Under the Hood: Ross Mylrea, the ‘King of Convertibles’

Published on 17 April 2026

In Rockhampton, if you know your cars, you know Ross Mylrea.

Unofficially crowned “King of the Convertibles” after taking out Best Convertible at Rare Spares and Repco Rockynats for the past four years running, Ross has become something of a local legend. Although, as he’ll tell you, it almost didn’t start that way.

“I missed out on being judged the first year because I didn’t check the box,” he laughs.

Since then, there’s been no missing him.

This year, Ross returns to Rockynats 06 with not one, but two standout convertibles. A pink 1957 Mercury Montclair and a show-stopping red 1960 Plymouth Fury Convertible. Both unapologetically bold. Both unmistakably Ross.

They sit proudly within a collection of 12 road-registered cars, each one carefully selected, each one a little piece of automotive theatre. Ross has a clear preference for a very specific era. The late 50s into the early 60s.

“I love the fun and silly styling of that period,” he says. “The big fins, the chrome, the over-the-top look. They just don’t make cars like that anymore.”

And then there’s the convertibles. Out of his 12 cars, five drop their tops. Not by accident, but by design.

“When the top goes down, the price goes up,” Ross says. “It adds rarity. I like knowing I might have one of only five left in the world.”

That rarity is part of the thrill. So is the hunt.

Most of Ross’s cars are sourced from the United States, where the best examples of these iconic models still surface. His 1960 Plymouth Fury, for example, came from a billionaire’s private collection.

“He focused on 30s to 50s and then 70s to 80s,” Ross explains. “This one didn’t quite fit. It was too bold, too flashy for his collection. That’s why he sold it.”

For Ross, though, it was perfect as every car he buys has to meet a very strict formula.

First, the chrome. It needs to be right. He explains that many of these cars feature stainless steel chrome that is incredibly difficult to replace, so condition is everything.

Then, the paint. It has to be the right colour. Something that suits the era, stands out, and feels true to the car.

Next, the interior. Nine out of ten, minimum.

Finally, overall condition. Again, it has to be nine out of ten or better. No compromises. And only after all of that comes the final question.

“What’s the price?”

When you filter cars through that level of scrutiny, there’s not a long list left to choose from.

“You might only find one or two a year that meet the cut,” Ross says. “It’s like searching for gold. I like the chase.”

It’s that patience, that eye for detail, and that commitment to quality that has built Ross’s reputation and his collection. At Rockynats 06, you’ll find Ross and his cars where they belong. Out in the open, turning heads.

Both convertibles, alongside his 1986 Zimmer Golden Spirit, joined a record-breaking 1379 vehicles in today’s Street Parade as they toured from the Showgrounds to the Fitzroy riverfront in front of thousands of excited spectators lining the streets. All three cars will also feature in tomorrow’s OzWheels Show N Shine along Quay Street. Hand-selected as part of a 200-car daily showcase, the Show N Shine will be open from 8am–5pm on Saturday and 8am-4pm Sunday in the CBD Precinct.

And if you spot Ross, make sure you stop and say hello. Chances are, he’s wheeling and dealing to source the next car for his collection.