The Shannons Southern Coffee Cruise in Eaton, near Bunbury, WA, is a popular monthly car meet featuring classic cars, tough street machines, American muscle and custom builds.

Aussie Garage headed south to check out the latest gathering and the huge variety of vehicles on display, while the event also helped support Variety WA.

Classic Holdens, Fords and Muscle Cars

There was something for almost every motoring enthusiast.

Highlights included blown and turbocharged VS Commodores, a tough VK Commodore, classic Ford Falcons, an XC Falcon, Holden and Ford panel vans and several Mustang GTs.

We also spotted a Pontiac Trans Am, Holden HD Premier, Willys Jeep and a big-block 454-powered classic.

Some of the more unusual builds featured custom engine conversions, including supercharged V6-powered cars.

A Great Bunbury Car Meet

Shannons Southern Coffee Cruise regularly attracts enthusiasts from Bunbury, Eaton and across South West WA.

The mix of classic, modified, European, Japanese and American vehicles means there’s always something different to see.

Best of all, the event brings the local automotive community together while helping raise funds for Variety WA.

Watch the full Aussie Garage episode and let us know which car was your favourite.

Subscribe to Aussie Garage for more Australian classic cars, custom builds, car shows, workshop tours and automotive events.

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The post Unbelievable Rides at the Shannons Coffee Cruise: You Won’t Believe What’s Next! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

Despite its appearance, this Fairlane was never actually used as a taxi.

Owner Bob created the theme after friends jokingly nicknamed the car the “Poo Brown Taxi” at local car shows. He embraced the name and added period-style taxi accessories that perfectly suit the car.

Original Ford 250 Six-Cylinder

Under the bonnet is the original Ford 250 inline six-cylinder engine, backed by a BorgWarner automatic transmission.

Many six-cylinder Fairlanes were later converted to V8 power, but Bob’s car remains remarkably close to its original factory specification.

It still features its column-shift automatic, power steering, wraparound dashboard and spacious luxury-car interior.

A Virtually Rust-Free ZG Fairlane

The Fairlane was originally sold in South Australia and spent much of its life around the dry Renmark region.

This helped protect the body from rust, leaving the car in impressive condition more than 50 years later.

The original interior has also survived well, giving the Fairlane the feel of a genuine 1970s Australian luxury car.

The Story Behind the Taxi Theme

The taxi accessories are not just for show.

Bob previously worked as a taxi driver and shares several stories from his time behind the wheel. He also explains the sentimental items kept inside the Fairlane and why the car means so much to him.

The result is more than just an original classic Ford. It is a vehicle filled with memories, humour and personality.

Six-Cylinder or V8?

The big question is whether the Fairlane should stay with its original six-cylinder engine or receive a V8 conversion.

A V8 would provide more power and sound, but keeping the Ford 250 helps preserve what makes this Fairlane so unusual.

Original six-cylinder ZG Fairlanes are becoming difficult to find, especially in such complete condition.

Would you keep it original or install a V8?

Let us know in the comments.

Watch the Full Aussie Garage Feature

In the full Aussie Garage episode, Bob shows us around the 1974 Ford ZG Fairlane, including its original engine, interior, taxi sign and vintage meter.

A huge thank you to Bob for sharing another incredible vehicle and its story with us.

Show Us Your Ride

Do you own a vintage, classic or muscle car with an interesting story?

If you live in Western Australia, Aussie Garage would love to hear from you and may be able to feature your vehicle in an upcoming episode.

Not in WA? Send us your details anyway, as we are collecting contacts for future interstate filming trips.

Visit the Aussie Garage website for automotive merchandise, apparel and more.

#FordFairlane #ZGFairlane #ClassicFord #AustralianCars #AussieGarage #AussieGarageTV #Ford #Fairlane #ZG #FairlaneZG #customcars #classiccars

The post 1974 Ford ZG Fairlane Taxi — The Original “Poo Brown” Cruiser appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

Produced during a period of significant change in Australia’s automotive industry, the HJ Monaro represented a shift away from the wild muscle car wars of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite this, it retained the sleek coupe styling Australians loved while introducing a more refined and comfortable driving experience.

In a recent Aussie Garage video, we explored six fascinating facts about the HJ Holden Monaro GTS Coupe that many enthusiasts may not know. Whether you’re a long-time Holden fan, a classic car collector, or simply passionate about Australian automotive history, these facts reveal why the HJ Monaro deserves far more recognition than it often receives.

