The Chevroliac

Keith Downie’s street rod reproduction of a 1934 Pontiac...

Keith Downie’s interest in the automobile started at an early age due to his dad’s involvement in the auto and transport industry. As is often the case Keith’s chance to undertake his own projects had to go on hold for a number of years due to marriage, mortgage and children. Then when the time came for his own projects he started out by owning and restoring classic cars through the 1980s.

After retirement and moving to Brisbane, Keith became interested in rodding and it was while on a visit with Graham Cowan that his participation in rodding found its origin. Keith mentioned he would like to build a ’34 Pontiac, whereupon Graham rang Warren Burggraaff at WAZRODZ in Rockhampton, a man of few words but immense talent. The conversation went like this; Graham – “Keith wants to build a ’34 Pontiac.”

Warren – “Yeah we can do that, come up and see me.”

The Rockhampton trip was made and Warren produced a 1934 radiator cap with emblem attached, a plan for the rod build was discussed, and a start was made on the project that took up a lot of the Downie’s time over the next few years.