611RWHP Turbo LS1HQ UTE!

RANGAQ is perhaps the best street driven show stopping ute in Australia today. Built by Jerome in his garage at home, a space not much larger than the car itself, this car is testament to what a man can achieve in the humble shed.

Looking at the car and how it sits today it's hard to believe the cars origins. "I bought it from my brother in law for $800, and intended to turn it into a neat work ute" Jerome explains.

One of the first steps for any build is to ensure the body is of a good quality finish. Jerome was determined to carry out the build himself, so he set about learning how to style the best finish to the body possible. "I'm not a panel beater but by reading stuff and asking people I did well. It was all 2Pak black and as I started rubbing it all back with a speed file I could see all the imperfections." Says Jerome, remembering the many hours he spent on the body. It has to be said for a first effort Jerome has done an incredible job, one that would put many professionals to shame.

It's more of the same on the inside, with custom paper bark leather adorning the VE HSV seats. Behind the steering wheel sits another of Jerome's personal touches with the Racetech gauge cluster looking an absolute treat. Usually it bathes the interior in a cool blue light, unless Jerome feels like a different colour scheme, with each light interdependently adjustable the dash can emit a rainbow of colour if the trip gets too dull. Still, the interior looks inviting and comfortable, a great place to find oneself on those long drives. Drives that the HQ does see, with Jerome cruising the car from Sydney to Sumemrnats and back earlier this year.

Under the bonnet sits a Turbo LS1 V8 which is producing a tyre frying 611rwhp on 13psi. It's more than enough for Jerome to turn the rear wheels as he drives along the road. "Driving at 100 kays in any gear it'll just toast the tyres. So yeah, it is fun." Jerome informs us with a grin.

All in all we have to admit this ute is a hugely impressive build. It just goes to show what can be done with a single car garage, a jack and a $200 toolkit. We recently saw RANGAQ out on the pad and can attest that Jerome doesn't hold back. Luckily we had our camera with us and got some video, take a look and marvel at how a car can be both a clean show car and a merciless tyre destroyer all rolled into one.