Behind The Wheel- Part One: Brad McKernan (Brad McKernan Restoration)

Welcome to Part One of Behind The Wheel. Behind The Wheel is a series in which we go behind the wheel with a figure in the car world- whether it be a racer, collector, restorer or just a general car guy. The first part of this series is with Brad McKernan from Brad McKernan Restorations. Brad's worked for Mercedes-Benz as a mechanic and Brisbane based restorer Sleeping Beauties before he opened his own business in 2012. Which happens to be on the same street I live. Brad specializes in Porsches, and is currently building a 904 and 908 replica. So, I will begin with the interview and then talk about other things.

Dylan: Thanks for your time, Brad.

Brad: No problem.

Dylan: What was your first car?

Brad: It was a Triumph Spitfire actually.

Dylan: So that'd also be the first classic. What is your favourite car?

Brad: My favourite car is a Ferrari 250LM. One day, I'd love to build one.

(asides): Brad's currently building a 250 California Spider that's busy in the body shop at the moment, and also while we were conducting our interview, there was a poster of a green 250LM behind us.

Dylan: And your current car?

Brad: Nothing exciting. A 2001 Polo that I daily.

This is also owned by Brad. It needs him badly.

Dylan: When did you get into cars?

Brad: Well, it was well before I could drive myself. My father was very involved with classic car racing, and he was also a car salesman, so I guess I got it from him.

Dylan: What got you into restorations?

Brad: I guess I just always wanted to. I used to work for Mercedes-Benz as a mechanic, and I often got involved with finishing off 300SL restorations. So that was a catalyst.

Dylan: Why Porsche?

Brad: I guess I just fell into them. I always liked them. I did work for Mercedes-Benz for a while, and then I moved to a restoration company called Sleeping Beauties which did a lot of work on both Mercedes and Porsches.

Dylan: What car would you most like to build?

Brad: Ferrari 250LM.