2024 Supercheap Auto Club Calendar
Contents
January
Kia Stinger GT, 2021 – Douglas L
It's fast, it's always turning heads and a great alternative to owning a boring SUV!
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
A: We love our 2021 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6. It’s a real head turner thanks to its attention-grabbing Neon Orange colour and sheer on-road presence.
Q2: What's interesting about your vehicle’s performance?
A: Excellent 3.3L V6 Twin Turbo. Moves very quickly and effortlessly when you want it to.
Q3: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: Just like any household car, it’s mostly used for all sorts of purposes. It’s our one and only car and so a workhorse in a way - even if we don’t drive it much. We take it to the country in Spring to see wildflowers.
Q4: What made you choose this model?
A: Our previous car was a MINI John Cooper Works 2-Door Hatch - too small after a while! It was time to switch to a larger car and the Stinger GT not only met this requirement, but it also had the looks and power, and all the bells and whistles that you wouldn’t normally find at the price point it was selling for, as standard.
Q5: What do you love most about your car?
A: The space it provides and how comfortable it is when on long drives. It is a true grand tourer!
Q6: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: Have it serviced regularly! Also, aside from faithfully washing and waxing the car I can’t stress how important it is to park a car in a garage (or shaded area as much as possible when outside) if you want car paint to last and look good as possible, away from the sun and rain.
Q7: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: I use SCA Concentrate Wash & Wax 1.25L as a car wash solution. It foams up really nicely. Turtle Wax Dry Spray Wax is applied after that. 2 coats of Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating are also applied once a year without fail. The tyres are periodically treated with Meguiar’s Endurance Tyre Gel to make them look new and shiny.
February
Suzuki Samurai, 1991 – Courtney G
This is Jenny, and she is super SUPER. She may be very small, but she is mighty and can go anywhere a big 4WD can. She is super unique as there’s not many Suzuki Samurais around.
Q1: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: One thing I love most about my truck is I am able to go on weekend adventures with my dog. It is super special because he is a little anxious and wary of other dogs so I can take him places that some people can't reach. It means my dog and I are able to enjoy nature to ourselves.
Another thing I love about my truck is that I can spend time with my brother as he also has a four-wheel drive. We go on adventures, and he is able to teach me the ways of four-wheel driving as well as teaching me how to fix my truck if anything happens to break. I also love how unique it is as there aren't many Suzuki Samurais out and about (especially sage green ones).
Q2: What made you choose this model?
A: I chose the Suzuki Samurai because I wanted something super unique and rare. I also love how it is a perfect truck to learn how to four-wheel drive due to how small and compact it is.
Q3: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: It helps to have a mechanic as a brother to keep my truck running in top condition.
Q4: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: Since the Suzuki Samurai is pretty small it means there is not a lot of room for storage. From Supercheap I use the Cabin Crew net organiser/pet barrier and the boot net organiser.
I also have the XTM 7-piece recovery kit and have also recently purchased the Oricom UFC CB radio and will purchase an aerial which will be super handy on my four-wheel drive adventures. I also use Supercheap car washing products after a day of four-wheel driving.
March
Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe, 2015 – John Z
Every section of the bike has been touched from hand engraved parts imported from America to hand stretched metal fenders and one off-red rims. Mixing some old school with the Mexican Vicla Lowrider style.
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
A: 2015 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe - Basically every nut and bolt has been changed. Front and rear air ride suspension, custom paint, hand stretched metal fenders, hand engraved chrome parts from America, custom trimmed seat, Fishtail exhaust and the list goes on.
Q2: What do you do with the bike? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: I show the bike and ride it every chance I get with some days riding up to 6 hours through regional areas even if it rains.
Q3: What made you choose this model?
A: The Softail Deluxe is one of the base starting models for a Vicla Lowrider style motorbike
Q4: What do you love most about your bike?
A: It is different to other bikes and has helped me meet some awesome people in the Aussie Viclas community
Q5: If you rebuilt/restored the bike, tell us what you did?
A: I purchased the bike new in November 2014 and have basically changed everything on the bike. I had a vision and built it to how it sits now over the last 8 years with the help of some amazing people.
Q6: What is your best tip for restoring a bike?
A: Put your plan together on how you want the bike to look when finished then work towards it bit by bit so you don't have to do things more than once.
Q7: What is your best tip for keeping your bike in top condition?
A: I try to clean my bike on a regular basis, so it is easier to maintain
Q8: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: Meguiar's Ultimate Wheel Cleaner, Bowden's Own Snow Job, Mothers Chrome Polish and Microfibre Towels
April
Datsun Fairlady Z, 1975 – Adam P
My ride is SUPER because of its styling, its bold colour, and its heritage in the JDM scene.
