John and Lynn Purser

Car: 1972 Pontiac GTO Hometown: Jurien Bay, WA

What is it?

“Our car is a 1972 Pontiac GTO with a 400 ci engine and close-ratio Muncie gearbox.

When did you buy it?

“Three years ago.”

Why did you buy it?

“We were looking for a suitable car to do another Leukaemia Foundation Aussie Muscle Car run after participating in the West Australian run in our HZ Premier. The search started with looking for a Holden HQ Monaro, but at the time prices were rising rapidly. Our focus then widened and after looking at the Pontiac we thought it was a great alternative to a Monaro. The 400 cubic inch engine and manual gearbox won us over.”

How does it go?

“It goes quite well for a large American car. We have added a camshaft and headers from a 1968 Ram-Air GTO. This has de nitely enhanced the performance. On the Aussie Muscle Car Run it is not the fastest car on the track days but it is a huge amount of fun to drive and it cruises well.”

Anything you’d like to add?

“The car left the factory as Lucerne Blue, but was repainted to Carousel Red in the US before it came to Australia. lt has only done 65,000 miles and reputedly is a one owner in the US.

We plan to keep the car in its current form (including left-hand drive) with only a colour change back to the original in the pipeline.”

Where can people donate?

http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/ GEETEEO