As many rush to build the latest trend in muscle car, big block, petrol-guzzling beasts, Mick McMullen has built a one-of-a-kind Toyota Hilux. The bright yellow ute has many custom touches that speak to the quality of workmanship and level of skill found at McMullen Paint and Panel in Far North Queensland. Mick took a moment out of his day to chat with Motor Trader about the Hilux.

Words and pictures: Lara Wilde

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This ute does stand out in a crowd. Can you tell us the details of it?

MM: The ute is a 1990, two-wheel drive, dual cab Toyota Hilux. They are not known for their performance or luxury. Under the bonnet is a 22R engine, and it is backed up by a five-speed manual gearbox and standard diff. There are five neatly upholstered seats and a dash full of quality gauges. It is reliable and comfortable and still stands out in the crowd.

How did you come to own the ute?

MM: When we found this ute it was not for the amateur car enthusiast. It was a complete wreck. There was a lot of panel damage and it was white. We bought it as a father and son project in 2012. I wanted to teach my son panel beating and spray painting skills and to pass on my trade. I am not sure if it was a successful venture as my son took up a trade as a carpenter instead of following in my footsteps!

What was your vision for the ute?

MM: Pretty much what you see now was my original vision. I wanted this ute to showcase what we can do at McMullen Paint and Panel. To do that I needed a typically boring car that would not draw attention on its own. I wanted the quality of our work and the many custom touches I applied to make it stand out.

What work did you undertake on the ute with your son?

MM: We went through this ute with a fine-tooth comb. There was a full bare metal respray after we removed the rust, flared the guards and created a handmade custom tub tray. We shaved the door handles and installed custom door latches. While we were shaving and installing we removed the fuel filler flap and the windscreen washer water squirters from the bonnet. This ute is smooth from the front bumper to the back.

There are plenty of custom touches. Every time I look at it, I notice something new. What are some of the best?

MM: We went with an iron cross theme on the badges and mirrors. There is custom pinstriping in the cab. There are spikes above the driver’s door and plenty of custom metalwork. The wheels are from a Mitsubishi Magna and were only meant to be temporary during the build, but at the end of the day, there was no better option to fit.

Perhaps my favourite custom touch is the centre caps on the wheels. I searched high and low to find the perfect centre cap and I could not find them anywhere. Meanwhile, my wife was renovating our bathroom at home and the plug for the sink was a perfect match. We bought three more plugs and the result is a polished finish that cannot be faulted.

What other cars do you own?

MM: We have a 1972 four-door Holden Torana and a 1985 Holden VK Commodore. I guess I am a Holden man. Plus, we have the work Toyota Hilux for running around for the business.

What is your dream car to own or build?

MM: My dream car is a Holden V8 Supercar. A while ago, my wife Terri-Anne won a passenger ride with Craig Lowndes at the V8 Supercars in Townsville. Because my wife is wonderful, she let me have the ride on her behalf. Doing hot laps in a Holden V8 Supercar with Lowndes at the wheel was a once in a lifetime experience and it set my dreams to owning one.

Have you entered the ute in any car shows?

MM: We have put the ute in a few local car shows. It gets plenty of looks and lots of people want to know more. I am not sure the average onlooker notices the level of detail and customisation. I think that is the sign of quality workmanship when it looks as though that is how it came out of the factory. Unfortunately, though, we have yet to take home a trophy.

What modifications are still on the list for the ute?

MM: I am really happy with the paint and panel on the ute. I don’t think it can be improved externally. The interior is also neat and tidy and clean. The next step will be the motor. We can always have a little more power and performance.

If you had it to do again, what would you do differently?

MM: If it was a customer’s car, I would obviously give them whatever they paid for. The sky is the limit. For me personally, though, I wouldn’t change a thing about this ute. It is reliable, comfortable and the paintwork is still looking perfect after nearly 10 years.

Would you ever sell the ute?

MM: Well, everything is for sale but, to be honest, I hadn’t considered selling the ute before last week. A customer arrived to pick up her own car and took a shine to the ute. She looked at it closely, I showed her how to open the doors and before I could blink she had made herself at home in the driver’s seat. I offered to take her for a drive in it and as we cruised up the back roads, she started to ask me for a price and details if she was to buy it. My customer didn’t buy it (yet) but she did plant the seed of an idea to sell it in my head. It would be great to see the ute owned by someone who would love it and use it.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2021) 

16 July 2021