My Muscle Car
Sumo-sized golf bags.
In truth, the Japanese Statesman DeVille played an important role beyond helping Isuzu fill a domestic niche. It’s just one component of Holden’s multi-faceted affiliation with Isuzu in the wake of General Motors taking a 34 percent stake in the Japanese manufacturing company in 1971. Japan got a large car, while Holden began importing Isuzu trucks around the same time that were initially marketed as ‘Bedford by Isuzu’. A few years later came the Gemini.
Anyway, back to Daniel O’Grady, who says it’s something of a miracle that the super rare HQ, last registered in 1986, has survived.
“The automotive reality in Japan for cars older than 10 years is rust, higher rates of taxes, and the Japanese people’s love of a shiny, new car in their driveway. That this lumbering Statesman DeVille has escaped the crusher is an absolute miracle. I doubt I’ll see another.”
He says the next two cars on his wishlist are some Aussie-built, 318ci V8-powered Chryslers sold by Mitsubishi. Checkout wasabicars.com
AMC looks forward to publishing those pics... when Daniel tracks them down. We know he will.
Reader: Brian ‘BJ’ Donnelly Muscle car: ‘Spotty’ Hometown: Brisbane What is it? “1972 VH Pacer.” When did you buy it? “Only recently. It was restored about three years ago by a mate in Sydney and I have been waiting patiently for the right chance to buy it – i.e. pounce!” Why did you buy it? “It’s a one-off car, Alpine White with tan interior and sporting the option code A95, interior dress up package of reclining bucket seats, threespoke steering wheel and carpet. This option usually goes hand-in-hand with the option A65 black bonnet and stripes, but this particular car doesn’t have the A65 which is quite rare. It was optioned with delete blackouts on the bonnet. Besides, the VH sedan is really just a four-door version of a R/T Charger.” What do you know about its life? “It was bought new in Mt Isa and has had six owners since new. As I said, it was restored about three years ago.” Why the nickname Spotty? “The car sat for years under a carport with rusted holes in it and the ‘acid rain’ [ED: sulphur dioxide fallout from mines] in Mt Isa covered the car in spots of rust! The ‘before’ pic says it all! The Muscle Car Marathon to Mecca brings together a long overdue organised ‘RALLY’ focused on Australian ‘Low Production High Performance’ Muscle Cars produced between 1967 and 1987.” Any big trips planned for Spotty? “I’m planning to take Spotty on the Muscle Car Marathon to Mecca rally this October to Bathurst for the big race. A mate of mine, Shane, is also keen on doing the event, in the Leo Geoghegan tribute Pacer he recently bought from me.” Anything you’d like to add? “I’ve got a bit of thing for tribute cars, as I also had a replica of the Castrol #17 car which I drove in Regularity events and in Improved Production-type races. My passion is Valiants, for sure!”