Q1: Tell us a little about your vehicle?
A: 1975 Datsun 260Z Coupe Fairlady Z. Engine is 2.8 litre or L28 motor with a P90 head and 74-degree reground Cam, it has a cable throttle conversion, runs Triple 45 DCOE Carburettors and was tuned at C&J Motorsports producing 190HP at the rear wheels.
Q3: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: I take this car everywhere, track, shows and Sunday drives!
Q4: What made you choose this model?
A: Its Japanese reliability with that quintessential European style! The Datsun Z is an iconic car which shaped the history of the modern Z cars today.
Q5: What do you love most about your car?
A: Its colour (Porsche GT3 Orange) and its exhaust note.
Q6: If you rebuilt/restored the car, tell us what you did?
A: Everything has been done. Full rotisserie restoration including interior, dash and engine.
Q7: What is your best tip for restoring a car?
A: Take your time, don't give up and if possible don't cut corners. It's the finer details which make the car and will be appreciated by all well into the future. Also build the vehicle to impress yourself, not others.
Q8: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: Drive them, enjoy them, use quality parts and wash and service them regularly.
Q9: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: Kincrome low profile hydraulic trolley jack, SCA Ramps and Jack Stands, SCA Creeper, Kincrome Tools, Philips Headlight Bulbs, Bowden's Own/Chemical Guys cleaning products, Ryco/K&N Filters, Castrol and Penrite Oils and the list goes on!
May
Chevrolet, 1956 – John N
My ride is made SUPER because of the stunning colour combination of Nassau Blue, India Ivory and Harbour Blue that Chevrolet applied to this 1956 Chevrolet 4 door sedan. The Belair side trim, wide white wall tyres, and full Belair wheel trims all complement each other.
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
A: My car is a restored original 1956 Chevrolet Belair 4 door sedan, running the original 265ci V8, 2 barrel carburettor and single exhaust, backed up by the cast-iron 2 speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Original drum brakes front and rear, 3.55:1 differential, steel rims with 215/75R15 wide white wall tyres and Belair wheel trims.
The body has been repainted in factory Belair two-tone paint combination of Nassau Blue and India Ivory with Harbor Blue on the interior metal work and steering wheel. The interior has been trimmed in matching original Belair Light Blue Vinyl with Dark Blue Pattern Cloth, plus Blue Daytona weave carpet.
Q2: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: We use the Chevy for leisurely country drives or when taking the family out on a special day or for a special occasion. February each year we take the Chevy to our favourite car show, the All-American Day car show, hosted by The American GM Drivers Club of Australia.
Q3: If you rebuilt/restored the car, tell us what you did?
A: The 1956 Chevy was a complete, rust-free Californian import. The Chevy sat in the garage for a few years while I gathered the necessary parts for the restoration. I began by taking the Chevy to a professional panel shop where they did a great job straightening the rear quarter panels and welding the trunk floor.
I then disassembled the car and lifted the body off the chassis. The chassis was painted and worn parts replaced. The body and panels I prepared for paint and then sprayed with several acrylic lacquer topcoats, sanding flat between each coat. I sprayed the dash, interior metal work and steering wheel in acrylic lacquer Harbor Blue followed by clear coat. The original 265ci V8 engine was reconditioned, being bored to 283ci and retained the stock 2-barrel carburettor and manifold. A new 2 ½” single exhaust system was professionally built and installed.
Utilising an interior kit from the USA, the seats were re-trimmed in the original Belair colours and materials by a local upholsterer. The Belair door trim panels were a special order from the USA because the armrests are moulded in under the vinyl. The carpet is also a special order in Blue Daytona weave. I fitted a new AM FM radio that looks like the original radio.
The restoration took over 2 years, with the Chevy finished and on the road in November 2010. Overall, restoring this car has been a rewarding experience as I have given life to a preloved Chevy and brought it back to its original beauty.
Q4: What is your best tip for restoring a car?
A: My best tip for restoring a car for yourself is to use Acrylic Lacquer spray paint. The ease of mixing and spraying the Acrylic Lacquer made repainting the Chevy enjoyable and rewarding. Any mistakes can be sanded back and then re-sprayed. Additionally, my best tip for keeping your car in top condition is to use a car cover.
Q5: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: The products that I used from Supercheap Auto include the Green Nulon Premix Coolant and Nulon 15W-40 Engine Oil.
June
Ford 1929 AA Tip Truck, 1929 – Joe S
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
A: This vintage truck is a Ford 1929 AA Tip Truck. Purchased in 1986 and completely restored in 1990.
