Local trades drive restoration excellence

The Falcon GT Nationals, a prestigious event for Australian Ford Falcon GT owners, is renowned for bringing together enthusiasts from across the country. With limited numbers of these classic cars produced, the competition is always fierce, making the local win even more remarkable.

The vehicle was first registered to the Ford Motor Company on October 1, 1975. As part of a unique employee benefit program, executives at Ford Broadmeadows had the privilege of ordering any model car they desired, as part of their remuneration package.

After being in the possession of a Ford employee, the Falcon GT found its way to a gentleman in Griffith in around 1976 where it spent most of its life. Over the years, the vehicle endured wear and tear, gradually falling into a state of disrepair.

Mr Black purchased the vehicle in June 2018, and the restoration process commenced in June 2019, with several pauses along the way. However, it was the contributions of the Corowa locals that truly breathed new life into this automotive gem.

With the Ford Falcon revitalised back to life, it is not only symbol of not only automotive excellence but also the remarkable talents that reside within the Corowa community.

Brendan Turnbull owner of ‘Rise Up Restorations’ in Corowa said it was a privilege to work on an iconic piece of Australian history.

“It feels pretty awesome to share in the win with a few Corowa businesses,” he said.

“It was a team effort which is pretty special- a credit to everyone.

“The requirement for the car was to make it look like it came straight from the dealership once completed.”

Having restored many vehicles over the last three years, Brendan said the award is the biggest recognition yet.

“A Buick we worked on has had a bit of success, including an award at the Bright Rod Run last year, and a Suburu we worked on received best paint at a Show n Shine in Albury. This one is definitely the biggest award though.”

Mr Turnbull opened Rise Up Restorations three years ago having learnt his trade at Dunkley Panels & Towing and Compete Body Craft.

“It’s been great having the shop. It’s just a small team and we focus on high end restoration work. We’re pretty much booked out until 2026. People, especially online, seem to love what we do.”

Billy O’Donoghue of Corowa Smash Repairs who worked with Darren Young on body repairs of the vehicle, said it was it was great to be recognised alongside other local businesses.

“It’s a huge award for everyone,” he said.

“As a tradesperson, it’s the height of achievement, especially in your hometown with all the other businesses. It doesn’t get better than that.”

Mr Black said it was a “huge shock” when the car was announced the winner.

“A good friend in the GT scene that we travelled with, said ‘fancy a bloke from the country cleaning up at the Nationals’,” he said.

“Most of the winning cars are usually restored in well-known shops in the capital cities. You drop them off and pick them up when they are completed.

“It didn’t dawn on me until driving home that in fact, Corowa had cleaned up at the Nationals.”

“With the majority of the restoration work was completed in Corowa, I think this says a lot for our local businesses here in Corowa.

“There are some outstanding tradespeople in our local community. We should be very proud of them.

“I must also acknowledge my family for putting up with the countless hours I spent in my shed assembling it.”