Bonnet Drama Maz Romandini is a mum, businesswoman and a vintage Ford Mustang aficionado.
Whatever she turns her talents to, Melbourne mum, businesswoman and classic-car enthusiast Maz Romandini takes a hands-on approach, writes motoring expert and WhichCar presenter, Elise Elliott.
Maz Romandini (pictured) is a rev-head who always aspired to own her own V8 muscle car. While many girls were scribbling boys’ names on their books, Maz was drawing Ford Falcon GT emblems to represent her own object of desire. Now, the Melbourne mother of three spends most of her time under the bonnet of her beloved 1966 Ford V8 Mustang Coupe. What’s more, she also owns the ’stang’s little sister: a 2016 Ford Mustang Fastback GT in a matching red.
Female drivers of muscle cars are often seen as an anomaly – Maz says she has lost count of the times people have asked “Is that your husband’s car?”. In response, she set up a Facebook group for women who own and work on their own cars, and who champion other women within the car community.
Maz shares a home with her cabinetmaker husband Adrian, their children, and the family’s Staffordshire bull terrier, Cira. Their property, bought 20 years ago, had one major selling point: a five-car garage.
When not tinkering with her cars, Maz can often be found in the kitchen, which is very much the hub of this home. Thoughtful cabinetry is an essential part of the space, she says. Frequently used items are in easy-to-reach drawers underneath crisp white Caesarstone benchtops. Thanks to Blum hardware, many of the cupboards are self-opening – no greasy fingerprints on handles here! Storage is incorporated into almost every space: in the kitchen island, under the stairwell, around the main bedroomsuite,inthelaundry.“I’msurewestillhaveempty cupboards somewhere!” says Maz, laughing.
“I love nostalgic styling and appreciate the sheer amount of time, effort and money that goes into building, restoring and maintaining things by hand.” Maz Romandini
Have you always appreciated cool retro cars?
In 1974, my dad bought a brand-new XB Falcon 500 hardtop coupe as a family car. It was canary yellow, big and bold! With its killer curves and cool stripes it really made a statement. Dad not only taught me the basics of mechanics on that car, but also how to drive it. I appreciate the nostalgia and styling and recognise the sheer amount of time, money and effort put into building, restoring and maintaining retro cars.
What is it about your vintage Mustang that appeals?
Everything! From the Mustang’s iconic, sporty muscle car styling – the galloping-horse logo is recognised and revered by car enthusiasts all over the world – to the sweet rumble of itsV8engine.Ienjoylookingoutoveritslonghoodandgazing out to the round chromed side mirrors. The size of the car is perfect for a shorty like me! There’s nothing I enjoy more than ‘fat-arming’ it [driving down the street with the window rolled down and arm resting on the windowsill], with the engine roaring and music blaring. The car’s appeal is pretty widespread: little kids point, older men give me a thumbs up, women mouth “love your car”. Other drivers change lanes just to have a bit of a chat at the lights.
Which do you prefer: the ’66 or 2016 Mustang?
While I enjoy all the modern features and undeniable musclecar styling of the late-model Mustang, I totally adore my ‘old girl’, from the shine on the chrome bumpers to the sound the doors make when closing.
Do you like getting under the bonnet?
Yes,Ireallyenjoygettingmyhandsdirty.Onthe’66,Iremoved all the interior and insulated the shell. Then I restored or replaced most of the interior with new upholstery, including the seats and carpet. I replaced the old 289 engine with a newly built 347 stroker, as well as updating the diff, cam, carby, stall converter, tailshaft, auto and radiator – with lots of help from both Adrian and YouTube tutorials!
Tell us about your home.
It was built in the 1980s, a single-storey house with five bedroomsandafive-cargarage.Wemadeafewsmallchanges initially, including painting, removing the burgundy velvet curtains and glass chandeliers and polishing the floorboards. Our most recent update, four years ago, was a massive transformation. We stripped it back to the frame and added a second storey and an extensive sunroom with fireplace. It took eight months and I am so proudthat we completedmost of the works ourselves as a family. What are the interior highlights?
The star would have to be the floor, made from solid wormy chestnut.Itaddssomuchwarmthandcharactertothespaces. I also appreciate how much light floods into our home during the day, and the mood and softness the select LED lighting in cabinetry offers in the evening.