There are many reasons why the costs associated with car restos is higher in Australia than it is in the USA.

Their market is larger, so if you set up to make something, any costs are amortised much more quickly.

Taxes are are also totally different, but the biggest difference is labour costs. Wages in Australia are quite high compared to those in the US.

I've been in the car industry for over 40 years & today, we have to be careful of anything which is too labour intensive.

Why do you think that we import so much from overseas. Not just China either, even European stuff can be made cheaper than in Aust. If Toyota, Holden & Ford can't manufacture here (even with subsidies) then who can ?

Dr Terry