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Mad Max comes to Portland Classics by the Bay: Classic Restos - Series 55

By Shannons - Published on 13 March 2024

At the 2024 Classics by the Bay event in Portland, special guests include some of the stars from the 1979 fan-favourite movie 'Mad Max’. These include Tim Burns, who played 'Johnny the Boy,'; Dale Bensch, the stunt rider famous for performing the doughnut and mono in the main street of Clunes; and Roger Ward, who played 'Boss Cop.' With the cast of ‘Mad Max’ assembled, passionate fans of the film were also out in force with their replica cars and MFP motorcycles.

Brett is one of the fans with his replica '75 XB 351 5.8 Litre V8 Ford Interceptor. Mad Max has been his favourite movie since he was eight years old, and now it has become an obsession, as it has for many fans. Brett's replica Interceptor is inspired by the movie, which gives him great enjoyment and admiration from fans of the iconic Australian film.

Fletch talks with all three of the cast and gets an insight into the movie, their roles, and the iconic status the film holds some 45 years after its release.

Of course, there are classics galore at the event, like Jason West’s, who has travelled over 14 hours to present his beautifully presented EH Holdens, which include a Panel Van, Ute, and Sedan, all in classic Winton Red.

Another Holden legend is Graeme's 1978 HZ Holden Panel van in Atlantic Blue. The Sandman has become well-known throughout the district as a very special car. It's the result of an eight-year project that has netted over 50 trophies. Graeme, a passionate Holden owner, does all the talking; he has wanted a Sandman since he was 15 and finally achieved his wish. What a beauty it is.

Rounding out this week's show is a 1928 Chevy 4 Speedster built by Neil Williamson and his two sons. The building process took eighteen months, during which the family met every Wednesday to work on it. The Speedster started as a 1928 Ford Tourer and was modified to a Speedster, using the original engine with some modifications for use as a racer. With an impressive speed of 100kph, the Speedster is often taken racing at Lake Perkollili, near Kalgoorlie.