The History Of The Mad Max Interceptor
Part 3 - Restoration
Although it was supposed to be scrapped, the new 'owner' was reluctant to destroy this important car, and instead it was ultimately passed on to a colleague, Ray Evans, from Adelaide. The car then sat outside Ray Evans' scrap yard for more than three years, and was the subject of much interest. When a great fan of this film series, Bob Fursenko, spotted the car, he realised he had to have it, and after negotiations, Bob became the Falcon's new owner.
Bob recalled that the car was not in too bad a condition. The front end was smashed, as seen in the film, but generally the car was sound.
Off the car went to Franklin Side Crash Restorers where Tony and Mario Romeo went to work on the car. A number of months and $25,000 Australian dollars passed and the car was complete. The car was restored to its original former glory, but retaining the tanks fitted in the sequel.
Eventually Bob located Murray Smith, and managed to get a number of photos of the car with its registration number still fitted at the Kennedy Miller studios, and obtained confirmation that this was in fact the original car which Murray had built. Bob also obtained photos and information from Ray Evans confirming the cars authenticity.
Bob needed to recoup some of his outlay, so the Interceptor was put to work at shows and exhibitions. Bob first put it into the Launceston Show, charging a dollar each for a look. It was a phenomenal success.
On show once again at the Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne
Thanks to Linc for these pictures.
For some more pictures from the Bob's display at the Exhibition Buildings, check out the sub-page of Ken Stone's pictures. For more information on this period of the car, you should also check out Bob Fursenko's web site at www.madmaxinterceptor.com.
Back to the History of the Mad Max Interceptor, Part 2
On to the History of the Mad Max Interceptor, Part 4