Anything but Ordinary

Since our beginnings in 2010, we’ve been a team of car enthusiasts and insurance experts who understand the dedication that goes into building and maintaining a custom vehicle. That’s why we’re here – to cover the cars you cherish with the same passion you put into creating them. No BS, no hard sell, no overseas call centres –just insurance cover made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.

Get to know us. Explore more about Enthusiast Motor Insurance and our tailor-made policies for car enthusiasts.

Enthusiast: Project Thumper

With prices of Aussie and American muscle cars soaring, many enthusiasts are turning to classic US pick-up trucks for their next project. Though they haven’t raced at Bathurst, fullsize US trucks are affordable, easy to modify, and have a massive aftermarket.

Enter "Thumper," a 1972 Chevrolet C10 built by Enthusiast Insurance into a muscle truck. From its long-bed body to its massive 502ci (8.2-litre) big-block Chevy V8, everything about Thumper is super-sized. Enthusiast wanted a timeless vehicle with a tough, racer’s edge and
great street presence to connect with fellow car enthusiasts.

"We chose this vehicle because it is timeless in the street machine, custom and hot rod world. Built as our 'shop truck' we knew it had to have a racer's edge, it had to be tough with great street presence; and it had to make other enthusiasts realise we understand them, as we are just as passionate about our cars as they are"

Under the bonnet, an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold reduces weight and enhances the big-block’s top-end. A Holley 950DP carburettor, Hooker headers, and a custom three-inch exhaust improve airflow, pushing the truck’s power to around 650hp.

With all that power, the drivetrain had to be upgraded. A TCI Super Street Fighter TH400 three-speed auto with manualised shift kit handles the power, while a Castlemaine Rod Shop-built Ford nine-inch diff with a TruTrac LSD and 3.7 gears replaces the stock diff. To improve handling, QA1 adjustable coilovers and a full QA1 four-link kit with a Panhard rod were added.

A CPP big brake kit with Wilwood disc brake calipers all round were fitted to replace the weedy Chevy stoppers. Similarly, the skinny steel wheels and tyres were also not up to snuff, so they were ditched in favour of custom Koya forged wheels measuring 18x8.5in up front and 18x10in out back.

And now it's ready to flex its wares all over the country at Enthusiast events.