When it comes to modified cars there are many different genres, each with their own scene. While some of us like to live our lives in the fast lane, chasing an adrenalin rush through horsepower and driving cars to their limit, there are plenty of enthusiasts out there that prefer a more subdued way of life; guys like Paul Chetcuti that prefer the low-n-slow way of life.
Since an early age Paul caught the car bug, passed down from his father who was an avid car enthusiast and in Paul's words a major influence on his passion for all things with four wheels and shiny bumpers.
Over the years Paul has owned his fair share of quality modified cars including a HQ Monaro, Vk Commodore, Datsun 200B SSS and a '59 Chevrolet Belair. A staunch 11-second LX Torana also called Pauls garage home at one stage, all of these cars providing him with plenty of fun during what he calls his 'Hoon years'..
After the birth of his second child, Paul figured it was time to settle down and move away from the adrenaline-charged pursuit of horsepower and quick ETs.
“With a growing family it was time for me to slow down and become the ‘responsible’ father [laughs]. So I decided to sell the Torana and started importing classic muscle cars from the States...”
After importing a few Mustangs Paul's wife Alison came across a very unique 1952 Ford Victoria Hardtop in country Illinois. After looking into the car further the pair instantly fell in love with the car, bit the bullet, purchased it on the spot and had the car shipped over to our shores.
Like a pair of kids counting down the days until Christmas, Paul and his wife eagerly awaited the cars arrival but when the day came they were met with some shocking sights.
“During the trip over the car was damaged. Someone had walked on the roof leaving large foot print scratches, there was also some damage to one of the front guards and the drivers side window was cracked in the corner, probably by someone tryng to get into the car at some stage... I wasn’t happy!”
Luckily the rest of the car was un-touched and the repair job wasn't too hard with Paul's mate Steve Tabone being able to get the car looking A1 again.
With the repairs done and after a bit of a run-around with the legality and compliancing side of things, the big 'Lead Sled'as it's called was out cruising the streets of the Illawarra, drawing looks of admiration from people wherever it traveled.
With its chopped roof-line and abundance of chrome contrasting perfectly with the deep purple paintwork, this car screams old school cool from every angle and is truly a sight to see when it's out cruising with the 350 Chev purring away.
The car has really become a part of the Chetcuti family, with the gang regularly heading out for lazy Sunday drives down our picturesque coatline. Paul has even gone as far as having an image of the car tattooed on his arm. Truely dedicated!
Paul's son Marcus, seen in the photo above is also quite fond of the car and at the 2013 Motor X event, was picked out of the crowd by none other than world-wide custom car building legend, Chip Foose where he received a hand drawn poster of his favorite car, signed by the man himself!
As one of the most unique and not to mention cool cars in the region, we feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to shoot and feature this car. If you happen to see Paul and his family out and about in the big girl be sure to give them a thumbs-up and try not get too distracted from whatever you're doing at the time...
To check out more pics of this amazing machine, head over to our 'Feature Car' gallery page HERE.
