Expert classic car buying, sourcing and acquisition from Hunter Valley. Michael “Mouse” Godfrey helps collectors, investors and enthusiasts find and assess classic American cars across Australia.
Browse some of our recent projects, from a original classic car to a custom, hot rod or Lowrider. We are over 30 years of experience on Classic cars Industrie.
If your looking to buy a classic car but aren’t sure whether it is what it’s supposed to be. not sure what to look at or what may be hiding. We can take the stress away from buying a disaster.
The classic car market is full of opportunity. It is also full of traps for inexperienced buyers.
A vehicle can present beautifully and still require substantial work. A fresh restoration can look spot-on in photographs while hiding poor workmanship underneath…
A proper acquisition assessment considers the car as a whole…
Paintwork
Interior presentation
Engine bay appearance
Odometer readings
Seller descriptions
Online photographs
That’s the difference between buying a classic and buying intelligently
That’s the difference between buying a classic and buying intelligently
That’s the difference between buying a classic and buying intelligently
Not everyone wants the same thing from a classic car…
For a collector, the right classic isn’t simply the one with the biggest badge…
It may be the right combination of model, year, engine, specification, originality, provenance, condition and restoration quality.
Classic cars can be attractive to collectors and investors, but they should never be treated as a guaranteed source of profit.
The sensible approach is to assess the vehicle before considering its potential.
Is the model genuinely sought after by collectors and enthusiasts?
Does the engine, transmission, body style, factory equipment and overall specification support the vehicle’s desirability?
How much work is actually required to bring the vehicle to the desired standard?
Are important components original, correctly restored or appropriately replaced?
Was the restoration carried out to a high professional standard, or has the vehicle simply been made presentable for sale?
Is the asking price sensible when the vehicle’s condition and required work are taken into account?
American classics occupy a special place in the collector-car world…
Ford has an enormous footprint in the Australian enthusiast market…
The Falcon deserves particular consideration because of its deep connection with Australian motoring culture…
Cadillac represents a very different proposition, with luxury, design, engineering and American automotive heritage…
Whether you’re looking for a classic Holden, a show-winning hot rod or upgrading, or Buick, our experienced in the auto classic not have limits.
A $100,000 classic that requires $50,000 of restoration isn’t really a $100,000 decision.
Bodywork
Paint
Rust repair
Engine work
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Electrical systems
Interior trimming
Seat reconstruction
Dashboard restoration
Steering wheel retrimming
Carpets
Headlining
Chrome and brightwork
Missing or incorrect components
Understanding that gap before purchase can completely change whether a vehicle represents a sensible acquisition.
Never fall in love with the photographs before you’ve assessed the car.
Chassis & Structure
Rust & Corrosion
Panel & Paint Quality
Engine & Drivetrain
Suspension, Steering & Brakes
Electrical Systems
Interior & Trim
Originality & Correctness
Restoration History
Documentation & Provenance
If your goal is to enter a classic car in a car show, concours event or specialist automotive exhibition, the buying strategy changes again.
Michael doesn’t approach a classic car solely as a buyer. He approaches it with the eyes of someone who understands what happens after the purchase.
His experience spans the practical sides of the automotive industry, including custom vehicle trimming, classic-car interiors, restoration, technical vehicle work, high-performance automotive components, buying and selling and enthusiast vehicles.
Michael is based in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, but the right classic car isn’t always sitting around the corner.
Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Sydney and regional NSW.
Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Brisbane, the Gold Coast and regional Queensland.
Adelaide and surrounding areas.
Perth and selected opportunities across WA.
✔ Step 1 — Define Your Buying Brief
✔ Step 2 — Research Suitable Opportunities
✔ Step 3 — Shortlist the Right Cars
✔ Step 4 — Assess the Vehicle
✔ Step 5 — Inspect Where Appropriate
✔ Step 6 — Calculate the Real Acquisition
✔ Step 7 — Make an Informed Decision
Never ask only, “What is this car worth?”
Ask: “What is this particular car worth to me, in this condition, for the purpose I intend to use it for?”
That single distinction can save an enthusiast from buying the wrong vehicle.
✔ Collectors
✔ Investors
✔ Show & Concours Enthusiasts
✔ American Classic Car Enthusiasts
✔ Interstate Buyers
✔ Overseas Buyers
When you buy a classic car, you’re not simply buying transport.
You’re buying history.
You’re buying engineering.
You’re buying design.
You’re buying craftsmanship.
And sometimes you’re buying a restoration project that will consume far more time and money than you first expected.
That’s why the acquisition decision deserves the same level of care as the restoration itself.
Absolutely. We regularly recreate factory-style interiors using materials and finishes that closely replicate the original appearance while improving durability where appropriate.
Yes. Every custom interior is designed around your ideas, preferred materials and personal style.
No. While we specialise in classic vehicles, we also work on Hot Rods, Lowriders, Street Machines, muscle cars, modern performance cars and everyday vehicles.
We offer leather, premium vinyl, marine-grade vinyl, suede-style fabrics, OEM materials, custom stitching, embroidery, quilting and many other premium finishes.
No. While we specialise in classic vehicles, we also work on Hot Rods, Lowriders, Street Machines, muscle cars, modern performance cars and everyday vehicles.
We offer leather, premium vinyl, marine-grade vinyl, suede-style fabrics, OEM materials, custom stitching, embroidery, quilting and many other premium finishes.
Yes. We build interiors for concours events, show cars and award-winning custom vehicles where presentation and craftsmanship are paramount.
Don’t buy the first shiny motor that gets your heart racing.
Do your homework first.
Whether you’re chasing a classic American car for your collection, looking for an acquisition with long-term collector appeal, searching for a show-car foundation or simply want an experienced set of eyes before handing over serious money, the process starts with the right brief.
Based in the Hunter Valley and working with clients across Australia, Michael “Mouse” Godfrey brings decades of practical classic-car experience to the buying decision.
Because when you’re putting serious money into a classic, you don’t need more hype. You need experience.
TRADING HOURS
Call for appointment
Cessnock Rd, Maitland 2320, NSW Australia
Phone: 0434276962
[email protected]
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