Mathew Hughes' Toyota Celica TA22: A Dream Realized at Summernats 38
Have you ever dreamed of building your perfect car, only to have it crash, get stolen, or sold before you can bring your wildest ideas to life? Well, that's exactly what happened to Mathew Hughes, a 28-year-old car enthusiast who spent nearly a decade turning his vision into reality. At Street Machine Summernats 38, Mathew unveiled his masterpiece: a 1973 TA22 Toyota Celica, a car that embodies his passion and dedication.
"I built this car for myself, the way I wanted it," Mathew shared. "I never imagined it would become so much more than I'd planned."
As a spray painter by trade, Mathew spent countless hours working on his project at home, drawing inspiration from his mentor, Simon Bonello, who taught him the art of perfection in paint and panel work. "His influence was immense," Mathew recalled. "I learned a lot from him, and his attention to detail really shaped my approach."
Mathew's dedication to the project was unparalleled. "This car has been the center of my life for years," he said. "It's been a challenging journey, pushing me to my limits, but seeing it unveiled made it all worthwhile."
Under the hood, the TA22 boasts a powerful Toyota 3S-GE four-cylinder engine, equipped with ITBs and a six-speed manual transmission. To maintain the Japanese theme, Mathew chose SSR Dori Dori Mesh alloys and Fortune Auto coil-overs, with AE86 Corolla rack-and-pinion steering at the front. "I wanted it to reflect my style, not just be era-specific," he explained.
The judges recognized Mathew's exceptional craftsmanship, awarding the TA22 third place in the Elite Paint and Top Coupe categories, and runner-up in Top Engineered. It secured a spot in the Elite Top 10, solidifying Mathew's place among Australia's top car builders.
"I went to Summernats with no expectations," Mathew admitted. "It's my first major paint job and car build, and the competition is fierce." He expressed his gratitude for making it to the event safely and having the opportunity to unveil his car to his friends and family.
"It's been a dream come true, something I never expected," he said, reflecting on the four awards his car received. "I'll be showcasing it on the show circuit, and then I'll put it through its paces on the road!"
