Rock'n'RollGeorge
Brisbane'slegendlivesonatHutchies
In a city shaped by its characters, few are as fondly remembered for their eccentricities as Rock ‘n’ Roll George.
For more than half a century, George Kyprios cruised the streets of Brisbane in his beloved 1952 FX Holden, becoming a living symbol of the city’s spirit, rhythm, and resilience. Now, Hutchies Chairman Scott Hutchinson has found a new home for George’s iconic car for the next century – perched proudly atop the print room at Hutchies’ Toowong office, no less.
This isn’t just a quirky installation of a historical car in an office. It’s a tribute to a man who, without seeking fame or fortune, became a legend simply by showing up – day after day, year after year – with the windows down and the music blaring.
ScottHutchinson,Chairman"George didn’t set out to be famous. He just loved music, loved driving, and became part of the city’s life. Now, he represents the true nostalgia of Brisbane."
Watch the video to uncover the fascinating history of Rock 'n' Roll George's car, learn how it came to be at Hutchies, and see Scott take the replica for a spin around the streets of Toowong.
#A rolling time capsule
Born in West End in 1927, George was the youngest child of Greek immigrants. His mother bought him the FX Holden in 1952 to steer him away from football due to health concerns. That car became his lifelong companion, customised with reflectors, aerials, and a handmade “Rock ‘n’ Roll” numberplate. He drove it almost daily until his passing in 2009.
From the bodgies and widgies of the 1950s to the festooned brilliance of Queen Street in the 1970s, George was a fixture. His presence was so consistent that many believed he was searching for something – a lost love, his mother, or perhaps just the joy of being George.
FatherDimitriTsakas,GreekOrthodoxChurchofStGeorge,SouthBrisbane"There are legendary stories of why he was driving around," said Father Dimitri Tsakas of the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, South Brisbane while giving George’s eulogy in 2009. "It seemed to me George was just happy to be just George."
It was the Chairman of Hutchinson Builders, Scott Hutchinson, an avid collector of historic cars and passionate supportor of local nostalgia, who decided to preserve this piece of Brisbane history by giving it a permanent home at Hutchies' head office.
#A cultural landmark
George’s car is more than metal and chrome – it’s a symbol of Brisbane’s transformation from a big country town to a vibrant city. As the Queensland Museum notes, George was “a recognisable and tangible link with a Brisbane that had passed – of milk bars and dance halls, when trams rattled through the streets and Queen Street glowed with neon.”
His story has been immortalised in books, songs, and countless memories. As author Clinton Walker wrote:
"Rock ‘n’ Roll George became a celebrity even as he avoided the spotlight… he played an important part not only in giving his city a soul but also in canonising the Holden."
And from the blog Maddog Tales:
"Rock ‘n’ Roll George represented a free spirit in my youth who showed me that growing up does not mean giving up what you love most about life."
#Building the next century
Installing George’s original FX Holden on top of the print room at the Toowong office is more than a nostalgic gesture – it connects to our commitment to building the next century, and holding onto our cultural roots while looking to the future.
As Hutchies continues to shape the skylines and communities of tomorrow, preserving the stories, spirit, and culture that defines Brisbane remains in our heart.
Honouring George and his beloved car is acknowledging that building the next century isn’t just about concrete and steel – it’s about character, creativity, and connection. It’s about remembering where we came from, even as we look ahead.