I have owned this truck since 1986. I fully restored it, and it went on the road in 1989 when my wife and family travelled to the South Island on a Model A Rally in Blenheim. It has been in the Farmers Parade in Auckland several times with different themes riding on the back.
Now in Tauranga it has visited a few Primary Schools whose pupils were very interested in winding the hoist up as part of their studies on transport.
Q2: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: We belong to the Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club and as such it is involved in events and runs that provide a lot of pleasure. In 2001 it won Best Vintage and Best of Show at the Blake Park All Ford Day.
Q3: What made you choose this model?
A: I was involved in the trucking industry and had a passion for old vehicles. It ticked the box. It includes a lot of wood. Many hours of work and design went into the complete restoration.
Q4: What do you love most about your car?
A: What do I love about the truck - It is back to basics, i.e. one long cable to operate the brakes. It does not flaunt itself; it doesn't have to. Having restored vehicles previously there was always the smart remarks and jealousy of this old thing.
Q5: If you rebuilt/restored the car, tell us what you did?
A: The chassis engine complete with running gear was under a sheet of iron. The panels etc. in a cow shed. The cab, what was left of it, was under some 30 bales of hay. The wheels and rims (split rims) were in bad shape. Everything was stripped out.
I constructed a new wood cab to original specs.
I designed and built the tip body complete with a "Little Giant" hand operated hoist. Children loved being able to wind it up and down.
I had the newly installed spring seat recovered with leather. My wife chose the colours and I painted
Q6: What is your best tip for restoring a car?
A: Have an idea of what you want, but do not go too hard. Break each task into modules, complete before you move on.
Plan - plan - plan. Do not restore the engine first.
Q7: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: First if it involves wood, keep it undercover. Treat it like you would if it was your wife. Do not try to wash it with a dirty piece of material, do not wipe over when it is dusty. Just live with it till you can wash it.
Q8: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: I’ve gone through a stack of engine degreaser and sandpaper. Purchased a good buff machine. Split pins and washers galore.
July
Mercedes Benz 190 SL, 1959 – Ross M
In 2010, I was taking my grandson home and we happened to pass the Mercedes Benz dealership where this beauty was in the window. I thought it was a stunning looking car, with its elegant lines from a bygone era. I went to Mercedes the next day and was fortunate enough to buy it.
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
A: In 2010, I was taking my grandson home and we happened to pass the Mercedes Benz dealership where this beauty was in the window. I thought it was a stunning looking car, with its elegant lines from a bygone era. I went to Mercedes the next day and was fortunate enough to buy it. In 2018, it won the Mercedes Brisbane Concours d'Elegance, and in 2023, it won the judges choice at the RACQ Motorfest.
Q2: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: The car has won awards including the People’s Choice and Outright Winner at the 2018 Mercedes Benz Concours d’Elegance. In 2022, it won ‘Champion of Champions’ at the Concours d’Elegance, and in 2023, it won ‘Best European Vehicle’ and ‘Judges Choice’ at the RACQ Motorfest
Q3: What made you choose this model?
A: I was taking my Grandsons to dinner and the car was in the dealers showroom window. I went down the next day and bought the 190SL, so I have always classed it as the most expensive dinner I have ever bought. I am very fortunate to be the custodian of this classic vehicle.
Q4: What do you love most about your car?
A: I love the shape and the classic lines of a bygone era.
Q5: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: The Bowden's Own range.
August
Jaguar E Type Series 1, 1966 – Lindsay H
I just love the way JessE drives. Her ability to take corners and how she looks. Even standing still she gives the impression of speed.
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
Pretty much standard. A few changes with electronic ignition, smaller steering wheel, half the padding in the driver's seat (I'm tall and was tired of looking at the top of the windscreen), added aircon and Dynamat soundproofing throughout to eliminate road noise.
Q2: What's interesting about your vehicle’s performance?
A: She can do what it was originally stated by Jaguar as capable of. Enough said.
Q3: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: Has been a daily driver, taken to car shows but now mostly a "Sunday” driver. Sunday drives can be two or three days. I am not afraid to take her out in the wet, but gravel roads are behind her.
Q4: What made you choose this model?
A: I saw a new one parked on the street outside my parents’ house when I was about 5 years old and knew I was going to own one someday. I now have two.
Q5: What do you love most about your car?
A: It feels so good just sitting in it and when the motor starts up, she has a soft growl about her, unlike my American cars which roar.
Q6: If you rebuilt/restored the car, tell us what you did?