The HJ Monaro Was Built During a Challenging Time for Muscle Cars

By the time the HJ Monaro arrived in 1974, the Australian muscle car era was beginning to change. Rising fuel costs, insurance concerns, and stricter regulations were forcing manufacturers to rethink performance-focused vehicles.

While earlier Monaros had established themselves as genuine performance heroes, the HJ version evolved into a more refined grand touring coupe. Holden focused on comfort, style, and drivability while maintaining the sporty appearance that made the Monaro famous.

This shift makes the HJ Monaro a fascinating snapshot of Australian automotive history during a period of transition.

It Was One of the Last True Monaro Coupes

One of the biggest reasons the HJ Monaro has become increasingly collectible is its place in Holden history.

The HJ formed part of the final generation of original Monaro coupes before Holden eventually phased out the body style. While later Holden models would carry the Monaro name, the HJ remains part of the original lineage that began with the legendary HK Monaro in 1968.

For collectors, owning an HJ Monaro means owning a piece of the closing chapter of Holden’s original coupe era.

Engine Choices Varied More Than Many People Realise

Many enthusiasts automatically associate Monaros with large-capacity V8 engines, but the HJ Monaro range offered several engine options depending on specification and market requirements.

Buyers could choose from a variety of six-cylinder and V8 combinations, allowing the car to appeal to both performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers seeking stylish Australian motoring.

This flexibility helped Holden broaden the Monaro’s appeal while maintaining its sporting image.

The Styling Was Subtle Yet Distinctive

Unlike some of its more aggressive predecessors, the HJ Monaro featured a cleaner and more refined design language.

The updated front grille, revised trim, distinctive body lines, and elegant coupe proportions gave the HJ a unique identity within the Monaro family. While it may not shout as loudly as some earlier muscle cars, many enthusiasts today appreciate the HJ’s understated styling.

Its timeless design continues to age remarkably well and remains instantly recognisable at car shows across Australia.

Surviving Examples Are Becoming Increasingly Rare

As the years pass, finding original and well-preserved HJ Monaro GTS Coupes has become significantly more difficult.

Many vehicles were modified, raced, dismantled for parts, or simply lost to time. This shrinking pool of surviving examples has driven increased interest from collectors seeking authentic Australian muscle cars.

As demand continues to rise, values for quality examples have steadily increased, making the HJ Monaro a vehicle that many enthusiasts are now paying closer attention to.

Collectors Are Finally Giving the HJ Monaro the Recognition It Deserves

For many years, the HJ Monaro sat in the shadow of earlier Holden performance icons. However, that perception is beginning to change.

Collectors are increasingly recognising the model’s significance as one of the final original Monaro coupes, its unique place in Australian motoring history, and its combination of classic styling and practicality.

As appreciation grows, more enthusiasts are discovering why the HJ Monaro deserves a place among Australia’s great muscle cars.

Why the HJ Holden Monaro GTS Coupe Matters Today

The HJ Holden Monaro GTS Coupe represents far more than just another classic Holden. It captures a unique moment in Australian automotive history when manufacturers were adapting to changing market conditions while still producing stylish, exciting vehicles.

Its rarity, historical significance, attractive styling, and growing collector appeal have helped cement its reputation as one of the most underrated Aussie muscle cars ever built.

For Holden enthusiasts, classic car lovers, and Australian motoring historians alike, the HJ Monaro remains a fascinating reminder of an era that shaped the country’s automotive identity.

If you’re passionate about classic Australian cars, Holden legends, muscle cars, and rare automotive history, make sure you check out the Aussie Garage video where we reveal even more fascinating details about this iconic coupe.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Aussie Garage for more classic car features, rare vehicle facts, event coverage, and Australian automotive stories.

Show Us Ya Ride!

Do you own an HJ Monaro, Holden classic, or unique Aussie muscle car? We’d love to feature it on Aussie Garage. Get in touch and Show Us Ya Ride!

#HJMonaro #HoldenMonaro #MonaroGTS #HoldenGTS #ClassicHolden #AussieMuscleCars #AustralianMuscleCars #ClassicCars #HoldenNation #Monaro #VintageHolden #StreetMachine #AustralianCars #MuscleCar #CarCulture #HoldenLife #ClassicCarRestoration #AussieGarage #ShowUsYaRide #CarEnthusiast

The post 6 Cool & Rare Facts about the HJ Holden Monaro GTS Coupe appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.