The number plate is meant to say it all on but for Steven Loader where there’s smoke there’s fire. As the ’69 GM - Holden sedan went through its paces in trying to qualify for the finals, a fuel line was ruptured and the car went up in flames.

This car is, dare I say it, “sex on wheels” as thousands drooled over its wonderous lines and retro feel. It ended up winning a bunch of trophies including the best of the bunch – “Top Judged elite”.

“I don’t know what to say”, a clearly overwhelmed Cowin explained. "I built this car for myself but to see it win all these awards is just unbelievable,” he went on to say. I first met Graeme in 1971 and in close to forty years I have never seen him so lost for words – a great result for someone who has won everything in Australian drag racing. The Hall held the Top Sixty cars and this saw cars as diverse as a bone stock FB model GM-Holden to Cowin’s metal masterpiece.

The Shockwave GM-Holden extended cab SUV added some real heat to a already blisteringly hot day. This unique vehicle still retains its original engine and driveline so in addition to setting the world on fire he can park it once the candle goes out.