Australian Car Builders On The Rise

The Automotive industry has seen so many incredible builders over the years. We love seeing their work and learning where they started. Here are a couple that have been making some noise around the scene you might want to check out!

AUTO TRANSFORMERS

Andrew Mitchell stated his business Auto Transformers fifteen years ago, growing from a small shop in Adelaide’s north with a few staff members - now staffing twenty currently still looking to expand. Specialising in a variety of work from private restoration, custom, crash repair to a large volume of Shannons insurance jobs that are too difficult for most other normal repairers.

The team has turned out numerous award-winning show cars that have received invites to the Elite Meguiars’ Superstars at MotorEx. Andrews favourite build thus far is a ’71 Cuda which has been specially built for his brother.

Receiving the George Barris Custom Award for his Zepher at Sydney MotorEx a few years ago is a memory Andrew holds dear. They are hoping to unveil the current build, a stunning Candy Orange 57 Chevy, at MotorEx early next year. It’s definitely one to watch out for!

WAREHOUSE 27 AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING

Travis Flaherty has been in the automotive industry for as long as he can remember. He first started working with his dad, who had his own crash shop, but now has his very own business, Warehouse 27, for the last 13 years - now with his own kids hanging out and learning. The business focusing mainly on the body and paint side of restoration/custom, with another workshop in the build expanding with a network of trimmers and fabricators.

Currently there are three staff and they’re looking to expand in the future. The team have produced some stand out show vehicles that have been showcased at Summernats and MotorEx. Over the years there has been a few standout moments for Travis, having his work at pinnacle shows such as the Summernats/MotorEx along with becoming House Of Kolor certified.

Picking a favourite build for Travis is hard, though, a stand-out car for him is a Centra owned by a customer named Charlie. Keep an eye for Warehouse 27 work on the show circuit!

SOUTHERN CLASSICS AND CUSTOMS

Husband wife team Jodi and Adam Van Der Linden started Southern Classic and Customs in 2010 as a crash repair business with the passion for restoration. Adam himself having 17 years in the industry, living and breathing classic cars, always wanting to aim higher for customers is what drives his passion. The team are going from strength to strength with the restoration side and they now staff eleven including their daughter - and no longer doing crash work!

The owners are extremely proud of their ‘TEAMOFLEGENDS’ that have produced multiple award-winning show cars, three of which were invited to Meguiars’ Superstars MotorEx. Their panel team also stepping up over the past year, creating replacement panels for XA, XB and XC Coupes due to high demand.

The true love of turning out great vehicles whilst creating lasting friendships with clients is a true high for Jodi and Adam, turning the industry into a lifestyle.

Judging by just these few builders, the industry is very much alive, progressing with new and innovative methods - mixed with a touch of old school!

Industry Recognition

The Australian auto aftermarket industry continues to celebrate excellence through prestigious events like the Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements in innovation and craftsmanship. Notable recent winners include:

• Excellence in Manufacturing: FMP Group
• Excellence in Export: REDARC Electronics
• Excellence in Repair & Service: Radical Automotive

Training and Education

Many successful builders are now focusing on apprenticeship programs and knowledge transfer to the next generation. This includes formal training partnerships with technical institutions and manufacturers

First published on 28.11.22. Some updates were added to bring it up to 2024.