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? For Mathew Hughes, this was a reality he faced for nearly a decade. But after an intense labor of love spanning nine years, the 28-year-old finally achieved his dream, unveiling his first car - a 1973 TA22 Toyota Celica - at the Street Machine Summernats 38.
"I built the car for myself, the way I wanted it," he said. "It wasn't meant to become the masterpiece it did."
A spray painter by trade, Mathew spent countless hours crafting this vehicle at home, drawing inspiration from mentors like Simon Bonello, known for his meticulous paint and panel work. "My apprenticeship with Simon taught me a lot, and his perfectionism rubbed off on me," Mathew shared.
The car's journey was a testament to his dedication. "This car has been the center of my life, a constant challenge, pushing me to my limits," he explained. "But seeing it unveiled made it all worthwhile."
Under the hood, a Toyota 3S-GE four-cylinder engine, equipped with ITBs and a six-speed manual transmission, powers the TA22. Japanese-themed aesthetics are further emphasized by SSR Dori Dori Mesh alloys and Fortune Auto coil-overs, complemented by AE86 Corolla rack-and-pinion steering up front. "It's a blend of Japanese style and my personal taste, not just era-specific," Mathew noted.
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, securing its place in the Elite Top 10. "I didn't expect much at Summernats, it's my first major paint job and car build, and the competition is fierce," Mathew admitted. "Just making it there and back safely, and seeing my car unveiled for my loved ones, was incredible."
Mathew's dream of competing among Australia's top car builders became a reality, earning him four prestigious awards. "I'll be showcasing the car on the show circuit and then enjoying every mile of the drive!"
