Meet Quinn and Slavko, two MTA apprentices who share a strong passion for their cars and the art of restoration!
Quinn, a first-year body repair technician and spray painter at Gawler Bodyworks, treasures her Mazda NA Miata, while Slavko, a second-year spray painting apprentice at Northeast Isuzu, takes pride in his unique Honda Accord 1987.
Quinn’s Journey with her Mazda NA Miata
“Three years ago, I was working in childcare, but I always had a passion for cars without knowing exactly what I wanted to do. Then, together with my partner, we explored different options and realised my creative side was perfect for painting cars, and I instantly fell in love with it.”
Quinn’s interest in Japanese cars sparked her passion for the Miata, which began as a small project but evolved into a full-scale restoration. Choosing a stunning pearl white colour inspired by Aston Martin, Quinn spent may hours in her boss’s workshop transforming her car, while he encouraged her to work on the car and enjoy the learning process.
Looking back on her restoration project from February to March, Quinn described it as a true labour of love rather than just a job. One thing she adores about the Miata is its classic pop-up headlights, also a favourite for Slavko and his Honda Accord. “There were some challenges along the way, but it fueled my passion for restoration even more, motivating me to specialise further in this field.”
Quinn looks forward to boosting her Miata’s performance with individual throttle bodies (ITBs) and unique exhaust modifications—such as a heart-shaped tip—to add her personal style to the ride. She’s also excited to join forces with her partner to restore his Nissan Skyline R32, extending their journey of automotive passion together.
Slavko and his Honda Accord 1987
Meanwhile, Slavko, a second-year apprentice spray painter at Northeast Isuzu, deeply cherishes his 1987 Honda Accord.
To Slavko, the Accord stands out as a hidden gem overshadowed by more popular Honda models like the Prelude and Civic. Despite its rough condition, Slavko appreciates the car’s history and functionality, noting the care and attention given by the previous owners. With over 200,000 kilometres on the odometer, the Accord remains a testament to durability and legacy.
What sets this Accord apart for Slavko are its pop-up headlights and unique four-door design—a blend of sportiness and everyday practicality that appeals to him.
“Compared to more recognised models like Quinn’s Miata, sourcing aftermarket support for the Accord can be difficult, complicating upgrades and adding to costs.” Yet, these obstacles only deepen his appreciation for the Accord’s rarity and character. “Even though it might not meet everyone’s standards of perfection, I love how my car looks right now.”
Reflecting on Quinn’s love for her car, Slavko highlights the significance of investing time and effort into restoring and improving vehicles instead of neglecting their potential.
As Slavko and Quinn continue to pursue their careers and explore diverse opportunities in the automotive industry, their cars serve as a testament to their passion for the field and doing what they enjoy most.
