The Gudge ute from St Albans. What's a Gudge? Owner, Gudge will tell you!

This video is about Mat 'Gudge' Budaj and his awesome car journey. It all started when Gudge was just 15, helping out with Manuel Galea’s RX-4. Manuel's brother had a simple yellow XY that left a lasting impression on Gudge. Fast forward, and Gudge ended up building his own yellow sedan with a powerful 351 Clevo engine.
In the early 2000s, Gudge sold off that car but couldn’t shake the urge to build another. When a friend mentioned a rusty old XY ute sitting at a panel beater’s in Werribee, Gudge jumped on it. The ute was rough - parts had been shoddily replaced and hidden with bog. Gudge handed it over to Geoff at Street Tech Fabrications, who spent many hours fixing it up, including adding mini-tubs and a new tray floor.
Underneath, the suspension got a massive upgrade with RRS coil-overs and a manual rack set-up. The rear features reset leaves, CalTracs, and Viking coil-overs for a smoother ride.
For power, Gudge stuck with a Clevo, built with parts from his first XY, resulting in a tough 550hp. Inside, it’s mostly GT-spec, with Auto Meter Sport Comp gauges and a B&M QuickSilver shifter. The coolest detail? One-piece electric windows, a unique touch that always gets noticed.
Now, Gudge's XY is a street beast he drives weekly, and next up, he’s working on his wife Carmen’s LX hatch. This family’s car passion is unstoppable!

[@BOOTMEAT]

Luv this ute, always killa to see it out cruising

[@peterb121]

Went to trade school with James , met his brother with the silver Mazda crazy car James had a yellow XY when we were going to trade school.

[@budaj73]

James xy was crazy l went for a drive when l was 16 that made me build xy

[@stevesalkas9128]

I use to.drive James to trade school in Collingwood they were 👑 of Glenroy

[@craighills2382]

Well done, good times back in 80s and on, love the centrelines cant beat them. Gets people inspired to go again

[@GreasednGassed]

100%! Gudge did a great job with the build. Cheers for the comment.

[@joedipietro2559]

It's a beautiful XY Falcon Ute. And what a shame Centerline wheels are no longer available. Maybe it's possible to find some brand new never used Centerlines , but good luck with finding them . Beautiful Gudge 👌💪👍

[@Nocabishanienty75]

Sits nice gudge 💪🏻

[@benthurstans9111]

Gudgey you legend mate

[@jimbob5773]

What a stunner

[@stevesalkas9128]

Gr8 looking Ute sounds tuff💪

[@gerkinsaregreen]

Love these videos Greg!

[@GreasednGassed]

Thanks! We’ve got more coming. Cheers for the feedback.

[@JAStheACE]

Love it.

[@user-dw3nl4uc7x]

Awesome, sounds farken great, love the Centerline wheels

[@daleclay9671]

Great work 👏

[@GreasednGassed]

Thanks mate!

[@stevesalkas9128]

James xy was a beast lucky to drive it few times in 90s

[@darrincassidy9045]

Nice ute Gudge.

[@stevesalkas9128]

Sounds tuff looks gr8

[@brentsaunders5510]

Seen this Ute drop a huge skid out front my uncles house in Porpunkah blew the fucking doors off yewwwww

[@kerrykelaher2607]

Gudgey: " oh man. " should have put " barra engine in " modified " to get power to the ground " with " adjustable turbo 1/ watts linkage power off the line 2/ halfway down : the chute turn boost to full power ! 3/ to achieve faster " et " to get at least a. ( nine second pass ! )

[@stevenmelides555]

Was the body u bought blue to build the ute up mate

[@fulltimber]

Oh centrelines ! Why don't I buy a set too !

[@kerrykelaher2607]

" why did you choose " torana " budgie colour ?" Could have " used " fly yellow " same as : bowdens phase 3 track racer !

[@mwhelan53]

So, from St Albans - that woul make it a Maltese Falcon. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 You're welcome.

[@GreasednGassed]

😆😆👍