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A lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and cars led Cliff Byfield to shape unique vehicles that now inspire new and returning visitors at Motor Museum of Western Australia.
Cliff Byfield – Early Life and Foundations
Cliff Byfield was born and raised in Northam, Western Australia, during the tough years of the Great Depression. Expected to join the workforce early, he began a coachbuilding apprenticeship in the late 1930s.
His professional path was paused by World War II, during which Cliff served first in the army and then as a gunner in the Air Force on a Lancaster bomber.
After the war, Cliff returned home to finish his apprenticeship and soon established his own coachbuilding workshop in Perth. Initially focusing on building custom truck bodies, he quickly earned a reputation both as a craftsman and a creative force, employing more than a dozen people at the height of his business.
Inspiring Generations
In retirement, Cliff shared his skills and philosophy with young people by teaching manual arts (shop class) at school, guiding students through ambitious projects like the Ford-Leyland Clubman roadster.
Despite his age, he remained an active builder and a living legend in Western Australia’s car community, showing that craftsmanship and curiosity know no age limits.
Passion for Cars and Hand-Built Masterpieces
Cliff’s enduring passion for cars was evident from a young age and persisted throughout his life.
Beyond commercial work, he devoted his free time to hand-building cars—often from scratch and always with a unique “Byfield” touch.
Over his lifetime, Cliff assembled and restored at least 15 cars, each involving frame welding, chassis construction, bodywork design and fabrication, and even custom upholstery.
Three of Cliff’s handcrafted cars are display at Motor Museum of Western Australia.
Byfield Jaguar – XJS-HE V12 Special (Buttercup)
In 1980, retired engineer Cliff Byfield dreamed of building his very own “super car.” He began by conceptualising the design with a clay model, determined to transform his ideas into a full-size, drivable sports car. For its time, his design reflected the latest styles from leading European and British designers.
Construction began in 1996, with Cliff building the car in an open-air backyard workshop in Bayswater.
Over four years, he painstakingly hand-formed every detail of the vehicle: each panel, the fittings, side mirrors, door entry, hand-crafted ‘Targa’ roof and bumpers, and even a Jarrah wood-faced interior. The space frame chassis was custom-built to accept mechanical components from a Jaguar XJS V12, including the dashboard and instruments.
The result was a V12 mid-engine layout reminiscent of the XJ220, built on a steel platform covered in a non-load-bearing aluminium skin. All panels were designed to be easily detachable for repair, and every exterior and interior feature was fashioned by hand—a testament to Cliff’s master craftsmanship.
Completed in 2005, the very year Cliff turned 82, the car—affectionately known as “Buttercup”—stands as a one-off creation of great beauty and style. In its day, Buttercup compared favourably with European exotics such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, combining elegance, innovation, and exceptional engineering.
Timeline
- 1980 – Conceptualised the design (clay model)
- 1996 – Construction began
- 2005 – Project completed (Cliff’s 82nd birthday)
1947 Byfield Riley Custom Tourer
At the remarkable age of 93, Cliff Byfield completed one of his most classically inspired creations: the 1947 Byfield Riley custom tourer. Built in the open air of his backyard shed in Bayswater, this hand-crafted car started life as a 1½ litre RMA Riley.
Cliff reimagined it into a two plus two body style, reminiscent of pre-war English touring cars, with two distinctive “Dickey Seats” in the rear, offering passengers their own separate windscreen.
Cliff personally shaped the 1930s-inspired aluminium body using an English wheel and sandbags, a process requiring immense skill and patience.
Every detail, from the window frames and the rear seat windscreen to the double-hinged cover, was meticulously handcrafted.
Underneath, modern elements were seamlessly woven in, with Jaguar steering, suspension, and brakes providing contemporary performance and drivability.
The result is a tourer that blends elegance, craftsmanship, and function—a testament to Cliff’s enduring passion for building unique, beautiful cars.
The vehicle was chosen as Motor Museum of Western Australia’s 2020 National Trust Heritage icon that was highlighted during Whiteman Parks Heritage Festival in April of the same year.
1951 Byfield-Jaguar
Driven by his wish to create something truly special for his wife, Cliff transformed the remains of a Mk V Jaguar chassis into the bespoke 1951 Byfield-Jaguar. Constructed almost entirely by hand in his Bayswater backyard, Cliff crafted every panel of the car’s bodywork himself—apart from the radiator shell and upper halves of the bonnet—all finished in his signature shades of green.
The car features running gear from a later model Jaguar, including an automatic transmission for ease of driving. Not only did Cliff build the striking exterior, but he also fashioned the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel, ensuring every aspect bore his personal touch. From a wreck, he conjured a car of individuality and elegance, made specifically for his wife to enjoy—a car different from all others.
The Byfield-Jaguar’s distinctive style and craftsmanship have earned it numerous trophies over the years, solidifying its reputation as a standout among custom classics.
Cliff’s Legacy at the Motor Museum of Western Australia
Three of Cliff Byfield’s handcrafted vehicles are currently on display at Motor Museum of Western Australia, for the public to admire.
These cars are celebrated for their exquisite detail, innovative engineering, and their reflection of Byfield’s unwavering commitment to the art of automotive construction.
His masterpieces, created in modest workshops rather than flashy factories, stand as a testament to individual artistry and dedication.
Celebrating 100 years of Cliff
The Motor Museum of Western Australia’s Board and Volunteers were honoured to welcome Cliff Byfield and his extended family and friends to celebrate his 100th Birthday in 2023.
Cliff has been a very generous supporter of Motor Museum of Western Australia for many years and is a living treasure to the motoring fraternity of Western Australia.
Cliff’s skills and craftsmanship were something to be seen and admired.
As a gift to Cliff, his family and to those who visit Motor Museum of Western Australia, a board was erected in front of his cars to wish him a happy birthday.
Cliff’s Passing
It was with great sadness that after 102 years, Cliff Byfield passed away Saturday 12th July 2025.
Cliff was not only a beloved friend of Motor Museum of Western Australia, but he was also an extraordinary man – generous, kind-hearted, and endlessly passionate about his craft.
His love for the museum and its volunteers was unwavering. Many of our volunteers will fondly remember the familiar sight of Cliff arriving with shopping bags full of biscuits – his thoughtful way of thanking us for caring for the vehicles he held so dear.
Through his stories, his artistry, and his generosity, Cliff touched countless lives. His spirit lives on in the three stunning cars on display at the museum-each one a testament to his remarkable talent, dedication, and craftsmanship.
Cliff was still working with metal and tinkering with cars just weeks before his passing-a reflection of his lifelong passion and unstoppable energy.
Learn more about Cliff and his life
New Articles
ABC News – 92yo Cliff Byfield still in top gear after dedicating life to building classic cars in Perth
ABC News – Centenarian Cliff Byfield’s love of classic cars is all the motivation he needs for a long, happy life
Watch Interviews with Cliff
Inside Edition – Meet the 100-Year-Old Legend Who Still Restores Classic Cars (YouTube)
Aussie Garage – The Life Story Of Cliff Byfield – 100 Year Old Car Builder (YouTube)
