Automotive news from Australia — classics, clubs, industry, and the Motrs community.https://motrs.liveen-auhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-17-this-retrotech-1956-holden-fj-ute-is-a-21st-birthday-presenthttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-17-this-retrotech-1956-holden-fj-ute-is-a-21st-birthday-presentLloyd Williams is building his four-year-old son the ultimate 21st birthday gift: a '56 FJ ute that looks factory-fresh but drives like a modern car.Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTHOLDENrestomodholden fjretrotechfamily buildMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-16-jaguar-bridges-past-and-future-at-pebble-beach-with-historichttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-16-jaguar-bridges-past-and-future-at-pebble-beach-with-historicJaguar showcased five legendary classics alongside its camouflaged Type 01 electric GT at Pebble Beach, revealing the production interior while keeping enthusiasts guessing about the exterior design.Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTJAGUARelectric vehiclespebble beachconcept carsheritageMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-16-sydney-hot-rodder-s-25-year-odyssey-with-blown-hemi-33-ford-https://motrs.live/news/2026-08-16-sydney-hot-rodder-s-25-year-odyssey-with-blown-hemi-33-ford-Joe Kurtovic's 1933 Ford coupe started as a simple cruiser project, but a 6/71 supercharger purchase changed everything. More than 25 years later, the Sydney hot rodder's full-fendered, 392 Hemi-powered street machine is still turning heads.Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTFORDhot rodblown hemisydneystreet machineMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-14-new-toyota-supra-leads-touring-car-masters-build-surgehttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-14-new-toyota-supra-leads-touring-car-masters-build-surgeA fresh Toyota Supra build is taking shape at Bendigo Retro Centre, part of a wave of new entries being constructed for the popular retro racing series.Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTTOYOTAtouring car mastersrace carbuildmotorsportMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-14-rotary-swapped-mazda-1000-ute-takes-show-wins-and-street-crehttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-14-rotary-swapped-mazda-1000-ute-takes-show-wins-and-street-creTroy Dunning's 13B-powered Mazda 1000 ute isn't just a trailer queen — it collects trophies at shows and absolutely rips on the street.Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTMAZDArotaryuteshow and shineengine swapMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-one-of-190-65-mustang-pace-car-replica-hits-the-market-afterhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-one-of-190-65-mustang-pace-car-replica-hits-the-market-afterA rare 1965 Ford Mustang Pace Car replica—one of just 190 hardtops built to commemorate the Indy 500—is seeking a new home after more than four decades with the same owner.Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTFORDpace carrestorationfor salemustangMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-aussie-team-to-campaign-factory-ford-mustang-gt3-at-suzuka-1https://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-aussie-team-to-campaign-factory-ford-mustang-gt3-at-suzuka-1Miedecke Motorsport and Melbourne Performance Centre will join forces to field a factory-backed Ford Mustang GT3 at next month's Suzuka 1000, marking an exciting all-Australian effort on the international stage.Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTFORDracinggt3fordinternationalMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-what-exactly-is-a-ford-landau-the-story-behind-ford-s-luxuryhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-what-exactly-is-a-ford-landau-the-story-behind-ford-s-luxuryRob Giangrave's blown-Godzilla Landau graces the cover of Street Machine's September issue, but what made this luxury Ford different from the XA hardtop it was based on?Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTFORDford landauxa falconstreet machineluxury coupeMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-ford-ranger-raptor-tackles-gruelling-asia-cross-country-rallhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-ford-ranger-raptor-tackles-gruelling-asia-cross-country-rallA Thai team backed by Ford Performance is campaigning a production-based Ranger Raptor in one of Asia's toughest off-road events, taking on purpose-built rally machines across 2000 kilometres of demanding terrain.Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTFORDmotorsportoff-roadfordranger raptorMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-tassie-bloke-s-hr-holden-from-mild-202-to-wild-turbo-ls3-drahttps://motrs.live/news/2026-08-13-tassie-bloke-s-hr-holden-from-mild-202-to-wild-turbo-ls3-draA bit of banter from his mates was all it took for Tasmanian Heath Carroll to ditch his 202-powered HR Holden and build a turbo LS3 monster for Drag Challenge.Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMTHOLDENdrag challengels swapturboholdenMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-toyota-trademarks-trd-hammer-is-a-raptor-rival-finally-cominhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-toyota-trademarks-trd-hammer-is-a-raptor-rival-finally-cominToyota has filed a trademark for 'TRD Hammer', adding fuel to long-running speculation that a high-performance Tundra designed to take on the Ford F-150 Raptor is in the works.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTOYOTAperformanceoff-roadnew modeltrdMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-five-classic-ford-trucks-worth-collecting-under-50khttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-five-classic-ford-trucks-worth-collecting-under-50kAs reported by Hagerty, these five Ford trucks have quietly climbed into serious collectible territory, with median values in excellent condition now approaching $50,000.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTmarket trendsfordinvestmentclassic trucksMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-realm-engineering-c-type-recreation-blends-british-craft-withttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-realm-engineering-c-type-recreation-blends-british-craft-witThis Ecurie Ecosse-liveried Jaguar C-Type recreation started life as a Realm Engineering rolling chassis in England before being completed Stateside with a 4.2-litre XK six and Toyota five-speed.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTJAGUARrecreationauctionracing heritageMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-the-mercury-durango-that-never-was-ford-s-forgotten-ute-predhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-the-mercury-durango-that-never-was-ford-s-forgotten-ute-predBefore Ford's Durango coupe utility hit the market, Mercury dealers nearly got their own version. This rare 1979 prototype reveals what might have been when the Ranchero died.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTprototypecoupe utility1970sfordMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-freshly-rebuilt-1978-porsche-911sc-coupe-hits-the-markethttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-freshly-rebuilt-1978-porsche-911sc-coupe-hits-the-marketThis non-sunroof 911SC spent most of its life in California before receiving a comprehensive engine rebuild in North Carolina. Now up for sale with documented history and a clean title.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTPORSCHEporscheauctionrestorationair-cooledMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-time-capsule-2003-toyota-mr2-spyder-with-just-2-700kmhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-time-capsule-2003-toyota-mr2-spyder-with-just-2-700kmA virtually unused third-generation MR2 Spyder has surfaced in California with an odometer reading that's barely broken in — just 1,700 miles since new.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTOYOTAlow-mileageauctionjapanesetime-capsuleMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-the-saleen-s7-american-supercar-that-took-on-ferrari-and-porhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-the-saleen-s7-american-supercar-that-took-on-ferrari-and-porBuilt to beat Europe's best at Le Mans, Steve Saleen's mid-engined masterpiece delivers Enzo-level performance for a fraction of the price — and it's got genuine racing pedigree to back it up.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTsupercarracingamericanmarket trendsMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-six-decades-in-one-family-1934-ford-model-40-street-rod-withhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-19-six-decades-in-one-family-1934-ford-model-40-street-rod-withThis red hot rod cabriolet was bought in the early 1960s and transformed over 40 years into a proper street machine, complete with a 350ci Chevy V8 and just 5,000 miles since completion.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTstreet rodhot rodfamily ownedauctionMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-longroofs-we-love-station-wagons-and-shooting-brakes-worth-chttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-longroofs-we-love-station-wagons-and-shooting-brakes-worth-cFrom practical family haulers to high-performance exotics, station wagons and shooting brakes have always offered something special. Here's why these longroofs deserve more appreciation.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTVOLVOstation wagonvolvolifestyleMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-ferrari-offers-retrofit-kit-to-swap-haptic-controls-for-realhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-ferrari-offers-retrofit-kit-to-swap-haptic-controls-for-realIn a surprising move, Ferrari is now offering Purosangue and 12Cilindri owners a factory retrofit kit that replaces controversial haptic steering wheel controls with proper physical buttons.