Spiro's 68 Firebird

 The Magazine Feature Story #5

 https://classiccarsworldwide.com.au  

LEAVE YOUR TROUBLES AND WORRIES BEHIND AND ENJOY EVERY BIT OF THE CRUISE!  - Spiro Ellul talks about his award winning 1968 Pontiac Firebird 

Spiro Ellul (55 years old) talks excitedly to Classic Cars Worldwide about his pride and joy, a vibrant red 1968 Pontiac Firebird. Spiro grew up in the north western suburbs of Melbourne in the 70’s and 80’s and from an early age has always had a passion for cars. He says “I’ve been interested in cars all my life. It was drummed into me as a child through my father who was a huge Rev Head and loved big American cars.” Spiro currently works at Custom Body Repairs and his experience no doubt came in handy for his extensive restoration of the Pontiac.

Spiro’s first car was an HR Holden Wagon and his current normal car is a VESS HSV.

Classic cars and an amazing find!

Spiro’s first classic car was a 1965 Chev Impala convertible before he moved on to a 1975 Holden Coupe. He is now the proud owner of a 1968 Pontiac Firebird which he built in memory of his father who owned a 1968 Pontiac Parisienne. He says “I love the shape and the muscle car era. It’s a vibrant red and not many are seen at car shows or on the road.”

Spiro purchased the Pontiac in Gympie, Queensland in 2010 and transported it to Melbourne where a full restoration took place over five years and still continues. “It was originally imported from Michigan USA” explains Spiro. “Amazingly we found the original build paperwork in the rear passenger seat lining!”

Huge restoration

Spiro gives us a full run down on the extensive work and modifications made to the Pontiac and says “I’ve spent endless time and money (a lot) on the restoration but it’s worth every cent.”

The 350 Chev has been stroked out to a 383 and the engine is dressed in chrome and black and was built at Sussex Street Garage, Coburg. Other work includes full bare metal rotisserie restoration, Front Disc Brakes modifications, twin piston front calipers with large rotors, shortened 9 inch diff, Willwood rear brakes and a turbo 350 transmission with stage two shift kit.

 

The custom upholstery was finished by Threadbear in Reservoir, Victoria. The Pontiac has true Centrelines with 255x60x15 tyres on the back and 205x70x15 tyres on the front.

Spiro’s next aim is going with an injected Snipper carbie system and a four link rear end coil over suspension.

Driveability – leave all your worries behind

“Originally it was nerve-wracking to drive until I got used to the power and driving on the left side” said Spiro. “Overall it’s very comfortable to drive and reasonably easy to control. When driving it is very easy to leave all your troubles and worries behind and enjoy every bit of the cruise!”

Car Shows

Spiro says he tries to get to any and every show he can in Victoria. “The biggest and best are Show Cars Melbourne where in 2021 the Pontiac won the Top USA award. The pinnacle show is Motor Ex where the Pontiac was also entered but due to COVID -19 restrictions it did not go ahead.”

Car Club – Metro Classic Cruizers – A Family Club

Spiro is a member of the Metro Classic Cruizers car club which began in 2013 when a group of likeminded car enthusiasts sought an opportunity to bring their interests and skills together. “Some of us work professionally in the motor industry, some of us are car garage heroes and others just have an appreciation for a classically restored vehicle. We share advice, professional contacts and stories of cars we have owned and loved” says Spiro.

He adds “we are a family club. Most of us were introduced to cars by our fathers and it is a legacy we all hope to continue. We pride ourselves in the inclusion of our families on drive days and events like car shows and fund raising for charities. Also, for keeping our passion for cars alive by sharing that passion with our partners and children.”

Meeting Chip Foose, Motor Industry Icon, Member of the Hot Rod Hall of Fame, USA

Spiro was thrilled to meet the legendary Chip Foose during his visit to Australia in 2018. 55 years old Chip Foose was inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 1997 when he was 31 years old, the youngest inductee ever. He is famous for his designs, illustrations, innovative ideas, conceptual models and fabrication of prototypes. He has built street rods, customs, studio vehicles and show cars for films such as Blade Runner, RoboCop and Gone in 60 Seconds. He also has his own television show called Overhaulin’.

Spiro says “I met Chip at the 2018 Motor Ex when he was doing a walk around. He seemed to be drawn to my car. He spent considerable time with me asking questions about the build and modifications I had done. He was particularly interested in the body work and paint which is his area of specialty. I’ve always had great respect for his talent and ideas. I have watched his show and he was a genuinely nice guy. I believe that Chip Foose’s influence on the classic car scene has been instrumental in continuing the interest in restoring great old vehicles to new heights.”  

Spiro is an avid reader of car magazines and says he tries to read as many as he can lay his hands on but particularly Street Machine.

In conclusion Spiro makes an observation about the classic car scene and says “I feel that unfortunately some people do not comply with the rules and regulations and hooning can come into play which spoils it for the true car enthusiasts. However, it’s great that we are able to take out our pride and joy under a club banner and compete with some of the best builds.”

Written by Keith Watts

Produced by John Markham

Photography by Capturing Classsics