1978 Holden HZ ute

Jory Hz Ute (9)  TBW Newsgroup

WHILE many teenagers are eager to get behind the wheel of their own car, Mount Gambier’s Jory Sherrard’s first choice stood out from the crowd, purchasing a 1978 Holden HZ ute.

Mr Sherrard came across the fluorescent orange ute around four years ago at the young age of 16.

Considered one of South East Street Machine’s youngest members, Mr Sherrard said he first learnt to drive in the vehicle while on his learner’s permit in 2017. 

“I was looking for a ute to carry my dirtbikes in and I have a passion for old-school classics, so the ute ticked both boxes,” he said. 

“I saw it for sale on Facebook when mum tagged me in a buy, swap and sell post. 

“My dad and I went to look over it with a car trailer and as soon as I went around the corner and laid my eyes on it, I instantly fell in love with it.” 

Mr Sherrard said the three-speed manual was originally grey, but was painted Sandman orange around nine years ago. 

“I am hoping to replace its 202 six-cylinder engine with a 253 V8 eventually, but I will have to save up some money first,” he said. 

“I like that the car goes with my hobbies, it is my pride and joy. 

“My parents and friends know how much I love this thing.” 

Standing out from the crowd, Mr Sherrard said he enjoyed the orange colour. 

“It reminds me of the Valiant Charger from Dukes of Hazzard,” he said. 

“I even bought the horn from the movie, which I have not hooked up yet, but will eventually. 

“It is just a cool looking car and I love how I have something to show for my efforts.”

Mr Sherrard said the five-ball gear-shifting knob held sentimental value to him. 

“It originally had a wood grain gear-shifting knob, but it would rattle from the screw which held it together which drove me nuts,” he said. 

“I ended up changing it to the five ball from a pool table set which is the same colour as the car and is special as I was born in May. 

“I actually stole the ball from a set we had at home because it was retro-looking and ended up having to buy another for the set at home.” 

Gradually building the car up to what it is now, Mr Sherrard said the ute was not for sale and he did not intend to sell it. 

“I have some mates who have said that I have a nice ute, which makes me happy with what I have,” he said. 

“The amount of time I have put into it and when people give me compliments, it makes me keep on going. 

“I used it as my daily driver until May last year when I bought myself a VT Calais to drive around to keep the ute in the shed and maintain its pristine condition.

“Now that I have nice wheels and it all shiny, I do not really want to go and thrash it around in the bush like it used to.”

Mr Sherrard said he had fitted a Monaro dash, alarm system and central locking, Sony Xplod speakers, Weld Racing rims and tires and rear fat tires and front skinny tires. 

Riding motorbikes since he was 10 and driving since he was nine, Mr Sherrard said he felt privileged to have his own old-school classic.