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'.