FRIDAY will mark a sad day for Holden fans and many more Australians with pride in manufacturing know-how.
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“It’s the end of a good era,” Colin Hartmann of Raymond Terrace said.
“Holden’s won’t be made in Australia anymore.”
As of this week, Australia was one of just 14 car manufacturing-countries. Once production ends, Holden will source all its cars from overseas.
Mr Hartmann’s first Holden was a HR panelvan.
His pride and joy is a black LX Torana SLR 5000 he bought new in 1976 that he has fastidiously maintained.
To buy it he traded a purple XU1 Torana.
“If I had known what I know now I would have kept the XU1 too,” he said.
Two years ago Mr Hartmann bought a 1953 FJ ute that’s sign written with ‘Hunter Stump Grinding’.
“I drive it around doing quotes for people,” he said.
“I get quite a few comments on it and people looking, all the time.”
Mr Hartmann maintains a lot of nostalgia for the marque.
“My mum and dad always had Holdens and I always stuck with them,” he said.
“Dad’s car was an FC station wagon. Mum even had a LJ Torana.”
Even his grandfather had Holdens.
“I was five years old when I remember driving down the paddock feeding sheep from an oat bag in the boot of an FJ sedan,” he said.
“It’s probably why I bought the FJ ute, as a reminder.”
The end of manufacturing has prompted commemorations nationwide.
The Holden Dream Cruise past the factory in Adelaide attracted more than 25,000 loyal Holden fans and supporters, with more than 1200 pristine models.
“It was truly inspirational to see the passion from the Holden fans and our employees past and present,” Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard, said.
“I couldn't wipe the smile off my face from start to finish.”
There was a live auction of the three limited-edition Commodores – among the final vehicles manufactured at the Elizabeth plant – that went for a grand total of $307,000.
Monies were split between different charities that included The Smith Family.
Production began in 1948 with the 48-215, simply known as the FX, and will finish with the VF II Commodore.