Car Features

From the beginning, the goal was clear: capture the unmistakable character of a classic American school bus while integrating true hot rod attitude and modern performance engineering.

The Heart of the Build: 3.6 Straight Six

At the core of the project sits a 3.6 straight six — proper old-school engineering. There’s something timeless about a six in a row. Smooth delivery. Solid torque. Built to work and built to last.

Apart from the 350 small block Chevy (SBK) block and crank, the motor was built entirely new. Everything was carefully selected and assembled to create a reliable, powerful setup. The engine was mated to a 4L60 gearbox, giving the car smooth cruising ability with modern drivability to match its classic looks.

Finding Her Rhythm on the Track

Her journey gained real momentum when she joined the BMW Club in KZN. What started as passion quickly evolved into purpose. She had the opportunity to race at respected circuits such as Roy Hesketh Raceway, Dezzi Raceway, and Mason’s Mill — tracks that test both skill and nerve.

Built Low. Built Right.

The vision was simple: retro attitude, traditional hot rod stance, and period-correct soul.

To get the proportions just right, the windscreen was chopped by 2.5 inches, tightening up the profile and giving the car that unmistakable squinting, aggressive look. The body was then channeled 4.5 inches over the frame, dropping it deep and low without losing the classic ’34 character.

A Car That Almost Became Scrap

The Dodge Royal’s story is one of near tragedy.

But under that timeless body? A completely re-engineered machine.

Built From the Ground Up

Wayne didn’t just “freshen it up.” He rebuilt the foundation.

• Brand new custom chassis

A Private Workshop. A Personal Standard.

Bertie doesn’t build for trends. He builds for the love of American muscle, raw torque, and high-end fabrication. Every vehicle that leaves his workshop is something he’s personally crafted — from drivetrain to upholstery.

And when he says high-end fabrication, he means it. Every detail is deliberate. Every component selected for performance, strength, and presence.

My dad was a Ford mechanic who specialized in old-school Fords. He didn’t just fix cars — he understood them. He respected them. And he passed that respect on to me and my brother. Together, the three of us built and restored many cars over the years. Each one had its own personality, its own story, and its own challenges. But one of the most unforgettable builds was the Ford Cortina Mk3 LDO Big 6.

There are many Cobras out there. Beautiful, loud, and fast — but similar. I wanted something different. Something that would stop conversations mid-sentence. Something that didn’t just look aggressive… but delivered something wild underneath the hood.

And if you know me, you know one thing: it had to be turbocharged. Everything else in my fleet is.

At the time, the car had no engine. No gearbox. No defined direction. Just a shell and a goal: