“I’VE always had a soft spot for old Holdens, and when this Premier became available in 2011 as an original matching-numbers 308/Trimatic car, I jumped on it, as the body was super-clean, with no rust and spotless floorpans. But I wanted more power and a bulletproof driveline, and the project soon snowballed.

This article was first published in the May 2019 issue of Street Machine

“We pulled the car down, then put it onto a rotisserie where the body was blasted. Once the mini-tubs were fabricated and chassis-strengthening done, it was off to the panel shop for them to perform their magic and respray it in the original colour. While it was there, we sorted the running gear and had all the chrome brought back to its original glory.

“The engine is a new 400ci Dart small-block Chev, with 18-degree heads and a solid-roller cam. It made a very healthy 740hp at the flywheel at 7600rpm. It’s backed by a fully manualised Turbo 400 with a 3800rpm Dominator converter, while a custom tailshaft runs to a nine-inch Truetrac diff with 3.55 gears and billet 35-spline axles. The front end is a Castlemaine Rod Shop IFS with fully adjustable coil-overs and Wilwood brakes.

“For the interior I decided to keep the original look, so with Winner Products supplying the full trim kit, we went to work upholstering the seats and adding new carpet and hoodlining.

“After a five-year build and only two weeks up our sleeve, we had it all finished and ready for its unveiling at Summernats 32, where we were surprised to achieve Street finalist and PPG Supreme finalist.

“I would like to thank Brian and his team from Anna Bay Paint & Panel for the panel and paintwork; Wayne at D&L Canvas; Kevin Mackerel from MacSport Engines in Traralgon; and Brad from Tomaree Automotive for the auto-electrical work.”