Geelong All Holden Day highlight – ‘Old Timer’ EJ custom panel van

The 2025 Geelong All Holden Day saw more than 450 cars attend. With those sorts of numbers, a wide range of Holdens was guaranteed to be seen. Along with some unrestored survivors and full restos, there were also the street machine, resto mod and full custom cars you’d expect to see. Some of these builds needed closer examination, though, and this EJ panel van was certainly one of them, with quite a story behind it.

What started as a stock 1963 EJ panel van was acquired by the current owner in 1982, then comprehensively transformed - inside, outside and underneath.

The most obvious visual change is the incorporation of WB Statesman grille and headlights, while a TF Gemini provided the tail lights. These sit either side of a timber panel bearing this build’s name – ‘Old Timer’.

Bodywork changes, including wheelarch flares, extended sills, a custom rear bumper and roof spoiler, were all fabricated from steel. Toyota Celica vents were added to the bonnet, HZ Holden vents to the front guards and Mitsubishi Sigma vents to the rear quarters. The tailgate was converted to a one-piece unit and gained a bubble window. Dual fuel fillers, door handles from a Gemini van, and what looked to be a pair of Ford exterior mirrors were also fitted.

Under the bonnet, there was a 350 SBC V8 and T350 auto, with a custom radiator, custom extractors and a custom exhaust. Wiring was hidden and the battery relocated to a rear compartment to show off the engine, with a velvet-trimmed mirrored panel added for static displays.

Underneath, the EJ chassis was fully welded, with the front suspension and sway bar from an HR fitted, plus front disc brakes and steering rack from a Torana. At the rear, an EH sway bar, Commodore disc brakes and a 3.36 diff were fitted.

In the cabin, there was an integrated roll bar, Gemini bucket seats with racing harnesses and their own mini rollbars, a custom centre console, VK Commodore dash, aftermarket steering wheel, Statesman arm rests, power windows and a four-speaker stereo. The van’s rear was fitted out with custom storage boxes, speakers, an overhead console and TV, with the whole lot lined in crushed velvet.

The exterior paint, described as a custom Dominican Brown ‘double metalflake’ mix, was complemented by Copper Bronze on the engine block.

All the body and driveline changes were engineer approved in 1984, with Old Timer making its first public appearance a year later. The unique side murals – with different designs on each side - were added in 1990.

In 1997, this van went to the US, but spent 15 years in storage there before it was registered and displayed. In 2022, the van was taken off the road, then shipped back to Australia in 2024. 

A remarkable vehicle, Old Timer was a worthy winner of the Repco Sponsor’s Choice award.

For JUST CARS’ report from the 2025 Geelong All Holden Day, click HERE.