A: I have had this car rebuilt twice. Complete strip down the first time and the second was almost a complete strip down. Some shady body shops did some doggy work which needed undoing and redone.
Q7: What is your best tip for restoring a car?
A: Have the money up front to restore your car before you start, or at least have a proper idea of what it will cost. Odds are it will cost 10 times what you think it will.
Q8: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: If it makes a strange noise get it looked at by pros straight away. Can save many $$$ in the long run. And park as far away from the front entrance to any supermarket.
Q9: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: I buy the odd tool from SCA (MIG welder, sand blaster cabinet etc.), car care products, car mats, filters, oil and antifreeze, amongst other things. I love SCA stores.
September
Holden Commodore Executive Wagon, 1995
My 1995 Holden Commodore Executive wagon, with factory bench front seats and column shift, was already a star at shows with its classic clean style, then I added a matching half car trailer. I just love the smiles it gets as I drive it, or people see it at the shows I attend.
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
A: 1995 Holden Commodore Wagon. 6 seat version. All original bar minor suspension upgrade. Matching half car trailer with working doors & windows. Full LED under glow lighting on both.
Q2: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: I take the car & trailer to local car shows in NZ. I enjoy seeing people’s reactions as I drive it around or have it parked up at events. I do amateur photography and videos of the shows I attend.
Q3: What made you choose this model?
A: I chose this model because it was a very original & clean vehicle that was a credit to the original owner. I chose the trailer to match when I spotted an unfinished project on Marketplace as I had a vision of what it could be with my wagon.
Q4: What do you love most about your car?
A: The reactions & surprise on people’s faces as I drive it or park up at events.
Q5: If you rebuilt/restored the car, tell us what you did?
A: The Trailer got a full panel & paint job to match my wagon, & I installed LED under glow on both the trailer & car. All controlled by my phone app.
Q6: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: Use good car care products like Bowden's Own.
Q7: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: I bought a variety of paints, jockey wheel & generator for when I went camping with it.
October
Ford GT40, 1988 – Tony O
Copy of 1966 Le Mans GT40. Running a 302 ford V8 with Edelbrock heads and an Audi transaxle
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
This car is a kit car designed after the Le Mans winning Mark 1 GT40 . The 40 standing for the car measuring just 40 inches high at the windscreen. The Ford GT40’s won LeMans from 1966 through 1969. (Ford v Ferrari the movie tells the story) Only 105 were produced including some road going versions and sell for up to $10 million dollars depending on race history
Q2: What's interesting about your vehicles performance?
A: The original cars were the first to exceed 200 mph down the straight at Le Mans. My car has a Ford 302 motor with Edelbrock heads and a 4-barrel carb. Transaxle is a 5 speed Audi.
Q3: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: I use the car for club runs and car shows which always draws a lot of attention.
Q4: What made you choose this model?
A: When I was about 10 years old, I saw an original road going car and always had a dream of one day owning a car which came true about 2 years ago.
Q5: What do you love most about your car?
A: Apart from the amazing sound from the Ford V8 and the crowd appeal it is hot, uncomfortable and loud. OMG what was I thinking.
Q6: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: Oil, coolant, spark plugs and polish.
November
Holden HQ Monaro, 1973 – Callan W
My car is SUPER because this car was purchased to be use for parts to complete the restoration of my father's car. What that was left was given to me by my father basically as a complete wreck. It is a backyard shed restoration that my father, son and I completed together.
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
Genuine 1973 Holden HQ GTS Monaro 4 Door. We completed ground up restoration that included every nut and bolt to be removed. It might not be perfect, but we did our best with what we had to work with. This car will be handed down to my kids with the intention to never leave the family.
Q2: What's interesting about your vehicles performance?
A: Engine is Mild 308, Supra 5 speed gearbox definitely not built to race just a nice reliable cruiser.
Q3: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: I use the car to attend local car show and take the family out on Sunday drives for lunch etc.
Q4: What made you choose this model?
A: I was born into a Holden family with my dad owning a HQ GTS Monaro . From my earliest memory I wanted to get my own HQ Monaro the same as my dad’s so we could go cruising together.
Q5: What do you love most about your car?
A: I love that its bright and turns heads. I also love that it generates conversation. I love talking cars but mostly the build allowed me to spend time in the shed with my dad and son. Its defiantly rewarding knowing the time and effort that was put into it to then enjoy it with my family.
This car will be handed down to my kids to hopefully enjoy long after I’m gone and continue to keep the Australian motoring history alive.
Q6: If you rebuilt/restored the car, tell us what you did?
