Dave Darcy's HJ Holden Premier: A Street Machine Masterpiece
In the world of street machines, building a car capable of winning prestigious awards like the Street Champion gong at Street Machine Summernats is no easy feat. It typically takes years of experience and multiple attempts to achieve such success. But Dave Darcy, with his first-ever build, managed to do just that. His immaculate HJ Premier, a 1975 Holden, is a testament to his talent and dedication.
The story begins with Dave's intention to build a nice street cruiser, not a show car. He wanted to own a street machine, inspired by his childhood memories of his father's HT Kingswood. Despite his lack of mechanical expertise, Dave embarked on this ambitious project. His good friend, Adrian Haynes, played a crucial role in the build, offering guidance and support.
One of the key aspects of the HJ Premier's success is its LS driveline. Dave chose a 6.0-litre L77 engine, rebuilt with Crow Cams and factory GM engine management. This setup ensures reliability and excellent driveability, making it perfect for a street cruiser. The car's front end features a rack-and-pinion steering conversion and wide front wheels, enhancing its handling and driving experience.
Dave's attention to detail is remarkable. He stripped the car, fitted a custom fuel tank, and worked closely with Exclusive Customs to achieve a stunning Savage Ocean Blue paint job. The team at Exclusive Customs went above and beyond, painting various engine and driveline components, ensuring a high-quality finish. The interior was kept as authentic as possible, with only minor modifications to accommodate the new tunnel.
The HJ Premier's journey to success began at Street Machine Summernats 36, where it was debuted in the Elite Hall. Dave's hard work paid off when he won the Street Champion gong two years later at Summernats 38. This victory is particularly satisfying because the Street class is for street-registered road cars, and Dave's car excels in both driving and street cruising.
Dave's HJ Premier has since amassed a impressive list of awards, including Top 60, Judges' Choice, Top Five Street Machine, Best Street Car, Best Interior (Street Car), Sedan of the Day, 3rd Top Interior (Street), Runner-up Top Sedan (Street), Top Standard Paint, Top Sedan (Street), Champion Overall Street Car, Grand Champion, Runner-up Top Sedan (Street), Runner-up Top Standard Paint (Street), Street Champion, Top 10, and Grand Champion.
Dave's passion for the car extends beyond the show circuit. He enjoys driving it with his family, making it a true streeter. Despite some wear and tear under the car, the experience of driving it is worth the trade-off. Dave's plans for the future include a potential turbo or ProCharging upgrade and further enhancements to the engine bay.
In conclusion, Dave Darcy's HJ Holden Premier is a masterpiece of street machine engineering. His dedication, attention to detail, and talent have resulted in a car that not only wins awards but also provides an enjoyable driving experience. This build showcases the potential for success in the street machine community, even for those with limited experience.
