Hundreds of hours had been spent building the ''black beauty'' by hand.
''There's not one original panel on it.''
Even though he entered it in the Holden Nationals at Dunedin's Edgar Centre on Saturday, the coupe was not created to keep Holden enthusiasts happy.
''It upsets a lot of people at a car show like this because it's an original car show, but I built a car for me, not them.''
He had the car insured for $200,000.
In the competition, he entered another black 1972 HQ Kingswood Sedan custom-made using a 572 big-block engine and a transmission from a Chevrolet truck to use as a ''tow car'' for his coupe.
He had built a silver 1974 HQ Monaro Coupe GTS to give to his son Jonty Black (1) when he reaches driving age.
The two cars were insured for $100,000 each.
''But they cost more than that to make.''
The reason for sinking nearly $500,000 into three cars was simple: the logging contractor grew up surrounded by Kingswoods and liked the shape and style of the car.
''You've got to have a hobby and you love 'em and you've got to save 'em.''
Holden Nationals organising committee member Ben Dillon said 65 Holdens were entered in the competition, manufacturing years ranging from 1953 to 2015.
The rare Holdens among them included an original LJ Torana XU1 and an HQ Chevrolet 350.
The nationals weekend was last hosted by Dunedin 22 years ago.
Custom coupe: 1972 HQ Monaro Coupe LS
- Engine: Chevrolet Big Block 555.
- Horsepower: 1300.
- Fastest drag racing time: 9.86sec.
- Drag racing top speed: 222kmh.
