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Exclusive Interview with Brian Tanti, the Skillful Curator of Lindsay Fox's Luxury Vehicle Asset

Melbourne's Brian Tanti refers to himself as a 'coach-builder,' evoking memories of past eras, yet he is much more than that, spearheading a resurgence in the realm of automotive artisanship.

Interview with Brian Tanti: Skilled Artisan Overseeing Lindsay Fox's Car Assemblage
Interview with Brian Tanti: Skilled Artisan Overseeing Lindsay Fox's Car Assemblage

Exclusive Interview with Brian Tanti, the Skillful Curator of Lindsay Fox's Luxury Vehicle Asset

In the realm of the automotive industry, Peter Tanti has made a name for himself as a coach-builder, an occupation that bridges the gap between art and science.

Tanti's career began in Melbourne during the 1970s, where he started as a teenager studying to become a panel beater. His journey took an unexpected turn when he undertook a TAFE project to manufacture an external door fitting for a 1964 HD Holden. Little did he know, this humble beginning would lead him to creating some of the world's most valuable and collectible cars.

One of Tanti's most notable accomplishments was his 30-year stint as the custodian of Lindsay Fox's exotic car collection. During this time, a Porsche 550 that went up for sale with Le Mans history fetched a staggering $9 million.

Tanti's involvement in the creation of the FR1 concept car is another feather in his cap. This teaching tool for the Auto Horizon Foundation featured a carbon fiber chassis, a partnership with Boeing, and a completely bespoke one-off custom engine block specifically for the car.

The FR1 was not Tanti's only foray into concept cars. He was also responsible for a creation to showcase the abilities of Australia's automotive industry, which generated $20 million for the local supply chain as part of the aXcess Australia project. This project involved 116 individual companies and was a showcase for the motor industry.

Tanti's contributions extend beyond the creation of unique vehicles. He has been involved in educational programs, forging contacts in the car industry, including government research projects and promoting the car industry. He has also trained and inspired a generation of young automotive apprentices.

Currently, Tanti is working on an international project, a long-term dream of the client who is throwing a lot of money at him. He is setting up a new workshop to create a unique and one-of-a-kind creation.

Despite the downturn in Australia's manufacturing capability, Tanti believes in a future for the youth of the 21st century who are interested in cars. He emphasizes the importance of the Fox collection, but cannot pick a favourite from it.

As for the Porsche 550 on the table, Tanti plans to sell it. It's just another chapter in a career that started with a door skin for a 1964 HD Holden and has seen him work alongside industry giants like Lindsay Fox and Brian Tanti, the legendary race car driver.

In an industry often dominated by large corporations, Tanti stands out as a testament to the power of passion, skill, and determination. His story is a reminder that even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.

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