Classic Cars
From Australia
GENERAL MOTORS HOLDEN
Some may be surprised that Australia has produced some
genuine classics.
Cars have only been produced in Australia since 1948 when General Motors Holden
created the first 100% Australian made automobile.
For nearly 40 years prior, first automotive trimming, then body
manufacturing preceded the General Motors acquisition of the original business
created by James Alexander Holden in 1856. In those 40 years, cars were produced almost entirely
from U.S. designs and specification until 1948.
Australia has also been exporting cars since 1954 and now has a vibrant and profitable automotive
industry. (*4)
The 1953-1957 Holden FJ, 6 cylinder, 2160cc;
169,969 units built and sold.(*1)
The first car to be exported by the Australian automotive industry.
The second car produced by "GMH" but 50 years later, still considered an icon of
the Australian auto scene and to be found at many concours events.
This is a highly sought after collectible for many Australians despite its
austere looks and decor.
The Torana GTR-XU1
(*5)
was something special in the racing scene of the early 70s. There were roughly
2,000 of these produced between 1971 and 1973 in the LC and LJ range. The cars
were initially designed purely for the racing scene in Australia to curb the
never-ending battle between Ford and Holden at the Bathurst race track. The
"XU1" initial successes created a semi-cult following which remains today. A
highly collectable series presently selling at over 10 times its original list
price..
The 1976 HT Holden Monaro GTS 350, V8, 5700cc, 6,147
production.(*2)
This model was the second of a number of GTS initially built to conquer
the racing scene of the time. It did so successfully, taking honours at many
local racing events, even over its arch-rival, Ford.
Until the days of skyrocketing fuel prices, these cars were the rage for anyone with enough cash to
own or restore.
Thought by many to be the last Australian car (if not the
world) to be designed which enabled us to distinguish it between all
other cars on the road. In the days of aerodynamics, all cars look the same,
side on from a distance of 20 metres.
This is the last of the series (*3), the "WB", V8, 5740cc, 59,031 sold.(*1)
These models continue to sell well above their original list price.
other Holdens considered for this
page -
FX, EH,
Join my Forum and have your say. References
Nominate your preference; Take a poll.
See my Blog.
*1 -
Holden Heaven
*2 -
Australian Classic Car
*3 -
Wikipedia
*4 -
Wikipedia
*5 -
Car Advice