Day of the Dead 'La Catrina' 1964 Holden EH Panelvan (video)

Ian Wood’s love for panelvans started as a kid, however it wasn’t until many years later that the bug to own a custom one of his very own would really take its course. The LS2-powered, six-speed auto with nine-inch Ford rear end ‘La Catrina’ 1964 Holden EH Panelvan you see is the culmination of a lifelong dream and Ian’s love for all things Mexican.

Ian says everything has been touched on the car, with the panels remaining the only original thing - literally everything else is custom. This is one of three panelvans Ian owns - this one alone took six years of work to become what it is today. Work to the car was completed by Stripped Back Customs at Dubbo, with Ian having lots of input given the car’s overall Day of the Dead theme.

Touching on the theme, Ian said:

“The car has a subtle Day of the Dead theme running through it. And her name is ‘La Catrina’, who is an icon of Day of the Dead in Mexico. You will see a few references”.

The EH is what it is because Ian said he cannot doing anything by halves - either all in or not at all. And it shows. The car and its display at MotorEx 2022 was nothing less than stunning. Be sure to catch a glimpse of it at shows before it begins life as a driver!

No doubt Ian will love cruising it around Australia - made even better thanks to the independent front end, LS2 engine, Wildwood brakes and of course its very bright orange paint scheme to put a smile on the face of onlookers! Be sure to check out the video below to hear and see more about the car.