Jeremy takes us through the history of the van, its famous airbrushed artwork, its tough burnout setup and the work completed to bring it back mechanically and electrically.

A Legendary Australian Panel Van

VANTASY is more than just a burnout car. It is a well-known part of Australia’s panel van and custom car history.

Australian panel vans became hugely popular during the 1970s and 1980s, with owners adding custom paint, murals, detailed interiors and high-performance engines.

VANTASY continues that tradition with its unmistakable artwork and aggressive burnout setup.

The artwork featured on the van is shown for automotive history and educational purposes. It reflects a particular era of Australian custom car styling and is not intended to offend or promote inappropriate content.

Blown Small Block Chevy Power

Under the bonnet is a blown small block Chevy running on methanol, built to make serious power and destroy tyres.

The engine is backed by a tough Powerglide transmission and a Ford 9-inch differential.

This is a proven combination for burnout competition, providing strong power, simple gear changes and reliable wheel speed.

Jeremy explains that building a burnout car is not only about horsepower. The engine must also survive high RPM, extreme heat and limited airflow while the car is surrounded by tyre smoke.

Methanol Burnout Engine Setup

Methanol is commonly used in high-powered burnout and racing engines because it offers strong cooling properties and resistance to detonation.

However, methanol engines require careful tuning and regular maintenance.

The fuel system must supply a much greater volume than a petrol setup. Methanol can also contaminate engine oil and absorb moisture, making frequent inspections and oil changes important.

Oil Control and Engine Reliability

Oil control is one of the biggest challenges in a burnout car.

As the car changes direction, oil can move away from the pickup inside the sump. Even a short drop in oil pressure at high RPM can cause serious engine damage.

A correctly designed sump, effective baffling and regular oil checks help protect the engine.

Cooling is also critical. Burnout cars operate at high RPM while moving slowly, so there is very little natural airflow through the radiator.

The entire cooling system must be designed to work under extreme conditions.

Diff Gearing and Burnout Performance

Differential gearing has a major effect on how a burnout car performs.

The correct ratio must suit the engine’s power, tyre size, transmission and desired wheel speed.

A shorter ratio can help the engine reach its power range quickly, while a taller ratio may provide more wheel speed. The combination must allow the driver to maintain RPM without overstressing the engine.

Burnout Car Safety

Burnout cars combine high horsepower, spinning tyres, extreme heat and reduced visibility.

Important safety equipment may include:

• Roll cage
• Racing harnesses
• Fixed-back competition seat
• Fire extinguisher or suppression system
• Electrical isolation switch
• Fuel shut-off system
• Tailshaft loop
• Driver helmet and safety clothing

Safety requirements vary between events, so owners should always check the current rules before competing.

Inside the SSAR Workshop

While visiting SSAR, we also looked around the workshop and checked out several impressive builds.

The workshop included tough Holden projects, street cruisers, burnout cars, LS engines, Holden 355 strokers and a Hemi build.

It was a great example of the variety found in Australian performance workshops, from classic V8 builds to modern engine conversions.

Is VANTASY Australia’s Most Iconic Burnout Van?

VANTASY combines Australian panel van history with modern burnout performance.

Its 1971 HG Panel Van body, famous artwork and blown methanol small block Chevy make it instantly recognisable.

There have been many legendary burnout cars in Australia, but few have the same history, appearance and personality as VANTASY.

Let us know in the comments:

Is VANTASY one of the most iconic panel vans in Australian burnout history?

Thanks to SSAR

A massive thank you to Jeremy and the team at SSAR — South Street Auto Repairs for welcoming Aussie Garage into the workshop and giving us the opportunity to get up close with VANTASY.

Make sure you check out SSAR and support the businesses helping to build and preserve Australian automotive culture.

Show Us Your Ride

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

Aussie Garage is looking for vehicles and owners to feature.

Those based in Western Australia can contact us about arranging an interview. We are also collecting contacts from other parts of Australia for future filming trips.

Watch the full episode, subscribe to Aussie Garage and share the video with another automotive enthusiast.

We’ll see you in the garage.

