This week on Aussie Garage, we check out an absolutely stunning Holden HQ Tonner — and this one has a serious story behind it.

Bought back in 2017, this HQ ute started life as a rusted-out project. After a two-year love-and-hate restoration, Lou has transformed it into one of the cleanest custom tonners you’ll see in WA.

From Rust to One of the Cleanest HQ Tonners in WA

Like many classic Aussie builds, this Holden HQ Tonner didn’t start out pretty.

It needed serious rust repairs and a full rebuild from the ground up. Over two years, Lou tackled the project head-on — bringing the body back to life and turning it into a clean, head-turning street cruiser.

This is what a proper Holden HQ Tonner build is all about — time, effort, and sticking it out when things get tough.

Classic 308 V8 Power with Turbo 350

Under the bonnet sits a tough Holden 308 V8 paired with a Turbo 350 transmission — a proven combo for cruising and reliability.

It’s not just about looks either. This setup delivers that classic Aussie V8 sound and smooth driving feel that makes these cars so enjoyable on the road.

Lou also swapped from a Holley carburettor to a Rochester setup, improving drivability and making it better suited for real-world cruising.

Custom Tray with a Unique Farm-Style Look

One of the standout features of this build is the custom tray.

Instead of going the typical route, Lou created a unique farm-style design that gives the ute a tough, practical look while still keeping it clean and different from the rest.

It’s these small details that make this Holden HQ Tonner build stand out.

Interior Upgrades with Classic Holden Style

Inside, the HQ has been upgraded while still keeping that classic feel.

• HZ bucket seats for comfort
• GTS dash for that iconic Holden look
• Clean and simple layout built for cruising

Everything works together to create a comfortable and classic driving experience.

Built in a Shed – No Shortcuts

Here’s what makes this build even more impressive…

It was all done in a shed.

No big workshop. No fancy setup. Just passion, persistence, and putting in the hours to get it done right.

That’s what Aussie car culture is all about — building something yourself and being proud of it.

Built to Drive and Enjoy

This isn’t just a show car sitting in a garage.

With a dual battery setup and a reliable drivetrain, this HQ Tonner is built to get out on the road, cruise, and be enjoyed the way it should be.

And when it does… that 308 V8 sound says it all.

A True Aussie Car Culture Story

This Holden HQ Tonner build is a perfect example of what makes the Aussie car scene so strong.

It’s not about big budgets — it’s about passion, effort, and building something your way.

Watch the Full Feature on Aussie Garage

Stick around to the end of the episode as we take this HQ Tonner out for a cruise and hear that classic V8 come to life

If you’re into classic Holdens, Aussie muscle cars, and real shed builds, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Aussie Garage for more car features, builds, and event coverage from around Australia.

#HQTonner #HoldenHQ #AussieGarage #ClassicCars #HoldenV8 #CarRestoration #AussieMuscle #CarCulture #ShedBuild #308V8 #aussiegaragetv #AussieHQ

The post Stunning Holden HQ Tonner Build – From Rust to Show-Quality 308 V8 Cruiser appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

If you’re into Aussie muscle cars, custom builds, and classic cruisers, this is the part you don’t want to miss.

Award Winners and Standout Builds

Part 2 is all about recognising the cars that truly stood out on the day. From People’s Choice winners to best-of-category builds, the quality on display at this year’s Northern Steel Car Show was seriously impressive.

We saw an incredible mix of:

• Tough Ford Falcons with serious street presence
• Classic Holdens built to perfection
• Clean and rare Valiants turning heads
• Unique hot rods and custom builds that showcase real craftsmanship

Each winner represents not just a great car, but the time, effort, and passion that goes into building something special.

People’s Choice – What the Crowd Loved

One of the highlights of the show is always the People’s Choice award — voted by the crowd and representing what enthusiasts genuinely connect with.

These are the cars that grab attention, spark conversations, and draw crowds all day long. Whether it’s a perfectly restored classic or a wild custom build, the People’s Choice winner always reflects the heart of the car scene.

The WA Car Scene at Its Best

The Northern Steel Car Show continues to prove why the Western Australian car scene is one of the strongest in the country.

Events like this bring together:

• Local car clubs
• Passionate builders and owners
• Automotive businesses and vendors
• Enthusiasts from all walks of life

It’s not just about the cars — it’s about the community behind them.

More Than Just Cars – Community and Culture

One thing that really stands out at this event is the strong community vibe.

From supporting local initiatives to charity involvement and helping keep the car culture alive for future generations, the Northern Steel Car Show is about more than just horsepower.

It’s about:

• Keeping the Aussie car culture alive
• Supporting local clubs and builders
• Bringing people together through a shared passion

And that’s exactly what Aussie Garage is all about too.

Behind the Scenes with Owners and Organisers

In this episode, we also take the time to chat with car owners and organisers who make events like this possible.

These are the people putting in the hard work behind the scenes — organising, building, and maintaining the cars that make shows like this such a success.

Their stories add real depth to the event and highlight just how passionate the WA car community really is.

Why Northern Steel Keeps Growing

Even as the event evolves, one thing remains consistent — quality over quantity.

The Northern Steel Car Show continues to attract some of the best builds in WA, making it a must-attend event for anyone serious about cars.

From classic restorations to modern performance builds, this show delivers every time.

Watch the Full Episode

If you want to see all the winners, the cars up close, and the full atmosphere of the day, make sure you check out the full video on Aussie Garage.

This is Part 2 of our Northern Steel coverage — and it’s where the best of the best are revealed.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Steel Car Show 2026 Part 2 wraps up an awesome event that highlights everything great about the Aussie car scene.

Tough builds, passionate owners, and a strong sense of community — this is exactly why events like this continue to thrive in Western Australia.

If you love Aussie muscle cars, Perth car events, and custom builds, this is one you’ll definitely want to watch.

#aussiegaragetv #northernsteel #carshow #classiccars #aussiemuscle #fordxb #vlcommodore #perthcars #carculture #musclecars

The post Northern Steel Car Show 2026 Part 2 – Winners, Tough Builds & Aussie Muscle in WA appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.