YOU could almost say Michael Westaway has petrol running through his veins.
A third-generation car man, Michael has spent most of his life surrounded by engines, dealerships, and racetracks. His love of cars is as natural to him as breathing. So, when he decided to restore a 1969 Ford Falcon XT GT back in 2004, it wasn’t a question of if he would finish it, but when.
The project took 17 years to complete, with progress unfolding slowly in between work and family life. But the result is something Michael takes pride in.
“My long-standing love of classic cars inspired me to take it on,” he said. “And the best way to own one and know what I had was to build it myself. After searching for the right project within my budget, I started the rebuild.”
He found the car in South Australia. It was in driveable condition at the time, but far from perfect.
“I trucked it to Melbourne then drove the vehicle from Melbourne to Leongatha where I dismantled it ready for restoration,” he said.
The XT GT was rusty but solid, and the engine number matched the body, a good foundation for a major restoration. The vehicle’s original gold colour also appealed to Michael, as it reflected the look of authentic GT Falcons.
While he took the lead on the project, it wasn’t all solo work.
“My brother assisted when needed,” he said. “I had assistance rebuilding the engine and gearbox, and the vehicle was professionally resprayed in the original colour.”
Michael prioritised original parts wherever possible and only turned to reproduction components when absolutely necessary.
The hardest part wasn’t the rust, or the sourcing of parts, but rather the time.
“Time was sometimes difficult to find between running a business and family commitments,” he said.
Even so, the idea of not finishing never crossed his mind.
“I was determined to see the project come to fruition,” he said. “And when I eventually retired, I managed to complete the restoration.”
These days, the Falcon comes out once a month when the weather allows. Michael has shown it at a few local Show n Shine events in Leongatha over the years, but mostly it’s just for the joy of the drive.
“Relief and satisfaction,” he said, when asked how it feels to see the car finally finished. “The joy from driving it is immeasurable.”
Michael’s interest in cars started early. His father and grandfather both ran local dealerships, and he grew up around the business.
“I grew up around cars,” he said. “With my father and grandfather running local dealerships throughout my youth. I went to work after school in the dealership and was always a keen motor enthusiast.”
His first car was a 1974 Mitsubishi Lancer, and he still remembers the moment that made him fall even deeper in love with working on cars.
“Hearing the engine roar the first time you turn it over after installing a new engine,” he said. “That’s a favourite memory.”
Outside the garage, Michael has also spent plenty of time behind the wheel of a race car. Since 2006, he’s raced a Porsche 944 at some of Australia’s best-known circuits.
“I have raced at most major Victorian tracks including Winton, Phillip Island, Sandown and Bathurst,” he said. “And Oran Park in NSW and The Bend in South Australia. I’ve had some podium finishes over the years, but first has eluded me.”
He races eight times a year, and it all started with a nudge from his brother.
“My brother was racing before me and I just had to join,” he said. “It gives me a thrill of a lifetime every time I race.”
Michael joined the family business in 1993 after working in Melbourne as an accountant, stepping into the role of General Manager and Dealer Principal of Ford.
“In 1993 I returned from Melbourne to join the family business and took over ownership as a partner with my brother in 1995.”
He held the reins for many years, overseeing both Westaway Ford and Knights Mitsubishi in Leongatha.
Now retired, Michael enjoys a balance of life on the track and time on the open road, whether that’s behind the wheel of a race-ready Porsche or the gold beauty he built himself.
“I try to take it for a spin once a month,” he said. “Fine weather only.”