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTferraritechnologysteering wheelmodern classicsMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-spring-cleaning-with-39-cars-how-one-yank-tackled-workshop-chttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-spring-cleaning-with-39-cars-how-one-yank-tackled-workshop-cWhen your shared workshop hits 39 cars, a boat and a trailer, something's got to give. American expat and Hagerty columnist Matthew Anderson shares his creative solutions to vehicle density.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTVOLVOworkshoprestorationstoragevolvoMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-barn-find-volvo-p1800-unearthed-in-rural-victoriahttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-barn-find-volvo-p1800-unearthed-in-rural-victoriaA remarkably complete 1967 Volvo P1800 has been discovered in a shed outside Ballarat, untouched for over 30 years.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTVOLVObarn findrestorationvolvoMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-london-s-black-cabs-a-history-of-the-world-s-most-iconic-taxhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-18-london-s-black-cabs-a-history-of-the-world-s-most-iconic-taxFrom horse-drawn Hansom cabs to purpose-built motoring icons, London's black cabs have been ferrying passengers for centuries. Here's how they became a symbol of the city itself.Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThistorycommercial vehiclesurban cultureMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-17-classic-ferraris-dominate-us-71m-gooding-christie-s-amelia-ihttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-17-classic-ferraris-dominate-us-71m-gooding-christie-s-amelia-iEnzo-era Ferraris claimed five of the top 10 spots at Gooding Christie's 16th Amelia Island auction, while barn finds and rare Alfa Romeos rounded out a strong US$71.2 million result.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTauctionferraricorvetteamelia islandMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-17-porsche-356-concours-takes-over-albert-parkhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-17-porsche-356-concours-takes-over-albert-parkOver forty Porsche 356s lined the lakeside at Albert Park last weekend for what's become Melbourne's premier air-cooled gathering.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTPORSCHEconcourscar showporscheMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-17-when-a-resto-goes-wrong-saving-a-rare-edwards-americahttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-17-when-a-resto-goes-wrong-saving-a-rare-edwards-americaWayne Carini shares the story of rescuing an ultra-rare 1950s Edwards America roadster after a botched restoration—and the unusual client request that started it all.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTrestorationbarn findamerican classicsconcoursMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-17-when-a-v12-won-t-do-this-xj12l-got-a-chevy-hearthttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-17-when-a-v12-won-t-do-this-xj12l-got-a-chevy-heartA 1976 Jaguar XJ12L has turned up in a Californian wrecking yard with its original V12 replaced by a Chevrolet 400. According to Hagerty, the big cat's Detroit transplant wasn't enough to save it from the crusher.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTJAGUARengine swapbarn findamerican v8project carMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-toyota-ae86-values-continue-to-climbhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-toyota-ae86-values-continue-to-climbThe humble Corolla that started a revolution — AE86 prices have doubled in three years, and there's no sign of slowing down.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTOYOTAauctiontoyotamarketMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-why-obscure-japanese-cars-and-mates-beat-any-supercar-eventhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-why-obscure-japanese-cars-and-mates-beat-any-supercar-eventA tight-knit group of classic Isuzu owners travel thousands of miles each year to tackle Tennessee's legendary Snake road. But as one participant explains, it's the friendships — not the 489 corners — that keep them coming back.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTisuzuroad tripcommunityjapanese carsMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-jay-leno-s-pontiac-passion-restoring-a-navy-vet-s-65-grand-phttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-jay-leno-s-pontiac-passion-restoring-a-navy-vet-s-65-grand-pJay Leno's garage is experiencing a Pontiac revival, sparked by a '68 Firebird Sprint and now a beautiful '65 Grand Prix that came with a heartwarming backstory involving a Navy veteran and a set of wheels that never quite fit.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTPONTIACrestorationpontiacjay lenobarn findMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-remembering-frank-spadaro-a-master-mechanic-who-never-gave-uhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-remembering-frank-spadaro-a-master-mechanic-who-never-gave-uFrancesco 'Frank' Spadaro, a beloved vintage car mechanic who battled Stage IV cancer for nearly three decades while continuing to work, has passed away just weeks before his 70th birthday.