Thats some good observations DD
I will just add some more
(x)Custom tardy dash
(x)modern seats
(x)Modern steering wheel
(x)colour coded dash
(x)door mirrors from Kmart or supercheap auto
(x)stereo system butchery throughout
(x)door trims from leftovers
(x)aero add ons from battlestar galactica
(x)fanta orange and other ADM taxi inks

and more but you pointed to the checkerplate cladding nicely
its the overdone factor that many Aussies dont grasp but also
this trend occurs in Souf Afrika, US & other countries.

ironically that those mirrors would actually suit some ADM taxi or even a collectible Torana slr or muscle car from smaller makers as well eg detomaso.

There arent any shortage of options for USDM, ADM, IDM, DDM, UKDM and JDM
but mixing them up does not often work out as timeless pieces of art.

Yet JDM mixing with other euro makes accessories has more success
as the Japanese borrowed heavily from euro designs.

DDM is on its own really as Benz, BMW and VW are just more efficiency in styling. The German efforts are now favored by many consumers.