THE WHEELS: 1970 XW Ford Falcon GT Replica.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
THE NUT: David Biggelaar, 41, of Norwood.
CAR buff David Biggelaar set a goal to restore his 1970 XW Ford Falcon GT Replica in record time to attend the Brisbane GT Nationals Meet in 2011.
He booked a ticket on the Spirit of Tasmania - six months before the meet - and set about remodelling a 1970 Ford Fairmont into a XW Ford Falcon.
Mr Biggelaar said the result was a team effort between him and his father and an "understanding wife".
"It wasn't even driveable but I worked day and night to get it done, whilst working full time as well," Mr Biggelaar said.
"I went without a bit of sleep but in the end the result was worth it. I've got a car that I am proud of.
"It's got a 5.8 litre V8, which is not totally stock. The car has better handling than the originals. Traditionally they lose the back end but this one I've made so it is stiffer in the back end so it doesn't have a lot of body roll, and that was [achieved] through research. It was made to be very driveable on the road and is actually quite fuel efficient.
"It's got a GT dash in the car and a GT steering wheel - if you squeeze too hard on the steering grips it sounds the horn.
"This model is not meant to have a shaker on the bonnet but I put it on there.
"It's got a beautiful note. It probably doesn't go as well as it sounds but it goes well.
"It had done 50 kilometres when we left home to drive to the national meet in Brisbane. We drove around the Bathurst track, went to the car show, then to the Lakeside International Raceway where Dick Johnson races, and then saw the Bowden collection.
"I've had a lot of joy with this car. I have a bit of a passion for cars. I guess it is my father's fault. He likes cars too."
Do you have a fantastic, loved, awesome and rocking car that we could feature in Wheel Nuts? Please call Isabel on 63367372 or ibird@examiner.com.au.