Hooked On Classics
For automotive upholsterer Kira Jurado, cars aren’t just machines, they’re vehicles for collecting cherished memories, writes motoring expert and Which Car presenter Elise Elliott.
Meet lifelong hot-rod enthusiast and automotive upholsterer, Kira Jurado.
Pulling up to Kira Jurado’s farm in Bargo, about 100 kilometres south-west of Sydney, is like taking a step back in time. Kira owns four beautiful vintage vehicles: a 1928 Ford Model A Tudor hot rod; a 1932 Ford Coupe; a 1940 DeSoto and a 1976 Toyota Crown wagon. It’s an impressive collection in anyone’s book, although perhaps not surprising for someone who’s an automotive upholsterer (also known as a motor trimmer) by trade.
Kira says the bright blue Tudor is a sentimental favourite: her late father built it, and many childhood memories include cruising to car shows in this magnificent vehicle. There’s something special about the all-original 1940 DeSoto, which was launched by Chrysler and ceased production in 1961, too. Rather delightfully, Kira reserves this rare beauty for taking her three dogs – Jack, Roxy and Dallas – for a spin through the countryside. Despite being the youngest of the three, Dallas always commands the front passenger seat.
As a motor trimmer, Kira repairs, refreshes and replaces the upholstery, linings and trims on all kinds of vehicles. The walls of Kira’s workshop – her favourite room – are lined with vintage sewing machines, another example of her passion for her work. Kira says revitalising classic cars always brings her much joy. “Seeing a customer’s face light up when they see their beloved car looking brand new again is amazing.”
Have you always appreciated classic cars? My passion for vintage cars comes from my father, who was a panel beater. He would take me to hot rod and custom car shows with him, and the experience made a reallybigimpressiononme.Ilovethewayclassiccarscreateacommunity. People who share the same passion can meet over a bonnet and form friendships that last a lifetime.
What’s the story behind your vehicles? The ’28 Model A Tudor hot rod, which I inherited from Dad, holds so many wonderful memories for me. It always makes me remember the good times when I drive it. I started building my own hot rod with Dad almost 10 years ago. It was a great experience and I learnt many skills along the way. The DeSoto is an all-round fun car. It still has the original drive line but it’s styled as a traditional lowrider, often referred to as a ‘bomb’. The dogs love it! I also hope to finish building my 1932 Ford Coupe this year.
What is the appeal of vintage cars for a driver? Old cars are very different to drive compared to modern ones. With new vehicles, you can pretty much just put your foot down and go. But with older ones, you really have to focus, paying attention to both the sound and feel of the car as you go. When I’m driving a vintage vehicle, the stresses of life disappear as I focus on enjoying the drive. I’m lucky to have met my partner Sean, who is a mechanic by trade. He helps me with the maintenance of all my cars.
When did your passion for cars, and their interiors in particular,
begin? I always knew I wanted to work with cars, just like my dad and his father [an automotive painter] before him. As a teenager, I also enjoyed sewing my own clothes, so the upholstery trade really suited me. My family and friends all encouraged me to follow my heart and enter the motoring trade.
I love my job, and completing a full interior makeover is really satisfying. During a full custom build I get to use many of the skills I’ve learnt over the years. These include welding, fibreglassing, foam shaping and, most importantly in my trade, pattern making. I also get to work with some amazing leathers and suedes.
The garage is my pride and joy. It’s dedicated to my cars, but it’s also where I keep my collection of vintage sewing machines. My most prized model is a 1957 Singer that Sean had custom-painted and gave to me for Christmas in 2017.
What are the benefits of living in Bargo? The nature of my work means that I can work from home. And Bargo is idyllic! We enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle but we’re only an hour’s drive from Sydney and 30 minutes from the beaches around Wollongong. The Nattai National Park is just a stone’s throw away too.
Who inspires you? I always looked up to my dad and tried to follow in his footsteps. He taught me to always put in 110 per cent effort, in every area of my life. I draw so much inspiration from fellow motor trimmers around the world too. Social media has made it so easy for us to connect and develop new ideas in our industry. @EliseElliott_Media; @OG.customs.upholstery For expert motoring advice go to whichcar.com.au.