In a rare sight on Sydney’s suburban roads, a heavily modified 1923 Ford Model T hot rod drew the attention of Hills Highway Patrol officers. The vehicle was pulled over in Castle Hill after allegedly being observed “accelerating aggressively,” according to a report by The Hills Police Area Command.
While images of the vehicle weren’t released, authorities noted it had been extensively modified from its original form. Given the nature of most hot rods, it’s likely the vehicle featured custom bodywork, non-standard engine components, and modern suspension upgrades that set it apart from the factory-original 1923 Model T.
The 24-year-old male driver was allegedly recorded travelling at 83km/h in a posted 60km/h zone. Officers conducted a standard roadside check following the stop. Although the breath test reportedly returned a negative result for alcohol, a subsequent drug screening told a different story.
According to police, the roadside drug test produced a positive result for cannabis and cocaine. A secondary oral fluid sample was then taken, which allegedly confirmed the presence of THC and cocaine in the driver’s system, along with traces of methamphetamine. This raised serious concerns regarding the driver’s fitness to operate any vehicle—let alone one that was potentially unsafe due to mechanical faults.
As a result, the driver was immediately issued a 24-hour prohibition notice, effectively banning him from driving for that period. In addition, police handed down a defect notice for the vehicle, citing multiple roadworthiness violations.
Officers claim the hot rod had “numerous faults,” including non-functional brake lights and turn indicators. It was also deemed “modified beyond factory specifications,” contributing to its classification as unroadworthy. The lack of proper safety equipment in combination with the alleged drug use posed a significant danger to the driver and other road users.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about modified vehicles operating outside legal safety standards and the role of substance abuse in road safety enforcement. While classic and custom cars are a popular passion for many Australians, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safety compliance and responsible driving.
The driver is now expected to appear before Parramatta Local Court on August 14, 2025, where he may face charges related to speeding, driving under the influence of drugs, and operating an unroadworthy vehicle.