Mike Reilly’s cool ’67 HR panel van not only looks good, it’s also a great promotional tool for his business

This article on Mike’s HR panel van was originally published in the January 2016 issue of Street Machine

READERS with long memories will recall Mike Reilly as the owner of a white LJ Torana that was featured as an 11-Second Street Animal way back in SM, Dec ’81/Jan ’82. The car later dipped into the 10s in street trim, but these days Mike gets around in something a little more sedate.

“A year ago I bought this ’67 HR van as a ground-up resto, so I could use it for the occasional swap meet and car cruise. It runs a 186 six-banger, with a four-speed Opel gearbox and LSD rear end.

The van is basically stock apart from a few details like the 17-inch Showwheels, the tiller and Dakota Digital gauges. I sent it down to Victoria and left it in the capable hands of Victor Reilly of Bucket Panels to look after the custom paint and signage [Yes readers, the same Victor Reilly whose injected V8 Holden FC was featured in Van Wheels & Street Machine, way back in Aug/Sep ’81 – Ed]. It makes a lovely ornament in the shed to walk past each day!” Not to mention a cool promotional tool for Mike’s business, Mike’s Classic Cycle Spares.