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The Forgotten Racer: A Subaru SVX's Journey from remote WA Barn to Targa Tasmania

A rare piece of automotive history has emerged from obscurity, breathing new life into a unique Subaru SVX with a remarkable racing pedigree. The car, originally owned by John Grieg of John Grieg First National Real Estate in Sylvania Waters, NSW, has been discovered in a remote barn in Wyndham, Western Australia, and is now poised to relive its motorsport glory.

Garth McDonald, the car's passionate new owner, embarked on an extraordinary quest in August 2019, driven by an intuitive belief that this was the very same Subaru SVX that competed in the 1993 Targa Tasmania. With only 249 of these models ever imported to Australia, the find was nothing short of exceptional.

The rescue mission was an adventure in itself. After purchasing the car sight unseen, Garth undertook an epic 3,850-kilometer journey across Australia's rugged landscape. The SVX traversed the Northern Territory's challenging terrain, wound through Rockhampton, paused in Toowoomba, and made a scenic route to the Gold Coast before finding its new home in Yamba, where it has recently been repainted to its former glory.

Meticulously verifying the car's authenticity, Garth has received enthusiastic support from John Grieg, now in his 80s, who originally purchased the vehicle new from Tynan Motors in Sylvania. The same dealership continues to sell Subarus and is set to participate in a media event celebrating the car's restoration, complete with period-correct First National Real Estate decals.

John Grieg has donated multiple items of memorabilia to Garth, having been caught up in the momentum of the project - things like the Team Subaru jacket, racing harnesses, certificates of entry, and a photo album put together by Vickie Grieg. He's reportedly very much looking forward to being reunited with his car at the Tynan Motors event, anticipated for February 2025.

The Subaru SVX is set to make a triumphant return to the Targa Tasmania in 2025, with Garth McDonald at the wheel, paying homage to its original 1993 racing debut. This remarkable ‘barn find’ represents more than just a classic car restoration—it's a testament to automotive passion, historical preservation, and the enduring spirit of motorsport.

Automotive enthusiasts and First National members alike will be eagerly anticipating updates on this extraordinary automotive journey as the SVX prepares to race once again.

First National Real Estate's Continued Support for Variety

First National Real Estate is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the Variety Postie Bike Dash. We have been a proud supporter since 2017 and are thrilled to see how the event has grown and evolved over the years.

Variety recently thanked First National Real Estate for its ongoing support, especially David Doherty (FN Tamworth, NSW)and David Small (FN Coffs Coast, NSW) .

At First National Real Estate, we are passionate about supporting children in need. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to live a happy and healthy life. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability.

We are already looking forward to next year and all that we can achieve together for kids in need!

FN Charles L King & Co Supports Headspace Echuca

FN Charles L King & Co in Echuca (VIC) recently made a generous donation of $2,000 to Headspace Echuca. 

The donation was made possible by the proceeds of the inaugural CLK Long Lunch for Mental Health. The money will go towards supporting the mental health and wellbeing across Echuca’s community.

FN Maitland's Decade of Support for Carrie's Place

FN Maitland (NSW) has been supporting Carrie's Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services for the past 10 years. 

The office has donated over $55,000 in vouchers for teenagers at Christmas time and they have also collected further donations from the Maitland community.

Now running their 10th annual voucher drive to support teenagers spending Christmas at Carrie's Place, the drive aims to ensure these teenagers have a gift under the tree at Christmas.

Vouchers are given to the mothers of the teenagers so they can buy their children a personalised gift. Donated vouchers can be for any business appropriate for teenagers.

Lend a Hand to Colin and Jason for Hands Across the Water

Colin Gooding of FN Latrobe (Traralgon, VIC) and Jason Partridge of FN Patterson (Port Macquarie, NSW) have each committed to riding in next year’s Hands Across the Water bike ride through Thailand. Colin will be participating for a second time.

The ride, which started after the Boxing Day 2004 Tsunami, raises funds for 350+ children living in 7 homes and projects across Thailand. Colin and Jason will cover 500 kilometres in five days, between 23 February and 3 March and, so far, more than $149,000 has been raised.

The kids who come to live in a Hands home are there because they have no choice. This is often the result of one of three heartbreaking situations:

• They have no known family to care for them
• They have a family member who is known to them, but is unable to care for them
• They are living in an unsafe environment and have been placed in our care by the police or government

Hands not only provides the life-saving necessities for the kids in its homes; it also supports many families in an outreach program to help keep kids out of Hands homes. 

Let’s Tell YOUR stories: First National Agents Making an Impact in Communities Across Australia

Throughout Australia, First National offices support their local community with sporting sponsorships, health initiatives, and a huge range of other initiatives. 

We want to tell your stories, so please spare 5 minutes to complete this form.