MotorEx Superstars - Where are they now?

Last year was a year to remember with lots of great cars in the build and on display down at MotorEx. Let’s take a trip back down memory lane and see what some of the guys have been up to after unveiling their rides.

Current Grand Master Brenton Dalwood and son Brad spent the last 10 years building one of the best street machines that Australia has seen to date. The hot rod debuted last year at the Adelaide Extreme Expo and received a Meguiar’s Superstars invite. At MotorEx it took out a swag of first place awards and the highest honour of the entire show, the must sought after Grand Master.

 
This 1935 Ford Coupe was built with the purpose of being the best possible version of that style, then to be driven - and that he has done, enjoying the streets in epic fashion. It’s a huge credit to all the hard work and creativity that this father and son duo has produced.

 
No stranger to high-level elite builds, Rob Zahabi showed up the last year’s MotorEx with a tough, two-tone green Cuda that blew everyone away. This US-inspired build with a NASCAR engine is throwing out over 900hp. Loads of fabrication has gone into the build and the use of satin and gloss paint work to help those panels stand out.

 
Pairing with a green leather interior for a classy yet tough look that had everyone talking, it’s hard to believe Rob had time to pump this one out after his previous build ‘HAVOC’ - a car that won the Barrett Jackson Cup during its time in the USA, the highest award in the USA. Rides by Kam really knows how to produce a high-quality build that holds up world wide.

 
One of the standout cars over the last few years is Kees Weel’s 35 Chevrolet Coupe which featured in its only Australian appearance at MotorEx last Year. Kees commissioned Peter Fitzpatrick to build a rare car that he had always wanted to own.

 
They sourced a Corvette chassis and running gear, dropped it at Pro Flo Performance who did a great job assembling the suspension, running gear and body and then got Trevor Davis to complete the body work and lay the rich blue and black paintwork on the body. The car was shipped to USA for SEMA where it picked up the highly sort after GM Design Award out of all the 3000 vehicles at SEMA.

 
All cars at the MotorEx Elite level have many stories and hard work etched into their builds. Frank Darmanin from Melbourne and long-time friend Elvis Barbiera completed the second rebuild on Franks Holden Commodore VH for MotorEx 2022. It was a good car before this rebuild but Frank wanted to compete at the top level in Meguiars Superstars.

 
They tore the sedan down to a shell, installed a new chassis, completely smoothed the floor and engine bay and applied a coat of PPG dark Blue. Frank also wanted it to perform and added new suspension and engine combo so when it’s done the show circuit he will look forward to hitting the streets. The proof of this was his top three finish for Grand Champion at Summernats 35.

 
One of the most travelled custom cars since MotorEx 2022 would have to be Dean Rickard’s HT Monaro. Down Town Customs from Taree NSW built this amazing Coupe with stunning body, paintwork, engine bay, undercarriage and interior.

 
Dean has been to cars shows in almost every state over the last 18-months. taking a swag of trophies and enjoying his experience and making so many new friends. Don’t be fooled by it’s elite-ness, though, because Dean uses this car and promises it was built to be driven.

 
These were and still are some of the most amazing quality builds that have been produced over the last few years, but just you wait to see what this year’s unveils are about to bring! Make sure you get to MotorEx - Melbourne Showgrounds May 6 and 7 2023.
 
For more information on MotorEx spectator tickets or to enter your ride in one of the many categories visit: motorex.com.au