Ian and Tracey said they bought it in late 2020, and knowing that they already owned a modified FJ ute with a late model V6 and Commodore running gear, I asked them what the attraction was.

After a bit of deliberation they both agreed "it's the V8!" Ian and Tracy bought this FJ already modified as it is now with a 350 Chev V8 and TPI fuel injection so it's no surprise that they were excited about it.

"We weren't really on the search for another car, but we always take an interest in what's around," said Ian.

"The timing was right and the price was good, so we went ahead and bought it."

The ute was built about 20 years ago on the NSW Central Coast and for those familiar with Street Machine magazine it featured in their October 2001 edition with the original owner.

Its a 1954 FJ Holden ute, recognised as the first of the Australian built Holdens.

As well as the V8, there's also a TH700 4 speed automatic transmission, 9 inch diff, HR front end with HSV brakes and power steering.

"Even with the 20 inch gold Simmons it still handles really well," Ian said.

On the outside the door handles have been shaved and the rear pan has been rolled with frenched tail lights and a recessed number plate which gives the ute a super smooth look.

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The gold paint is a custom mix and to complete the elite feel there's a grey leather interior.

"It's all been engineered from the very beginning with the original owner, which made the process for conditional registration easy," Ian said

Ironically the FJ already has some history in the Central West.

"When I spoke to the fella who built it, he said the ute came from Bathurst where a plumber owned it," said Ian.

Both Ian and Tracey are pretty humble about their cars.

"It's our hobby and we've worked hard to achieve what we've got."

They are members of the Parkes based Central West Car Club. For more on the club look up http://www.centralwestcarclub.com/ or or follow us on Facebook.