Driven and navigated by editor in chief Greg Leech and editorial co-ordinator Phil Walker, the car has undergone a complete restoration from a rough ‘barn find’ to a pristine example. The whole deal has been extensively covered in the magazine, backed up by video presentation of the various resto stages on the Unique Cars website uniquecarsmag.com.au. Log-on and take a look.

The restoration had as its focus a rebuild on a reasonable budget, to a specification that would see it offer a good degree of performance into the bargain. With that in mind, the stock 186ci red engine came in for some extensive work in order to free up some horsepower.

The engine was balanced, blueprinted and bored out to 60 thou oversise (192ci), a steel crank was fitted, the block decked, Starfire rods fitted, a 30/70 cam grind was employed, pocket porting, XU-1 sized valves (with hardened seats for unleaded fuel), and stiffer valve springs. Fuelling is via a 350 Holley mated to a Redline inlet manifold and completing the breathing duties is a set of HiTech performance headers. A custom sports exhaust completed the package.

The original three on the tree M15 box remains in place, with plans to move to a four speed M21 on the drawing board.

With the refurbished engine completed and in place, the magazine turned its attention to suspension. All bushes were replaced, King springs fitted (lowered 35mm), Monroe gas shocks, new ball joints, tie rod ends, inner and outer idler arms… In short, a reasonably priced but extensive refit took place.

The extra power the car developed called for better stoppers. The front drums got the boot and AU ford ventilated discs and Corvette C4 calipers were fitted. A big job, but well worth the expense and attention.

With the drivetrain completed, aesthetics became the focus. To keep costs down, the car retains its original Silver Mink colour with the respray including HG Monaro stripes. The interior came in for a retrim to bring it back to original specs.

The car makes its public debut at Targa.

“The Targa Tour offers us the chance to show the car to the public and see what it can do on the road into the bargain. We reckon it has turned out well, offering a guide for anyone looking to get involved in car resto without having to spend a bomb. All we have to do is finish now!. says Greg Leech.

Phil Walker is a Targa Tour veteran, but this year is different this year represents his first run in an older car. “I’m confident that the hard work we’ve put into the car will stand us in good stead for the week. Older cars are my forte so I get the chance to indulge a passion on the Targa Tour,” he says.

See this link for more on the HG story so far.

Targa Tasmania website