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTMGmechaniccommunityrestorationtributeMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-the-road-trip-that-created-two-tv-legendshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-16-the-road-trip-that-created-two-tv-legendsIn 1962, Fred Rogers drove colleague Ernie Coombs from Pittsburgh to Toronto for a television gig. That journey would launch both Mr. Rogers and Mr. Dressup into children's television history.Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThistorytelevisioncultureMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-14-mazda-rx7-fd-breaks-auction-recordhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-14-mazda-rx7-fd-breaks-auction-recordA 1995 Mazda RX-7 FD Spirit R has sold for $185,000 at a Melbourne auction, setting a new benchmark for the twin-turbo rotary.Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTMAZDAauctionmazdarotaryMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-five-quirky-classics-up-for-grabs-from-tampa-bay-museumhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-five-quirky-classics-up-for-grabs-from-tampa-bay-museumThe Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is clearing out 18 cars from its collection with no reserve through Hagerty Marketplace. Here are five of the most unusual offerings worth a look.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTauctionmuseum collectiontatrarare carsMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-fast-furious-celebrates-25-years-with-petersen-museum-exhibihttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-fast-furious-celebrates-25-years-with-petersen-museum-exhibiThe Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is marking a quarter-century of the Fast & Furious franchise with a special exhibition featuring genuine screen-used cars from the action series.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTexhibitionfilm carsmodifiedamerican muscleMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-hanomag-the-german-pioneer-that-did-it-all-before-everyone-ehttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-hanomag-the-german-pioneer-that-did-it-all-before-everyone-eLong before BMW built cars or Porsche made tractors, German manufacturer Hanomag was doing both — along with locomotives and some truly peculiar vehicles. Here's the story of a forgotten industrial giant.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTautomotive historyprewargerman carsquirky classicsMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-ferrari-amalfi-spider-drops-its-tophttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-ferrari-amalfi-spider-drops-its-topFerrari completes its new entry-level lineup with the open-top Amalfi Spider, featuring a clever folding roof and styling that stays true to the coupe.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFERRARIconvertiblenew releaseferrariMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-why-every-classic-car-owner-is-a-custodian-of-historyhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-why-every-classic-car-owner-is-a-custodian-of-historyAs billions in classic cars change hands over the coming decades, proper documentation could be the difference between a car with soul and just another old machine.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTownershipdocumentationpreservationopinionMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-jaguar-e-type-rally-tasmaniahttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-jaguar-e-type-rally-tasmaniaTwenty-two Jaguar E-Types tackled Tasmania's west coast last week in what participants are calling the best club rally in years.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTJAGUARrallyjaguarcar showMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-when-chrysler-came-to-kenosha-the-broken-promise-that-ended-https://motrs.live/news/2026-03-13-when-chrysler-came-to-kenosha-the-broken-promise-that-ended-In 1987, Lee Iacocca promised Kenosha workers five more years of production. Less than two years later, both AMC plants were closed for good.Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTautomotive historychryslerfactoryMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-12-classic-car-insurance-what-you-need-to-knowhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-12-classic-car-insurance-what-you-need-to-knowAgreed value, club plates, and the fine print — a no-nonsense guide to insuring your classic properly.Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTinsuranceguideMotrshttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-10-alfa-romeo-spider-club-run-great-ocean-roadhttps://motrs.live/news/2026-03-10-alfa-romeo-spider-club-run-great-ocean-roadFifteen Alfa Romeo Spiders took on the Great Ocean Road in a picture-perfect Sunday run from Torquay to Apollo Bay.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTALFAcar showalfa romeoclub runMotrs