Although we haven’t made cars in Australia in a while, plenty of Aussies are adding high-tech solutions in keeping with the times, proving Aussie car character can coexist with a sustainable future.
The phrase ‘restomod’ barely scratches the surface of what sat on the show floor at MotorEx 2026 in May. While the custom car scene is no stranger to shoehorning massive displacement engines into classic metal, a new build has fundamentally rewritten the rulebook on how to future-proof a thirsty V8.
Built by owner Peter and engineered by Paul, this custom Ford XC Falcon is a masterclass in blending old-school brute force with highly pragmatic thermal efficiency. Beneath the bespoke PPG Estel Sapphire Blue paintwork sits a legendary Boss 429 V8. However, instead of relying purely on standard fuel, the big-block has been fitted with a cutting-edge hydrogen-assisted fuel system.
Operating as a supplementary combustion aid, the onboard hydrogen kit is designed to drastically improve the engine’s efficiency and reduce emissions. According to the team at Hydro Auto Tech, the system is capable of slashing traditional fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent. In an era where internal combustion is under intense regulatory pressure, this represents a highly viable lifeline for preserving the mechanical pedigree and lore of the Falcon lineage on modern roads.
The engineering flex does not stop at the powertrain. The electrical architecture has been heavily integrated with modern FG Falcon electronics. This complete ECU and wiring swap means this classic coupe now benefits from contemporary ABS, stability control, and traction control, with telemetry fed through an FG-spec Haltech digital dash.
Underneath, the chassis dynamics have been completely overhauled. It features a custom independent rear suspension setup utilising a Krueger rear end and heavy-duty Corvette brakes to confidently rein in the performance.
Crowned as a MotorEx 2026 Super Six Feature Car, this XC isn’t just a static garage queen. It has already been heavily tested and developed on racetracks, proving that the integration of hydrogen technology and modern safety nets is a highly sophisticated blueprint for keeping the Australian muscle car alive.
The video below provides an in-depth walkthrough of the vehicle’s engineering alongside interviews with the owner and builder detailing the hydrogen integration.
