Sexy Chevy is Ross’ passion

By Marc McGowan
PAKENHAM Automatics owner Ross Jansz readily admits that cars are in his blood and have been since he was born.
His father, Frank, was a mechanic, so it is understandable that the fourwheeled curse has bitten him, but his passion has taken on a life of its own.
Mr Jansz has restored many cars over the years including a 1964 Mustang Convertible, a HQ Monaro and a HK Monaro, but it appears that one takes preference over all others – the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro.
After having some trouble with the engine in his HK Monaro, he swapped the vehicle with a friend for a Camaro and the rest is history.
That was around 10 years ago and Mr Jansz has since bought another one to add to his collection. So why does he need two of them?
“Because I’m greedy!” he laughed.
“One of them is like a show car and the other is my every day (drive).”
Mr Jansz has spent more than $100,000 between the two cars. He has installed a supercharged motor in his first one, while restoring the latter basically from scratch.
“I have totally restored the body, given it a new paint job, new trim, new motor, transmission, diff, new rubbers – every single nut and bolt is brand new,” he said.
He has fallen in love with its style and has taken the car’s ‘sex appeal’ to a new extreme.
Through a friendship with a photographer, Mr Jansz’s Camaro was showcased at last month’s Sexpo and after receiving a big reception it will be returning for next year’s exhibition.
It is during this time each year that he regularly brings his Camaro out of the garage and releases it on the world.
“During the summer months, I take it out nearly every second weekend,” he said.
“I take it out to car shows, like the Pakenham Hot Rod Picnic.”
Unlike many car restorers, Mr Jansz finds it difficult selling his vehicles once they are complete, as he forms a strong attachment to each of his projects.
“I hang onto a few of them. They just give you a real adrenalin rush,” he said.