A Dream Realized: Mathew Hughes' Toyota Celica TA22 Takes Center Stage at Summernats 38
We've all had those wild dreams about our first cars, but life often gets in the way, leaving those dreams unfinished. However, Mathew Hughes' story is a testament to perseverance and a labor of love. After almost a decade of dedication, Mathew, at 28, unveiled his first car, a 1973 Toyota Celica TA22, at Street Machine Summernats 38, leaving a packed crowd in awe.
"It's all about personal preference," Mathew shared. "I wanted to create something unique, something that reflected my style, rather than being confined by era-specific expectations."
Mathew, a skilled spray painter, meticulously built the entire car at home, drawing inspiration from mentors like Simon Bonello, whose perfectionism left an indelible mark on Mathew's craftsmanship.
"This car has been my life's work, an uphill battle that pushed me to my limits," Mathew confessed. "But seeing the crowd's reaction, it was all worth it."
Under the hood, a Toyota 3S-GE four-cylinder engine, paired with ITBs and a six-speed manual transmission, powers the Celica. The Japanese theme continues with SSR Dori Dori Mesh alloys and Fortune Auto coil-overs, while an AE86 Corolla rack-and-pinion steering system handles the front end.
Mathew's attention to detail didn't go unnoticed. The TA22 Celica took third place in the Elite Paint and Top Coupe categories and was a runner-up in Top Engineered, securing its spot in the Elite Top 10.
"I went to Summernats with no expectations. This was my first major paint job and car build, and the competition was fierce. I'm just grateful to have made it there and back safely and to share this moment with my friends and family."
And the recognition didn't stop there. Mathew's Celica garnered four awards, placing him among Australia's top car builders. But Mathew isn't one to rest on his laurels. He plans to hit the show circuit and then put his creation through its paces on the road.
So, what do you think? Is Mathew's TA22 a masterpiece or a missed opportunity? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
