stunning machine that’s more than just a showpiece—it’s a joy to drive.

Jet-black paint with a silver bonnet cut-out, Torque Thrust wheels, massive rear tires, and tinted windows give this Mustang an undeniably aggressive look. Under the hood lies a 351 Cleveland engine paired with a C4 gearbox and 9-inch diff, delivering the power and performance that define muscle cars of the 70s. Peter and his exhaust guy worked meticulously to achieve the exact sound he wanted—a mean, loud roar that turns heads wherever he goes.

The Aussie Cobras: Old School Meets New School

Moving on to the Aussie Cobras, Peter’s collection features two incredible examples of Australian muscle, born three decades apart: the XC Ford Falcon Cobra Hardtop and the BF GT R-Spec Cobra. These cars are a testament to the evolution of automotive technology and design over the years.

First, the mighty XC Ford Falcon Cobra Hardtop. This car is an icon of the 1970s, representing the peak of muscle car culture in Australia. Powered by a 351 engine, an FMX gearbox, and a 9-inch diff, the Cobra Hardtop has all the muscle and flair of its era. Its previous owner restored it to original specifications, and today it looks as if it just rolled off the factory floor. It’s a perfect blend of power and nostalgia.

On the flip side, Peter’s BF GT R-Spec Cobra is a modern take on Aussie muscle. This car was acquired in a trade, where Peter swapped a Mustang for it with a friend. The BF GT represents the advances made in performance and handling over the years. Powered by a 5.4-liter V8 engine, this car handles like a dream, offering a smooth yet powerful driving experience that Peter describes as spot on. It’s a vehicle that combines modern comforts with raw performance, making it a perfect counterpart to the XC Hardtop.

Saying Goodbye to the Aussie Cobras?

Although Peter loves his Aussie Cobras, he’s considering putting them up for sale soon. As much as it’s hard to see these legendary machines leave his collection, we wish him all the best in finding new homes for these iconic cars.

A Collection Like No Other

It’s been an incredible experience catching up with Peter and hearing the stories behind each car in his collection. From the raw, unapologetic power of the 1973 Mustang to the classic charm of the XC Cobra and the modern precision of the BF GT, Peter’s garage offers something for every type of car enthusiast. Whether you’re into performance, luxury, or simply the thrill of driving a true muscle car, this collection has it all.

Thanks for having us, Peter—we can’t wait to see what’s next in store!

The post Exploring Peter’s Iconic Ford Cobra’s. appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.