I had no idea what a massive deal Meguiar’s MotorEx is for the customizing community in Australia until I chatted with some of the owners displaying their rides inside the Sydney Showground a couple of weekends ago.
These people (and often a support network of family, friends and tradesmen) descend from all over the country – one of the largest in the world I might add – to share their hard work with fellow builders and adoring fans.
In the morning hours before the main hall doors are swung open, you can find owners in all manner of awkward positions, attempting to ensure that not a single rogue hair or fingerprint can be found on their pristine paintwork for when the show starts.
The reason for my early arrival was the huge number of people in the hall on the first day of the show post unveiling ceremony. It’s much easier to grab some clean shots when you’ve pretty much got the place to yourself!
One challenge remained however – choosing a car to spotlight! Ever since my Powercruise coverage you guys have been riding me to cover more Aussie Fords, so here’s one – a 1977 Ford XC Falcon Hardtop.
From the factory the Falcon had a handsome shape, but it was adorned with fussy trimmings that really dated the shape. Not to say that’s a bad thing – it’s just a relic of the past when compared to the sleeker and more mature lines of today’s sportscars.
The approach that Brock, the owner of this XC, has taken is to keep the ’70s styling intact while bringing the car into the 21st century. This meant retaining the original characteristics of the XC, like the taillights and in particular the vents on the bonnet and rear quarter panels, while removing plastic moldings, door handles, rain channels and so on. The quality of the workmanship is really second to none and it left me feeling slightly guilty about the state of my current project car.
I also have to complement Brock on his choice of lighting for his display. Whereas most owners opted for bright spotlights, In Envy was illuminated by LED strip-lighting integrated into the barrier around the car. This gave a really clean, soft illumination as opposed to harsh and patchy light. As a photographer, this makes a massive difference!
Performance was certainly not neglected – a Dart stroker with Dyers supercharger, alloy heads and electronic injection provide the go behind the show. Up front, 6-pot brakes are dwarfed by 20×8.5-inch Billet Specialties Patriots.
The Falcon rides on RideTech ShockWave airbags, and out back you’ll find a four-link arrangement and 22×10-inch Patriots shod in 285/25 Falkens.
One of the coolest aspects of this build is that the car was actually bought new by Brock’s father back in ’77, before eventually being passed down and transformed into the neck-snapping beauty it is today. Brock’s passion for the car was clear, and his excitement at being a part of the hero Freestyle Rides display at Meguiar’s MotorEx was tangible. Although no awards came Brock’s way this year, I don’t think that’s dampened his enjoyment one bit.
Blake Jones
Instagram: blaketjones
blake@speedhunters.com