Let's Drive Together with Glenn Ridge

What happens to our beloved classic cars when the people who know how to restore, maintain and preserve them eventually put down the tools?
It's a question many enthusiasts have asked—but David Dyer decided to do something about it.
In this episode of Let's Drive Together with Glenn Ridge, Glenn sits down with David Dyer, founder of The Modern Classic Car Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to training the next generation of tradespeople who will keep classic motoring alive for decades to come.
Based at Bankstown Airport, the Foundation combines apprenticeship programs with hands-on restoration, maintenance and specialist vehicle projects, ensuring the skills that have shaped Australia's automotive culture aren't lost to time.
From MGAs and MGBs to resto-mods and even electrified classics, David shares his passion for preserving automotive heritage while embracing the realities of a changing industry.
Whether you're a classic car owner, collector, restorer or simply someone who loves cars, this conversation explores why the future of our hobby depends on investing in the next generation.
At Famous Insurance, we understand that classic cars are more than machines—they're stories, memories and passions worth protecting. That's why conversations like this matter.

Car culture has always had a remarkable way of bringing people together—and raising extraordinary amounts of money for charity. From the legendary Variety Bash, which has generated over $200 million, to the Shitbox Rally’s $65 million for the Cancer Council, automotive events continue to make a massive impact. Add in the countless local car shows, cruise meets, and “cars and coffee” gatherings, and the contribution to communities becomes even more impressive.
One event born out of the COVID era has become a standout: the Yea Cruise Nights in regional Victoria. Every summer month, up to 100 cars roll into the main street, creating a vibrant community moment where local charities benefit—and so do the pubs, cafés, and hospitality venues that thrive on the influx of visitors.
In this episode of Famous Last Words, we sit down with the man behind Yea’s Cruise Nights, Dale McKeon. Influenced by his father and inspired by the American icons of the ’50s and ’60s, Dale is a lifelong hot‑rod enthusiast whose pride and joy is a striking red 1961 Cadillac. He’s also a highly regarded automotive photographer, capturing stunning images at events across Australia. You can find his work on Instagram at @plymouthdalephotos.
This conversation dives into Dale’s passion for cars, community, and the unique way he’s managed to blend the two. It’s a story about connection, creativity, and the power of shared enthusiasm.
Enjoy this episode with Dale McKeon—proof that when people come together around something they love, everyone wins.

2025 marked a turning point for the automotive world—both in Australia and globally.
With over 1.2 million new cars sold nationwide, utes dominated the charts, claiming three of the top four spots, while compact SUVs continued their surge in popularity. At the same time, electric vehicles gained serious momentum, driven in part by the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers. But beyond the numbers, it was the sheer volume of new brands entering the Australian market that really got people talking.
In this episode, veteran motoring commentator Mike Sinclair breaks down the year that was, shares his outlook on what’s ahead, and explores the big questions shaping the industry. How will government policies like the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) impact buyers? And is the push to end new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035 actually achievable?

Peter Vandesluys has spent decades restoring classic motor cars, both in Australia through his company Re-creation Automotive and previously in the United States. Over the years, he’s brought countless beautiful machines back to life—but one recent project stands out as both his most challenging and most rewarding.
In this episode, Peter shares the remarkable story behind the restoration of a 1962 Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato. Originally built to compete in legendary events like the Targa Florio in Palermo, Italy, the car lived a hard and varied early life before arriving in Sydney in 1965. After years of wear and neglect, it has now been given an extraordinary new lease on life.
This isn’t just a story about restoration—it’s about history, craftsmanship, and the next chapter of a truly special car. As Peter explains, finishing the restoration was not the end, but the beginning of yet another colourful phase in the Flaminia’s journey.
We hope you enjoy this conversation with Peter Vandesluys of Re-creation Automotive.

John Zeigler is a celebrated advertising and marketing executive best known for his senior leadership within the global network DDB. He led one of the most successful agency groups in the Asia-Pacific region—26 agencies across 14 countries with more than 3,200 employees—and was honoured as the Academy of Marketing Science’s Global Marketer of the Year in 2013.
But beyond the boardroom, John is a lifelong car enthusiast. Growing up around his father’s passion for motoring, he went on to restore and modify countless cars. Now, he’s taking on his most ambitious challenge yet: launching his own car manufacturing company.
Together with business partner Greg Bailey, John has founded Zeigler Bailey, building modern, high-quality cars inspired by the iconic G-Series Porsche 911s of the ’70s and ’80s. With eight orders already placed, they’re preparing to launch in Australia next year—then take their creations to the world.
Some may call the dream far-fetched, but after seeing the Melbourne workshop, the craftsmanship, and the team’s enthusiasm, it’s clear John, Greg, and their investors could be onto something extraordinary.
Enjoy this month’s episode of Let's Drive Together with Glenn Ridge, featuring the remarkable journey of John Zeigler.