TOMMY HOSKING

FOUNDER

How Tommy Hosking went from working on old motorcycles and boats, to owning and running his Automotive Mechanical Workshop at 21, specialising in Vintage / Classic Vehicles.

My name is Tommy Hosking and I’d like to share my story & the birth of DriveYourClassic.com

Before we start, there’s one thing I want you to bear in mind: I’m on a mission to help as many motoring enthusiasts I can, to create a space where members can thrive, and drive a real positive impact in the world.

It’s a mission that governs every decision in my life. You’re about to find out why…

Early Days

My story begins on the Gold Coast, an eastern Australian town where I was born.

I was told from a young age that I wouldn’t be able to use my hands properly.

My mother would hold my feet firmly at her waist while I balanced on my hands, walking around like a human wheelbarrow to build strength and coordination.

After the Global Financial Crisis, my parents announced we were moving to the small fishing town of Iluka, New South Wales.

I was 10 and didn’t fully understand the impact, but within two weeks, we packed up our stable life and moved in with my grandparents.

The transition was abrupt and challenging.

The local school was so small all the students could nearly fit on one bus, and even small luxuries like ice cream were out of reach.

Starting high school meant a grueling two-hour, four-bus commute each day, beginning at 6 a.m.

Eventually, I transitioned to homeschooling with help from my mother and my grandfather, Drewey (short for Andrew). He dedicated his evenings to helping with my studies, even teaching himself Japanese to support my language learning.

Had the story finished here, you wouldn't be reading this, this website wouldn't exist, and I would likely be at university following the conventional path.

But it doesn't...

Turning Point

November 13th 2010 - One casual Saturday, whilst leaving YAMBA, New South Wales, we came across closed roads due to a car show.

Looking through the window at Hot Rods, Mustangs, and Corvettes, accompanied by the thunderous engines, ignited a huge spark in me.

We parked, explored the show with my father and brother, and was utterly captivated.

That day ignited a dream within me.

And the realisation practically slapped me in face.

I wanted to do whatever it took to work on and restore these special cars with my own hands, and go head first to get there.

November 13th 2010 at age 11, I wrote down and documented my goals:

- Own 1966 Mustang Coupe
- Work on old cars
- Not have to wear a suit to work or get "a real job"

Building The Foundation

Throughout our time in ILUKA, my father acquired an old rotten SAVAGE ENSIGN, an 18ft long deteriorated boat.

In looking back, I can see it was used as a therapeutic distraction from life's challenges.

Gradually, I joined him in the process of restoration - assisting in tasks such as fiberglassing, sanding, painting, and ultimately ensuring the boat became seaworthy.

Throughout my life, my father has consistently been engrossed in the world of internal combustion, including cars, boats, motorcycles, planes and more.

During his younger years, he owned an ex-racer 1966 Mini Cooper S, equipped with a formidable setup: a 1310cc engine, fully lightened and balanced, a single DCOE Weber carburetor, and a straight-cut gearbox.

I've only seen photos of it, but I'm still on the hunt to find his exact Mini...

Years later, we managed to regain stability and relocated back to the Gold Coast.

I got my first motorcycle, an old and tired 1974 Yamaha TY250. A 2 stoke, 250cc, rattly, smoky yet awesome bike.

Of course, I stripped it apart and re built it multiple times.

Bigger piston, combustion chamber modifications, gearbox repairs. You name it, I was doing it.

My admiration for motorcycles, particularly the old Indian motorcycles, remains strong. In my early teens, I proudly wore my Indian Motorcycle T-shirt, sparking intriguing conversations.

One of the things that helped set me on my path was a memorable encounter with Ray, a 75-year-old collectible hoarder.

While exploring a garage sale with my father at the age of 14, wearing my Indian Motorcycle T-shirt, an elderly man yelled out, "You can't wear an Indian shirt if you don't have one!"

Intrigued, we approached him, and Ray lead us through his big shed, full of his "treasures" and revealed his prized possession – a 1939 Indian Scout.

My mind, utterly blown.

We got to know Ray and he eventually allowed me to help restore his 1939 Indian Scout along side him on the weekends. This exact motorcycle was one of the major things that helped me start my journey.

I featured it in my resumes, application to the Australian Industry Trade College and it ultimately helped me start my career working on cars and motorcycles at such a young age.

My Journey

The start of my professional journey was in 2014.

I began work experience at a workshop servicing regular cars, and specialising in classic cars.

Finally, in the right place at last!

This lead to an apprenticeship in early 2015.

I enrolled at the Australian Industry Trade College in Grade 11, earning accolades such as multiple Apprentice of the Year and the Caltex Best All Rounder Award.

September 9th 2017 - I achieved my first goal I set almost 7 years prior.

At age 18, I acquired my 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe.

I daily drove it for 5 years, and still continue to drive it all the time. I've covered over 60,000 miles in it so far.

I've drag raced it, beach raced it, jumped it, entered it in drifting sessions, dirt roads, mountain roads, 45 degrees C days no air con, moved house 3 times in it, weddings, pulled tree stumps out with it, rain, hail and shine. EVERYTHING!

If you've done similar heroic acts in your classic, I'd love to hear about it!

Get in touch! ( [email protected] )

2018 - Gold Coast Tafe, a training organisation, chose me for the regional World Skills program, where I won the Gold Medal, despite recovering from a fresh full nose reconstruction.

2019 - I was flown to Sydney and placed 13th in Australia at the World Skills Automotive competition.

2020 - I achieved my next goal, and became a business owner.

I've been running my business, GMT Autos, for many years now, fixing, fabricating and restoring classic vehicles of all types.

I've had the privilege of maintaining, restoring and working on some of the best classic cars and race cars. Ranging from Boss 429 Mustangs, Ferrari, Mercedes 190SL's, Ford XB / XY GT's, rare vintage race cars, split window C3 Corvettes, Mini Coopers, HDT Brock Commodores, Triumph TR4's, Hot Rods and a massive amount more.

Providing a more personalised service.

I've worked on some amazing cars for many high-profile people and absolutely love meeting, helping and working with my clients on their cars. I'm looking forward to helping you soon.

2025 - A full circle moment and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I got the chance to take Ray's 1939 Indian Scout out of its 40 year retirement in a shed and bring it home! I wonder if I'll be the first 1939 Indian Scout owner with a Quad-Lock phone mount?

Unfinished Business

It’s been one hell of a ride, but I’ve only just started.

I'm committed to helping as many car enthusiasts possible.

If you're anything like me, cars are our life, our history and an important part of our identity.

By having my workshop and only being able to help people within our area, I’ve felt the need for a long time to help more people than I currently can.

I want you to have a clear vision when it comes to classic cars. No wasting time, no assumptions and no foggy vision.