Ignition Australia December 2018 - January 2019 | Page 8

MEMBER RIDES Classics A love of The story of Delores, by Lex Gelmi I have always been a fan of classic Holden's, with my first car being a HJ wagon that my dad and I restored. This started my love affair with the classics. After some time without a classic Holden of my own, I noticed a HR Holden in our Osborne Park branch. We had completed a suspension and steering rebuild on it prior to the owner taking it to get licensed. Over time, I grew Details: Model/Year: 1966 Holden HR Special Value: Sentimental value is priceless to liking the car more and more. Eventually I asked the owner if he planned on keeping it. He said he would be happy to part with it for the right price. I made an offer and just like that, the car was mine. As soon as I licensed the HR, I knew what name I Country of origin: Australia needed to christen her with. From then on, she would be known Engine: 202 Red Motor as Delores. I converted the car to disc brakes in the front from Transmission: 2-speed Power Drive Horsepower: Probably a few less than when it was released. Torque: Enough to pull the skin off a soup a later model Kingswood and completed the look with the 14” wheels. I fitted a new aluminium radiator, thermo and trans cooler. Next, I lowered it, lowered it again, and lowered just a bit more, to the point now where it’s almost where I want it to be. Delores was the chariot that brought my wife to our wedding and Diff: It has one was also the vehicle that delivered my sister to hers. We have Wheels: 14" HJ Kingswood Steelies been on many adventures, car cruises, local shows and she has 0-60km/h: Eventually 0-100km/h: It can do it Quarter Mile: Its more about the journey, not how fast it gets there. 8 CAPRICORN IGNITION HOLIDAY EDITION 2018 never let me down. I recently acquired a 1967 HR Premier, which will soon undergo its own restoration. Once the HR Premier is on the road, Delores might get another refresh. If you have a story or a ride that could be published in Ignition, send an email to [email protected]. Ensure you include in the subject line 'Member Ride'.