Ken Rogers has always had a keen interest in cars. Inspired by his father’s passion for early English vehicles and the Street Machine magazines he powered through in his youth, Ken’s love for all things automotive is ever-present.
His first car an EH Holden purchased from his brother in the 80s solidified this passion that has never dwindled.
In 2017, a couple of Ken’s good mates noticed a car for sale online and sent him the link. Whilst Ken may not have been looking for a project vehicle at the time, he decided to give it a look as the owner was looking to sell it quickly for a low price. A discussion with his wife and sixteen hours later the 1963 EJ Special Holden was home with Ken and the restoration began.
Although it wasn’t an EH like his original car, it was a Holden of the same era and very solid for its age, so the deal was done.
Three years later at the end of 2020, the build was completed. Ken credits this relatively quick turnaround to the vehicle being complete on purchase, all of the glass and chrome that you see on it today is the same as when it was purchased back in 2017.
Whilst Ken has tried to keep the car as close to original as possible during the build/restoration process some slight alterations have been made. “It is running a slightly warn 138 grey motor with a three-speed crash box and Banjo diff and has been lowered slightly to help with the stance and road handling”.
The interior of the vehicle is correct as per the compliance plate trim colour, achieved using the original door trims and transferring them to the new door cards in an effort to keep the vehicle as close to original as possible. This theme is continued in the original look 13inch by 4.5inch wheels and tires. The only chrome restorations were of the bumpers, the rest of the chrome is as it was at the time of purchase in 2017.
Whilst Ken completed the upholstery himself using a kit purchased online, the paint and panel work was expertly applied by Matthew from Cruzn Design and Restoration in Logan Village Queensland using 2pac paint. The Sepik Green body and Atherton Ivory Roof were the vehicles original colours as per the compliance plate paint codes.
On the sourcing of parts for the build Ken says “Rare Spares was a valuable resource in the build”. The Trim Clips, Bailey Channels, Windscreen Rubbers, Suspension Rubber Components, Headlining, Engine Gaskets and more were all sourced from Rare Spares. “Even on my EH in the 80s Rare Spares was the only resource I used for parts.”
The EJ Holden Special was first displayed at a major event at Rockynats in 2022. Since then, it has been displayed at local shows in the Brisbane Area and surrounds and has had some great success including Best 60s Vehicle at Rockin Jimmys Car Show and Best Car on Night at the BCMC Inc. Yatala Linkt Drive Car Meet.