#VANTASY #SSAR #BurnoutCars #HGPanelVan #Holden #BlownChevy #AustralianMuscle #PanelVan #CarCulture #WorkshopTour #AussieGarageTV

The post Australia’s Most Iconic Burnout Van! VANTSY Up Close appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

Featured on Aussie Garage, this incredible custom build combines classic British styling with modern engineering and a serious performance punch thanks to a rare 2.9L 24-valve Cosworth V6 producing around 300 horsepower.

Located in Perth, Western Australia, the vehicle is available for $20,000.

For enquiries, contact Ross directly on 0428 822 199.

A Classic Ford with a Serious Twist

The Ford Anglia originally left the factory with a tiny 10-horsepower side-valve four-cylinder engine. Fast forward to today and this unique panel van now packs a powerful Cosworth V6 that completely transforms the driving experience.

Ross has owned the vehicle for more than 30 years and has spent countless hours refining and modifying the build. What started life with Toyota Corolla running gear has evolved into a fully engineered custom street machine.

The only original component remaining is essentially the body itself, with almost every aspect of the drivetrain, suspension, steering and braking systems upgraded or custom fabricated.

Rare Cosworth Power

Under the bonnet sits a rare 2.9-litre quad-cam 24-valve Cosworth V6. These engines were never a common sight in Australian custom cars and are particularly unusual to find in a compact vehicle like an Anglia.

With approximately 300 horsepower pushing an 800kg vehicle, performance is more than enough to surprise modern cars.

Highlights include:

• 2.9L Cosworth Quad Cam V6
• Approximately 300HP
• Aftermarket ECU
• Custom radiator setup
• Custom exhaust system
• Ford Type 9 five-speed manual gearbox
• Engine sourced through Race Tune
• Professionally engineered conversion

Ross jokes that the lightweight Anglia can easily break traction and becomes a handful in wet conditions.

Professionally Built Suspension and Chassis

This isn’t simply an engine swap. The vehicle features significant engineering upgrades throughout.

Features include:

• Independent front suspension
• Rack and pinion steering
• Bilstein coilovers
• Narrowed Jaguar rear end
• Four-wheel coilover setup
• Custom front flip nose section
• Fully engineered modifications

Many of the fabrication and suspension upgrades were completed by well-known Western Australian hot rod specialists, helping create a unique and capable package.

Custom Interior

Inside you’ll find a blend of vintage styling and modern convenience.

Features include:

• Original-style Bakelite dashboard
• GPS speedometer
• Custom audio system
• Reverse camera system
• Rear vision camera
• Custom roof console
• SAS bucket seats
• Custom denim interior work underway
• Rat Fink themed touches throughout

The van was originally used by Ross during his years as a mobile DJ, explaining the impressive sound system and spacious rear cargo area.

Honest Description

The vehicle is currently unlicensed and has been in storage for some time.

Ross advises the next owner should budget for:

• Gasket work
• Clutch work
• General recommissioning

However, the car is largely complete and shouldn’t require a major amount of work to get back on the road and through licensing requirements.

For someone looking for a unique hot rod, custom cruiser or show vehicle, this Anglia offers a huge amount of engineering and fabrication work already completed.

A Car with a Story

Beyond the modifications, this Anglia carries an incredible story. Ross has battled cancer multiple times over the years but has remained passionate about cars and hot rodding throughout.

The vehicle reflects decades of ownership, craftsmanship and determination, making it much more than just another custom build.

Watch the full interview here:

Vehicle Summary

Vehicle: 1948 Ford Anglia Panel Van
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Price: $20,000
Engine: 2.9L Quad Cam 24-Valve Cosworth V6
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Power: Approx. 300HP
Status: Project requiring minor mechanical work and licensing

Contact Ross: 0428 822 199

Serious buyers only. Inspections are recommended.

For more unique Australian custom cars, hot rods, muscle cars and project vehicles, keep an eye on Aussie Garage.

The post FOR SALE: Wild 1948 Ford Anglia Panel Van with 300HP Cosworth V6 – Perth WA – $20,000 appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

• Door alignment and panel fitment
• Grill and bonnet changes (XC fluted bonnet)
• Exterior trim removal and prep for paint
• Upcoming custom under-bonnet work

Plenty happening, plenty more coming — and we’ll be back into it hard in the new year.

