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.

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

Roll Racing Perth Round 60 Brings the Action

Roll Racing Perth Round 60 delivered another massive night of horsepower and close racing at Motormall Raceway on 16 May 2026.

From classic Aussie muscle cars to modern turbocharged street machines, the event showcased some of Western Australia’s toughest performance cars battling it out under lights.

The 1000HP JUICED EK

One of the standout cars of the night was the famous JUICED EK Holden ute. Packing around 1000 horsepower and a serious supercharged setup, this incredible build drew plenty of attention both on and off the track.

Aussie Garage caught up with the owner to learn more about the car and what it takes to build a machine of this calibre.

Tough Toranas and Turbo Power

Several stunning LH and LX Toranas hit the track throughout the night, proving why these classic Holdens remain favourites among Australian car enthusiasts.

The classics were joined by turbo Barra-powered builds, boosted Commodores, modern V8s and high-performance street cars, creating some exciting matchups all evening.

A Great Night for WA Car Enthusiasts

With loud V8s, huge horsepower and plenty of close racing, Roll Racing Perth Round 60 once again showed why the format continues to grow in popularity.

If you love Holden Toranas, supercharged street cars, turbo Barra builds and Aussie muscle, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Watch the full Aussie Garage video for all the highlights, interviews and racing action from Motormall Raceway.

More Aussie Garage Content

Looking for more Australian car culture content?

Check out our latest event coverage, feature builds, shed tours and exclusive interviews showcasing the best muscle cars, street machines, drag cars, burnout cars and performance vehicles from across Australia.

Get ready for the ultimate automotive experience! From vintage classics to muscle cars, modified rides, and everything in between, Aussie Garage is your go-to channel for all things cars. We bring you interviews with car owners, gear reviews, event coverage, and so much more.

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#RollRacing #PerthMotorplex #AussieGarage #Holden #Torana #StreetCars #EKUte #RollRacingPerth #AussieMuscle #Supercharged #LS3 #ClassicHolden #CarCulture #WAStreetCars #StreetMachine

The post Blown Toranas, 1000HP EK & Roll Racing Chaos! | Perth Roll Racing 60 appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.