A: This restoration was 100% a back shed build and we completed everything possible that our skills allowed us to do. I started with the intention of what was meant to be a quick tidy up and get it back on the road but very quickly turned into a full ground up rebuild. The plan was to keep it as original as I could. The car was stripped back to a bare shell. Every nut, bolt, and part was cleaned, repaired, painted, polished etc. then stored in my dad’s spare bedroom in his house.
I spent days online, attending swap meets trying to find all the missing parts that I needed to complete the restoration. The shell and panels were sand blasted rust repaired and painted with help from my uncle. We stripped the engine down and then rebuilt the engine. Slowly piece by piece the car was re assembled and 8 years later we drove it out the driveway. Overall it was enjoyable to do but I would say restoring a car will test your patients and build plenty of character.
Q7: What is your best tip for restoring a car?
A: Do your research and don’t rush. If it takes a little longer to do something correctly, do it or you will most likely be doing it again costing you time and money.
Also I would suggest breaking it down into smaller manageable projects rather than treating it like one big job.
Q8: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: Clean it regularly. I clean it after most days out. I also regularly check it over for general wear and tear, Oil Leaks etc and fix them before they become bigger issues.
Q9: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: Oils, Filters, Polish and cleaning products, Plenty of tyre shine, Tools, paints and primers.
December
Nissan Silvia S13 – Hamish G
Silvia the Christmas car always makes people smile every year as we drive around the Christmas light displays. There are 4500 household LED lights powered by an inverter and deep cycle battery all supplied from Supercheap Auto.
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
She’s a 1990 Nissan S13 Silvia with a 200HP 2L Autech SR20DE from a 2001 later model Silvia. I have had these model Silvia's for 15 years now. I call her ‘Silvia’. She’s fun, bright, loud, unique and colourful. A true Japanese classic.
Q2: What do you do with the car? I.e. shows, race, Sunday drives?
A: My car is used for daily driving activities, taking the family out cruising, car shows and track time. Car is also set up for grip style track events.
Q3: What do you love most about your car?
A: My very unique and bright under glow/LED set up throughout the car.
Q4: If you rebuilt/restored the car, tell us what you did?
A: The car was completely stripped and rebuilt and painted in my shed with my daughter. All suspension, brakes, and everything underneath got pulled out and completely rebuilt or upgraded. A later model engine, gearbox and diff was fitted.
Interior was restored. Aftermarket wheels, big stereo setup, full custom Under glow/LED set up put throughout the whole car. Engine bay custom chequered paint job. Plus lots more little things.
Q5: What is your best tip for restoring a car?
A: Take your time, do it once and do it properly.
Q6: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: Keep her clean, well serviced, well-loved and kept inside the garage when she is sleeping.
Q7: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: All my oils, fluids, stereo, cleaning products, anything I need for our families cars and servicing. Paint supply products, tools, and anything I need that's sold at Supercheap.
Our Honorary 2022 Winner
'Overkill' 1976 Holden Hx Sandman Panel Van – Marilyn
Q1: Tell us about your vehicle and what makes it SUPER?
A:It’s a 1976 Holden Hx Sandman Panel Van. The name is “Overkill”. It got its name from a guy who said “all that chrome is over kill” so that’s how it became “Overkill”.
Q2: Where have you taken your car, and where is your favourite place?
A: Overkill has been all over Australia in shows with its partner in crime “Gleeso” which is a 1978 HZ Genuine and Original Sandman. Overkill has won many awards and trophies has been featured in the media several times in newspaper, magazines, calendars and on biscuit tins promotions.
Overkill’s favourite place to go is on the highway where the v8 engine opens up and roars.
Q3: How would you describe the car?
A: It’s a innovative custom built 4 speed manual with a 308 v8 engine with a chrome make over. Its colour is Papaya with slate black trim combination.
Has Custom American billet show wheels with slotted brakes, side pipes, Stainless extractors, been lowered, has a statesman front grille top and bottom, tinted bubble back window and tail lights.
All engine wires have been hidden, has mirrored under bonnet with chrome all through engine bay and car. Alloy 3 coil radiator with twin turbo fans.
Q4: What do you love most about the car?
A: What I love the most about the car is its colour, the chrome work, its custom design in the back of the panel van, the mirrors in the engine bay and throughout the panel van. Its overall appearance and the memories with the van.
Q5: What is your best tip for keeping your car in top condition?
A: The best tip for keeping it in top condition is not driving in the rain and keeping it regularly washed and serviced which we find all the products at Supercheap.
Q7: What products did you use from Supercheap Auto?
A: Favourite Supercheap products would be the wide selection of polishes and cleaning products that they keep and that they stay up to date with new products and information.
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