The post New Custom Interior Component for Aussie Garage Promo Van appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

A Rare Find in Papaya

Matt has owned the Sandman for around 18 months, and while he’s already done plenty to make it his own, he’s got even bigger plans for the future. The standout feature is its colour – Papaya, a rare shade that was only ever released on the HX Sandman and the LX Torana. The paint remains from the previous owner and is still in great condition, though Matt is keen to give it a fresh respray down the track.

Modern Muscle Under the Bonnet

While the Sandman was known for its classic Holden engines, this one packs a modern punch. Under the bonnet sits a 6L LS2 paired with a 6-speed gearbox, sending power through a 9-inch diff – all fitted by the previous owner. Matt has since tidied up the engine bay, making it look just as good as it drives. One clever touch is the shifter – Matt managed to graft the original T-bar onto the modern setup, a subtle but stylish nod to the Sandman’s heritage.

Blending Old-School with Subtle Upgrades

Inside, the van keeps much of its original charm with the classic GTS dash, though Matt has fitted upgraded gauges for better functionality. The rear has been neatly paneled out and carpeted, giving it a clean, finished look without losing its vintage appeal.

The wheels are a modern twist too – billet knock-offs designed to resemble GTS rims. Matt has blacked out sections of the rims to really emphasize the GTS styling, tying the whole look together perfectly.

Built to Cruise

Matt has built plenty of cars over the years, but with the Sandman, you get the sense he’s ready to slow things down and just enjoy the ride. And honestly, there’s no better car for cruising than a Holden Sandman.

We had a fantastic day hanging out with Matt, talking cars, and hitting the road in this Aussie classic. It’s always special to bring cars like this to our audience – vehicles that aren’t just machines, but rolling pieces of Australian history.

Thanks for cruising with us, and stay tuned for more incredible builds from the Aussie car scene.

#mattshxholdensandman #holdensandmanpanelvan #sandman #holden #panelvan #sandmanpanelvan #iconicholdensandman #aussiegarage #aussiegaragetv #aussiegarageinterviews #customvan #vanlife #HX #hxholdenpanelvanwithls2engine #gts #gtsdash #customholdenpanelvan

The post Matt’s HX Holden Sandman Panel Van – A True Aussie Icon appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

Celebrating 50 years of Aussie van culture, this milestone event is set to bring together hundreds of van enthusiasts from across the country for five epic days of show-and-shine displays, cruising, camping, and good old-fashioned community spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard vanner or just love classic Aussie rides, this is the place to be.

Expect to see an incredible lineup of custom, classic, and restored panel vans, showcasing everything from factory-perfect restorations to wildly creative custom builds. With live entertainment, trade stalls, raffles, food trucks, and family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone.

But the real magic? It’s the people. The Van Nationals are a chance to reconnect with the vanning community, swap stories, admire each other’s builds, and celebrate a uniquely Australian automotive lifestyle that’s been going strong since the ‘70s.

Own a Van? Don’t Miss Out!

If you’ve got a panel van, you need to be part of this historic event. Spaces are filling fast, so don’t wait—register now by emailing 50thvannats@uteznvanz.org and secure your spot at the biggest Van Nationals yet.

Event Details:

Location: Mildura, Victoria
Dates: April 17–21, 2025
Register: 50thvannats@uteznvanz.org

Whether you’re showcasing your pride and joy or just coming to soak in the sights and sounds, the 50th Van Nationals is the ultimate destination for van lovers across Australia. We’ll see you there!

Facebook Page: CLICK HERE

50th Van Nationals Preliminary Program: CLICK HERE

Van Nationals Website: CLICK HERE

Van Nationals Entry Form CLICK HERE

Uteznvanz CLICK HERE

#vans #panelvans #50thvannationals #vannationals #mildura #victoria #custompanelvans #vanlife #vanningcommunity #biggestvanningeventinaustralia #aussiegaragesupportsvannationals

The post The 50th Van Nationals Are Coming to Mildura! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.