The 2020 Auto West Calendar has one idea and goal. To show our customers our love for “Sunday Driving” vehicles through our personal collections of some of our team’s cars, plus 3 vehicles from customers and close friends who have award-winning cars.
At Auto West we pride ourselves on our experience and customer service, and helping customers achieve their goals – whether it is their first time or they are seasoned professionals, because every job deserves maximum effort in rebuilding or customising.
From Chevys to classic Holdens, we love all kinds of cars – take a look at 2020’s featured vehicles.
1964 CHEVY NOVA
Jet Black and immaculate condition. Jame’s Chevy Nova has been an Auto West icon for years now.
1946 CHEVY FLATBED
For many years this flatbed was seen out the front of the Auto West Paint Supplies Bathurst store or these days more likely even seen at trade shows being used as our product display table.
1967 HOLDEN HR
Original colour, many original parts. This Holden HR is owned by the GM of Auto West Paint Supplies. Nathan has taken this car out for a Sunday drive more times than he can remember and the passion for this car shows there will be countless more drives too.
APRIL
Pete Sinclair’s Ermine White 1968 Chevrolet Impala took around 6 months to restore. With both windscreens and both back guards needing to be replaced, along with small amounts of rust and panel repairs the vehicle wasn’t in the worst shape but enough to keep himself and Villawood Engines busy restoring it. The vehicle was painted in Protec 625 paint 2 years ago and has been used primarily as a leisure vehicle since. With his one word of advice Pete says “Do not buy a rusted-out car if you are not a panel beater, if you cannot do 90% of the work yourself, don’t do it”.
MAY
The 1951 Deluxe Club Sedan200 Series Packard was a 7-year feat for Lee Harris finishing in early 2014. The main issues were the major rust in both the rear quarter panels and floor. While the majority of the work was done by himself, the rust removal and upholstery were done by a professional. The purpose of this car is mainly the lazy Sunday drives though there have been a few shows that this vehicle has participated in both competitive and friendly. The vibrant red colour is named ‘Packard Matadoe Maroon’ and is painted in Protec acrylic paint. Lee’s best DIY tip would be “Firstly count the cost and do some research before taking on such a big task and be willing to try anything yourself”.
JUNE
The 1953 Morris Oxford Utility Truck was a 5-year venture for the owners Bernie and Paul. With the ute being completely rusted out, many people including a professional said it would not be rebuildable. Paul never gave up and was eventually putting the finishing touches on. It was painted just 18 months ago (2016) in Protec’s Direct Gloss (GMIX) using a custom colour based on a 1984 Toyota Aqua colour and the featured 1.5ltr Nissan Super Charged Engine was installed. Finally, the vehicle is now being used happily as a Sunday driver. Paul and Bernie’s best tip would be to “Start off with a good body and go from there”.
JULY
Built in the back shed by Jon Kendall with a little help from a few experts, this 1977 Torana LXSS has been featured in various shows. It is hard to believe that 1 year ago (2017) this ended as the finished product of a nine-month project which started off as a body that had a lot of rust and no windows. Luckily the motor was working, though the hardest part was the fact that it was already started and Jon had to work with what the previous owners had completed. Jon worked through a fair amount of setbacks and he said the best advice he can give would be to “Network amongst the vehicle community, especially the specific makes and models of the cars you’re working on.” The Torana was painted in Protec Basecoat and has an Extra Flow Clear over the top of the GMH colour Morpheus and is now used as both a show car and as a personal leisure vehicle.
AUGUST
Julius’ Wimbledon White Cortina which was completed in 2007 in a Protec 2K paint is one of the classiest cars out there. The 1964 Mark 1 Super Cortina is completely original besides one little secret. When restoring they needed an engine… an engine they got from a 1971 Cortina instead. A decision they needed to make though when asked for a tip he said “No matter what, if the original is good, leave it that way!” Through hard work, the entire restoration was done by himself and a few mechanics, though overall the vehicle was not in the worst state. With a bot of rust bubbles in the old paintwork and the rear taillight pushed in, the restoration was not nearly as bad as they can be. In saying that, the 3 years was no easy feat but paid off as being a prize-winning show car and an enjoyable casual drive.
SEPTEMBER
“Talk to the professionals and talk to Auto West!” was the DIY advice given by Eddie Hopson, the proud owner of the 1974 Ford XB Coupe. After around 8 months of restorations with a complete stri down due to surface rust and dodgy paintwork, along with a rebuilt interior and a custom dash, the vehicle was completed. This was 6 years ago and Eddie has enjoyed those leisurly Sunday drives ever since. For those who love the paintwork it was done in Protec 606 (now GMIX Direct Gloss) 2K Solid with a clear coat and the colour name is EDS Red.
OCTOBER
The most unique car in the calendar. This Coffin Car is exactly what it’s name represents. Custom made by Mick from Boneyard Kustomz, this car is quite literally made out of a coffin. The only thing that is familiar is the engine. Powered by a 1970’s Chevrolet engine it has power and sophistication. As for the paint, it is painted in Protec’s 606 (now GMIX Direct Gloss) 2K Solid in a simple Jet Black. Completed just over 8 months ago and now used as a DIY car only for ‘Loving’. In the same wit as making a vehicle out of a coffin, the best advice from Mick that could be given when wanting to restore a vehicle would be… “Get someone else to do it!”
NOVEMBER
The most important thing that someone needs to remember is to “Use the same products all the way through the restoration” Barry from Nelson Bodyworks explains. It took 12 months to rebuild the 1955 Dodge Royal. It was stripped back and painted in Protec 606 (now GMIX Direct Gloss) with a two-tone colour scheme. Collen Green on the bottom and a custom green metallic on top. In 2002 the owner Darren Hill got his car back and it is now a leisure car for those Sunday drives.
DECEMBER
It’s been 5 years now since Michael from Deluxe Restorations completed his 1969 Holden HT Premier. In a full ground-up rebuild, the ‘Prem’ was stripped back to bare metal and recoloured, Aluminium Metallic, in Protec Basecoat with an Extra Flow Clear on top. Michael said it was a bit of work, but it could have been much worse. It had to be completely resprayed and there were, of course, the regular issues that all restorers have with a car of this age.
