Show Notes
When Australia said "Hi to Hyundai", we welcomed a car that changed the game. While others were affordable, the Excel was cheap, giving more people the chance to buy a brand-new set of wheels than ever before.
In this episode, hear from the colourful businessmen who took a punt that paid off as Aussies everyone snapped up a new car from a new country at a new low price, drive away, no more to pay... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Cars That Made Australia
The Holden Statesman and Ford Fairlane were more than simply bigger Commodores and Falcons, they were Australia’s answer to luxury on four wheels, symbols of quiet success and Aussie pride. These oversized but understated sedans were for the boss, the politician, the bloke who’d made it without needing to shout about it — they were built for the times. They were more than just roomy interiors and analog clocks; they were a mark of status in a simpler time, when “made in Australia” still had real meaning. In this episode, we’ll explore how the Statesman and Fairlane went from local luxury to nostalgic relics, what they meant to a generation chasing the Aussie dream, and why they still hold a place in our hearts — even if our tastes have shifted to hatchbacks and SUVs. Special thanks to: Tony Davis Russell Howcroft Harvey Miller Owners Rob & Martin Thanks to eBay. Shop on eBay. Where you can find parts for every project car, from sellers you can trust. Disclaimer: eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands discussed in this podcast episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oh la la... what can we say about French cars? They were baguettes on wheels, a rolling slice of European flair that somehow found their way into Australia’s heart. Whether it was the chic Citroën DS or the oddball Renault 4CV, these cars had something special — sophistication with a side of quirk. Sure, they were unpredictable and a bit unreliable, but that’s what made them memorable. In this episode, we explore how these eccentric Frenchies not only survived Aussie roads but also found their tribe of equally strange and cool drivers — academics, architects, maths teachers, comedians, rock stars, and anyone who doesn’t just watch movies, but films. Special thanks to: Tony Davis Laura Cook and the National Museum of Australia Rob Hirst James Ward and drive.com.au Thanks to eBay. Shop on eBay. Where you can find parts for every project car, from sellers you can trust. Disclaimer: eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands discussed in this podcast episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mini Moke wasn't just a car, it was an oddball on wheels, automotive fun in its simplest form. Originally designed as an army runabout, it never quite made the cut... but somehow found its place in beach towns, resorts, a few Bond films, and even Bass Strait. With no doors, no roof, and barely even an engine, somehow it defied the odds and became a cult classic, perfect for sun-soaked adventures in places like Magnetic Island and the Gold Coast. The Moke was a ride of cheap thrills, a sense of adventure, and a cheeky personality in a comically small package. In this episode, discover how a car that wasn’t very good at anything somehow became kind of perfect for everything — if you didn’t mind a bit of sunburn along the way.
It’s funny what becomes a cult classic. The Subaru Brumby wasn’t built to turn heads, but it became an icon anyway. In a market dominated by Fords and Holdens, this little workhorse quietly carved out its own niche by doing what it did best — working hard and going pretty much anywhere. Some might even say it’s the greatest ute ever made. Compact, all-wheel drive, and tough as old saddles, the Brumby wasn’t just a farm favourite — it became a rural legend, bashing through paddocks and earning its stripes kilometre after kilometre. In this episode, hear how the Brumby surprised us all to earn its cult status, and in an era of oversized pickup trucks, why people keep begging for Subaru to end the Brumby’s spell and bring it back into the stable. Special thanks to: Tony Davis Farmer Jo Sophia Trent Nikolic Thanks to eBay. Shop on eBay. Where you can find parts for every project car, from sellers you can trust. Disclaimer: eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands discussed in this podcast episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many of us, our journey with a car starts in a showroom. But for some individuals, it starts in a shed. The fibreglass build-it-yourself kit cars of the 70s offered a chance to swap the rule book for some brand new parts and plans. Outlandish original designs, luxury replicas and sporty looks were all on the table for a fraction of the price - provided you didn’t mind spending hundreds of hours working for it…