‘Midnite Spares’ was filmed in Sydney in 1982, with a plot line that weaves its way through a world of car stealing rackets, police corruption and Sprintcar racing (some of the action footage was shot at Parramatta City Raceway). After discovering that a group of car thieves may have had something to do with his father’s untimely death, ‘Steve’ (played by James Laurie) seeks revenge by going after the crooks - as well as proving his skills as a race driver.
Directed by Quentin Masters, the cast is chock full of familiar Aussie faces, including the gorgeous Gia Carides (long since married to Aussie international actor Anthony La Paglia), Max Cullen, Bruce Spence, Graeme ‘Alvin Purple’ Blundell, Terry Camilleri and a very boyish Jonathon Coleman.
As you’d expect, quite a few cars were destroyed in the making of the film and Ford fanatics will be horrified to see that one of those trashed was an XA Falcon Hardtop, seen here being crushed by a falling delivery van. Ouch! Even in 1982, this must have seemed like a senseless waste of a good car.
Another memorable highlight is the appearance of several hot Holden tow trucks fitted with Monza (or is that Pontiac Firebird?) style fiberglass noses and bonnet bulges, which were all the rage back then.
Midnite Spares was re-released on DVD; you can also probably find it on one of the streaming services. It’s well worth a look.
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