Jim’s 1987 HDT Calais Sport


While there is no shortage of clean and restored Commodores, Jim’s HDT Commodore Calais is in a class of its own. The model, colour and trim specification is so rare that Jim reckons it’s the only one in Asteroid silver with red leather interior trim from factory. Jim has owned it for 20 years, and finished his restoration/modification just three years ago. The RB30 straight six engine has been rebuilt by Motorsports Mechanicals. Stout enough for good for 1000hp, a massive Precision 6870 turbocharger mounted on the side helps the Calais achieve that four figure horsepower mark. The chromed engine sits in a smoothed out bay, drawing attention and wows from show goers. Anything that wasn’t chromed has brushed metal surfaces or replaced with braided hoses. Outside, it’s been painstakingly repainted in its original colour, with the bodywork restored to factory perfection. The FR Simmons that’s so ubiquitous on older Commodores are found at all four corners in more modern sizes of 20x8in front and 20x9.5in rear.

Chris’ 1992 Nissan Skyline GTR 32


Big powerful GTRs are everywhere, but we haven’t seen one that is at extroverted as Chris’ immaculate example. The House of Kolor Candy Teal shouts for your attention, the liquid paintwork contrasting sharply with the GTR’s boxy lines. Pop the bonnet and marvel at the rebuilt RB26DETT, its assorted shiny ancillaries, and how all the twin turbo piping managed to fit in such a tiny engine bay. Featuring forged internals, big lumpy cams, and Tomei ARMS twin turbochargers, the Godzilla easily punts out 750hp at all four wheels. Planting rubber to the ground are a set of three piece BBS rims, measuring 18x9.5in all around. Hiding behind them are massive brakes to haul the beast up, with KSport 8 piston calipers on the front and 6 pistons on the rear. Clamping on 383mm 2-piece rotors upfront, you can count on the GTR for go and whoa in equal measures.

Susan’s 1996 HSV Clubsport VS


We love our HSVs here, so when a neat HSV Clubsport VS pops up, we can’t help ourselves but meander over for a look. Imagine our surprise when we saw a Garrett GT42 turbocharger hanging off the side of the venerable Holden V8. A gleaming intercooler beams through the front bumper, and we knew immediately that this isn’t your regular HSV museum piece. Susan from Team Wild Speed has owned this HSV for over three years, and had always wanted to do something different to it. “Originally it was supercharged, but we felt the turbo would make more power,” she remarked. The 355cu V8 now sucks air through the custom piping and GT42 to make 550hp at the rear wheels, all without the need to nick the bodywork for space. A Haltech ECU controls all motor functions, making sure the air fuel mixture is translated into motive force via those 20in Momo wheels. The Clubsport still rides beautifully thanks to Monroe GT Sport shock absorbers and springs, while reducing the gap between the fender and tyre.

Paul’s 1971 Ford Falcon GT Tribute


In the build for the last 10 years, Paul’s Ford Falcon GT made its show car debut here at the Cars under the Stars, and what a debut it was. Parked right up front, it was the centre piece of the show. With a blower poking out the bonnet and gleaming black paint drawing attention from bystanders, the wow factor. The orange and matte black stripes highlights the boxy and iconic lines of the classic 70s’ Falcon. Inside, the sumptuous leather interior has been restored to its former glory, making it a comfortable place to experience the full might of the blown injected 340cu Windsor V8. Power is sent through one of Al’s Raceglide C4 two speed autos. A Smithfield Diff and Gear built Ford 9in with custom axles and ratios controls traction at the rear wheels. Custom 19in Globes are found tucked under the fenders all round.