READERS’ ROCKETS

“I HAD my first car when I was 16, and it all spiralled out of control from there. I now have an HQ coupe and a VK Brock, among others, but my ’71 HQ sedan was for the family and me to enjoy. It was a relatively easy 18-month build that was finished in 2012. The HQ’S heart is a 383 small-block Chev with Edelbrock Performer alloy heads, a Victor Jr intake, and Pacemaker headers flowing into a 2.5-inch twin exhaust. The three-speed Turbo 350 and Strange nine-inch rear end handles the 514hp on pump fuel, plus a quick squirt of NOS. For the suspension I went with Pedders custom springs and shocks and Pro9 adjustable arms. I wanted a solid pro street look for the car, so decided to roll with Center Lines – 15x3.5 on the front and 15x10 out back. The mini-tubs really give the car a tough look over 10-inch-wide Mickey Thompsons, while the Mercedes silver paint with the black stripes really sets the car off in the sun. Big thanks to Stef Buccella at Westernlink Automotive, Mario Federico at J&M Prestige, John Bartollo, Simon Gauci, John Lang, and Brian Muscat at Western Street Trim.” Photos: Dan Browne