Fletch travels to Melbourne to visit an eclectic automotive collector named Bob Parker. Bob takes us on a tour of his sheds on his immaculate property and shares how each collection came to be. At first glance, it may seem like just a jumble of items, but Bob is familiar with everything in his collection, and each piece has its designated spot. While some pieces of iron and wood may not have a practical purpose right now, Bob believes they will eventually come in handy. Neighbours and friends frequently ask him, "Hey Bob, do you have a piece of ...?" and more often than not, Bob can help them out.
The earlier sheds are primarily where Bob carries out his mechanical work. However, the main attraction is his spotlessly presented man cave, showcasing his impressive car collection and an array of memorabilia. This impressive space took eight years to assemble but reflects 60 years of passion. It is not merely a space for vehicles but a nostalgic tribute to the '50s, '60s, and the golden era of rock' n' roll.
Among the gems in Bob's collection is an XL Falcon, which he currently stores for a friend. Another standout is a striking Hot Rod powered by a Ford 351 Cleveland V8, purchased following an exhaustive search through twenty other turn-key models.
Further enhancing his collection is a 1965 2-door XP Falcon, which Bob has transformed with a V8 Windsor engine to create a Rat Rod, proudly finished in a flat black paint job. His passion for historical authenticity led him to replicate the decals on the XP Falcon featured in the historic motoring event, the 70,000 /8 Day Durability Test. However, he humorously discovered that the original test vehicles were actually red.
Another noteworthy vehicle is a 1974 Ford Fairlane Custom, equipped with a 250 6-cylinder engine and column automatic transmission. This model, which often flew under the radar in favour of its V8 counterpart, remains in excellent original condition and rust-free, an impressive feat for a model notorious for corrosion.
Lastly, Bob showcases a robust 1985 XF Falcon Van with a 4-speed transmission, boasting 195,000 kilometres on the clock. He proudly declares it as tough as nails and still in good condition, demonstrating his dedication to preserving these classic vehicles for generations.
