New South Wales

Dale Fisher's 1932 Chevrolet Moonlite Speedster of Sydney, Australia. Fisher purchased this rare 1932 Chevrolet Moonlite Speedster while still an apprentice panel beater in the early 1950s. The red, coachbuilt roadster immediately captivated him with its sculpted lines, rear scoops, and distinctive central ridge, features that deeply influenced his later custom work. Although he only owned it briefly, the car left a lasting impact on Dale’s design philosophy. He sold it after just two months in 1953 due to a blown differential and limited funds, but encountered it again in 1956, now white and loaned to him for a weekend. To Dale, it was a defining car, an early spark that shaped his future as one of Australia’s most respected customizers.

Widely regarded as Australia’s answer to George Barris, Dale Fisher was a trailblazing customizer whose career stretched from the 1950s into the 1980s. Based in Sydney, Fisher became famous for turning ordinary cars into clean, factory-style customs, with a specialty in convertible conversions. His builds weren’t wild showpieces; they were tasteful, well-proportioned, and engineered to perfection, always giving the illusion they could’ve rolled off a Detroit assembly line. Raised in Gundagai, Fisher’s fascination with design led him to Sydney at 16, where he apprenticed as a panel beater and began experimenting with fender skirts, trims, and body mods. His first big breakthrough came with Rolly Huyshe’s FJ Holden convertible, a backyard build that helped ignite a local trend. From there, Dale built hundreds of customs, Holdens, Plymouths, Pontiacs, Falcons, often creating his own tools and steel panels from scratch.

Dale Fisher's 1931 Chevrolet Moonlite Speedster of Sydney, Australia. This was the first car Dale fully restored, and a turning point in his journey as a craftsman. Purchased in 1957, the red Speedster was in good shape but missing its hubcaps. Dale repainted it in its original color, rechromed the bumpers, and even hand-painted whitewalls using a special flexible paint. It was his first serious restoration, done after hours with help from seasoned mentors. The project taught him the importance of proportion, finish, and factory-correct detailing—principles that guided his later work as one of Australia’s most respected custom car builders.

Dale Fisher's 1956 FJ Holden Special of Sydney, Australia. Dale Fisher’s Holden Special was the first Holden he fully customized, and a breakthrough that marked his transition from apprentice to master craftsman. Acquired as a low-mileage repossession while working for Harvey and Berwick, Dale transformed the car into one of Australia’s earliest homebuilt Holden convertibles. Working nights and weekends, he engineered the chop to retain factory proportions and structure, adding custom touches like peaked headlamps, fins, a continental kit, and leaded seams. The car was completed in 1958 and sold for more than the cost of a new Holden, cementing Fisher’s reputation for refined, factory-style conversions. It became a blueprint for his later work, setting a standard for subtlety, structural integrity, and custom craftsmanship in Australian car culture.

Dale Fisher's 1950 Pontiac Convertible of Sydney, Australia. Dale's Pontiac was a personal driver turned experiment in subtle styling and convertible engineering. Restyled after his full custom FJ Holden and a mild 1950 Plymouth, the Pontiac showcased Fisher’s evolving philosophy: clean lines, factory-like execution, and tasteful modifications. Painted yellow and black, it wore a mild custom look until Easter 1960, when Fisher boldly cut off the roof to convert it into an open car, just as his wife Yvonne was expecting a child. While not the most practical move, it highlighted Fisher’s dedication to creative craftsmanship over convention. Sold in 1961 to a buyer in Newcastle, the car helped bridge Fisher’s early customs and his later mastery of convertible conversions.

Robert Lane's 1932 Ford Roadster of Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia.

John Caldwell's 1932 Ford Four-Door Sedan of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Being an early member of the Road Knights of Sydney car club, Caldwell bought the 32 late in 1964. Shortly after buying it, he gave it a Metalflake pain job. One of the first Metalflake paint jobs in the area.

Ray Ellis' 1934 Ford 5-window coupe of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The build was started in 1966, and completed in 1972.

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New South Wales has played a significant role in the development of hot rod and custom car culture in Australia. From its early beginnings in the 1960s, New South Wales has seen the rise and evolution of hot rod clubs, car shows, and events that have cemented its place in Australian automotive history.

The First Hot Rod Club: Romans Hot Rod Association

The Romans Hot Rod Association, established in 1960, is recognized as the first hot rod club in New South Wales. This marked the beginning of organized hot rod culture in the region. The club quickly gained momentum, with its members actively participating in events and contributing to the burgeoning hot rod scene.

The First Hot Rod Show in New South Wales

In March 1963, the first hot rod show in New South Wales took place at the Lawford and Hilderbrandt Ford showrooms in Sydney. Organized by the Metropolitan Hot Rod Association (MHRA), this event showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of local hot rodders, with The Romans being among the participants. This show set the stage for the first Sydney Hot Rod Autorama in May 1963, which attracted approximately 2,000 visitors and featured clubs such as the Shifters of Sydney, Gladiators, Romans, Northern Beaches of Sydney, Drag-ons of Sydney, and Pharoahs.

Early Hot Rod Clubs in New South Wales

The early 1960s saw the emergence of several hot rod clubs in New South Wales. According to the Australian Hot Rod Digest, these included the Shifters, Saints, Flywheels, Dragons, and Coachmen. By 1963, additional clubs such as the Pharoahs, Gladiators, and Rickshaws had joined the scene. The Romans distinguished themselves as a leading club, with members like Jeff Dellow, Warwick Allen, and Lynn Arrowsmith building impressive hot rods that received national attention.

Growth and Evolution of Clubs

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the number of hot rod clubs in New South Wales continued to grow. By 1972, there were 34 clubs appearing in magazines, including notable names like the Bent Eights, Coasters, and Early Iron. By 1975, the number had increased to 45, reflecting the widespread appeal of hot rodding in the region.

The Legacy of Hot Rodding in New South Wales

From the early efforts of enthusiasts in the 1960s to the vibrant community seen today, the hot rod culture in New South Wales has grown into a dynamic and enduring movement. The contributions of clubs, individuals, and events over the years have left an indelible mark on Australia's automotive history. The perseverance and creativity of New South Wales hot rodders have earned them respect and admiration, both locally and internationally.

Hot Rods of New South Wales, Australia

John Caldwell's 1932 Ford Four-Door Sedan
Robert Lane's 1932 Ford Roadster
Ray Ellis' 1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe

Custom Cars of New South Wales, Australia

Dale Fisher's 1950 Pontiac Convertible
Dale Fisher's 1956 FJ Holden Special

Hot Rod and Custom Car Clubs of New South Wales, Australia

Bent Eights of Sydney
Drag-ons of Sydney
Northern Beaches of Sydney
Rickshaws of Sydney
Road Knights of Sydney
Romans Hot Rod Association
Saints of Sydney
Shifters of Sydney
Twin Towns of Sydney

People of New South Wales, Australia

Dale Fisher
John Caldwell
Ray Ellis
Robert Lane