The elaborately modified 1986 vehicle was parked alongside many stylish and sleek automobiles as part of the Warrnambool and District Drag Racing Association’s annual show and shine day.

A welder by trade, Mr Serra bought the Suzuki Mighty Boy after a few drinks at the pub four years ago and has slowly customised the vehicle during his spare time.

The Warrnambool motor enthusiast will get behind the wheel of his pride and joy this week to make a marathon trip to Canberra for the annual Summernats event.

“The car certainly gets a lot of comments,” Mr Serra said. 

“Some people say ‘cool car’ and ask about how I modified it, others call it a suitcase on wheels. I’ve showed it a few times here but this is the first time with the airbagging, which has lowered it a fair bit.”

Classic American and Australian cars were showcased at yesterday’s event, interested observers taking particular note of the pristine Chevrolets and Holdens gleaming in the sunshine.

Warrnambool and District Drag Racing Association president Tony Frost said the annual event raised awareness of the organisation as well as bringing the region’s motoring enthusiasts together.

“We started setting up earlier on this morning and we had people here before we even officially started,” Mr Frost said.

“There are some great cars on show. We’ve got a fantastic LJ Torana from the 1970s, some late-model Commodores and a few American classics, which are always popular.”