Following many years of worthy service transporting our stock from store to store, as well as taking us on trips to the surf and snow, we finally had to put the old girl out to pasture in the backyard of the Point Leo shop. Wilko and I drove hundreds of thousands of kilometres in this magnificent Holden panel van.

Like many of the Ford and Holden cars residing by the coast, the salt air caused major rust. Once your feet fell through the floor, it was time for a Phil Trigger makeover, complete with fiberglass patchwork on the floor, the door sills, around the windows, and on the tailgate.

Once those spots were structurally sound, Phil would add the finishing touches! A coat of paint (Dulux Wash & Wear leftovers from someone’s house) was applied lovingly with a paintbrush for that extra texture. Yet, from a good distance, it looked neat enough to slip past unsuspecting police who were on the lookout for unroadworthy vehicles.

Pictured below: Phil’s apprentice, Matt Trigger (paintbrush in hand), just following directions as he prepares the van for combat duty and a few more unnoticed years on the road.

Paul Trigger in the street next to the Trigger Bros. Chelsea store.

A trip to Mt.Hotham