Reuniting With My Old C33 Laurel: Four Years Later

There are some cars you own that leave a lasting mark on you. They’re more than just metal, paint, and horsepower — they represent a chapter of your life. For me, that car was my C33 Laurel.

Recently, while visiting Perth, I had the unexpected chance to see my old Laurel again — nearly four years after I sold it. It was one of those moments that felt both exciting and nerve-wracking.

A Car Full of Memories

I sold the Laurel around March or April four years ago. It wasn’t an easy decision.

This was the car we used as our wedding car. It was also the car I learned so much on mechanically and as a driver. It helped sharpen my skills and taught me a lot about building and owning performance cars.

Honestly, it was never a car I thought I’d sell.

But when the opportunity came up to buy my Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, sacrifices had to be made. Selling the Laurel helped make that dream happen, so while it was bittersweet, it was the right move at the time.

Finding Out Where It Ended Up

Like many enthusiasts, once you sell a car, you usually don’t want to know where it goes next.

The Laurel was originally sold to someone on the Gold Coast, then moved to Redcliffe, and after that it disappeared from my radar completely.

I had no idea where it was until a funny coincidence happened.

I was selling some side skirts on Facebook Marketplace and sent a photo of the Laurel to a buyer, explaining I’d never fitted them. The buyer sent back a nearly identical photo laughing — because he actually owned the car.

That buyer was Hugh.

Seeing the Laurel Again

Meeting Hugh and seeing the car again was surreal.

Out of respect for his privacy and work situation, I didn’t film the visit, but I did snap a couple of photos.

The car has changed slightly over the years:

• Bigger turbo fitted
• Five-stud conversion completed
• Different wheels installed
• Roll cage removed
• RB26 engine swap and dog box planned for the future

It also sits lower now — something I always wanted to do but was too cautious about back then. As my first real street car, I was worried about defect notices and legal ride height issues. Looking back, I probably would’ve lowered it more and fitted spacers to perfect the stance.

Still Serving Its Original Purpose

The best part of all?

The Laurel is still being used exactly how I built it to be used: a practical four-door street car.

Hugh uses it as a family car, taking his kids to school and picking them up. That genuinely made me happy. It means the car is still being enjoyed, not hidden away in a garage.

A Full Circle Moment

Seeing so many of the parts and touches I originally added still on the car brought back a flood of memories.

I jokingly told Hugh that if he ever wants to sell it, he knows who to call.

And honestly… I meant it.

Some cars never really leave you.

-Chops