Meet Cooper, a 21-year-old apprentice at the MTA, who fell in love with his 1982 Toyota Corona (RT133) when he was 15. Despite the car needing some work, he saw its potential and decided to restore it himself.

"I get stopped at the servos and all the old fellas come up to me and have a yarn. When I first got it, it was in poor condition and white, but I put in a lot of effort to clean and improve it."

The car became an ongoing project, allowing him to learn various techniques. From spray painting to repairing the front end and rear, he tackled each challenge with determination.

Of course, there were bumps along the road, quite literally, as he recounted the time when he crashed into a fence due to brake failure. But every obstacle only strengthened his resolve to make his car even better than before.

Cooper's favourite part of the process is spray painting, as he enjoys the satisfaction of seeing a car's transformation.

His skills and friendly personality make him popular among his workmates at the workshop. Cooper's journey has been fulfilling, turning his once-neglected car into an eye-catching yellow beauty.

Looking ahead, Cooper is excited about his future, knowing that his love for cars and refinishing will only grow stronger with time.