Big Shane - Rods and Customs! Sept 08

Big Shane - helping make Bike Week bigger for rods and customs!

If you've ever called in to California Image, you'll no doubt be familiar with the larger than life figure that is Shane Delaforce.

Cars, bikes and music are in Shane's blood and have been for more than a quarter of a century. Through his business, Californian Image, Shane has been sharing that same devotion to hot rods, American muscle and cool customs for just as long.

When you can name such greats as George Barris, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and the recently deceased Boyd Coddington among your friends, it's a pretty big rap, not only for your standing in the industry, but also your commitment to it. So, with that level of passion, organizing the spectacular Muscle Car Show as part of the 10th annual Gold Coast Bike Week, just comes naturally!

As the business name suggests, American cars - and shipping them from the US for Aussie buyers - is the specialty of Californian Image. This sees Shane making regular trips to the USA.
"I love to go there when the swap meets are on," Shane said.
"In fact my mates call me the 'Swap Meet Junkie'! Problem is when I go to these meets, I always see something that I just have to have!"
Shane's love of these cars inspired him to build an award winning '60 Impala, which recently took out 'Top American' car at a show near the Narangba headquarters of Californian Image.

Shane's involvement with car shows actually spans both sides of the Pacific. He has organized and judged many car shows, both in Australia and the USA. And not to be outdone by the Americans, Shane raised a few eyebrows when he took his XB GT Falcon coupe to Hollywood, and won several awards with his XY GT as well!
"While I love American cars, I wanted to show them that we could also build tough cars here in Australia", he laughed.

Shane also established, and is President of the "Resurrected Relics", a club dedicated to enjoying "old skool car kulture". Its members predominantly own American cars, but Shane was quick to point out all are welcome - "just loving your hot rod is reason enough to be a member."

With someone as passionate as Shane in charge, the Muscle Car Show at Gold Coast Bike Week looks set to be a real winner!