KARL STANBRA

AGE: 42

OCCUPATION: Sales manager

PREVIOUSLY OWNED CARS: 1992 Holden VP SS ute, five-litre manual; 1973 Holden HQ ute, blown 355ci small block ( NZV8 Issue No. 21); 1999 HSV VT Clubsport R8, LS1 six-speed; 2012 HSV VE E3 Clubsport R8, LS3 six-speed (current car)

DREAM CAR: 1968–’69 Camaro, tubbed and blown pro-street style

WHY THE MONARO? When I was five, my grandad had a HQ Monaro LS. I loved that car, but it was sold when he passed away. After the ute was sold off, it felt right to build an HQ Monaro coupe with five seats to cart the family around in

BUILD TIME: Seven years

LENGTH OF OWNERSHIP: Seven-and-ahalf years

KARL THANKS: My awesome wife Karlie; kids Lachlan, Sienna, and Hunter; Gavin Stanbra, Glen Jones, Kyle Jones, Glen Longley; Todd Bradley at WSM Automotive; Carl ‘Hollywood’ Johnson; Ben McNaught; Tom Roberts at Allens Auto Services; Dave at Autoblast; Dan Scott at Orewa Panelbeaters; Darryn Galloway at Snells Beach Panel and Paint; David Hawkins at Ultimate Coast Customs; Paramount Engineering; Dave Heys at Engine Parts; Murray, Kane, and Derek at Weber Specialties; Steelie Gears; Ricky Ireland; Alan Hodge at Rodney Auto Trim; Brad Thomas at Classic Seatbelts; Benny, Joel, and Craig at Warkworth Auto Electrical; Bluewire Automotive; Rare Spares Christchurch; Holgate Panelbeaters; Gareth at CC Certification; Trevor at Seatbelts NZ, for compliance; Steve and Danny Sharpe at Sharpe Autofinish; Peter Padgett at Tranfield Management Service for engineer sign-off