Holden to host a ‘Dream Cruise’ and family fun day before carmaker closes its Elizabeth doors
OWN a classic or iconic Holden car model? The manufacturer is inviting you to take part in a very special community event.
IT WILL be the ultimate lap of honour, when thousands of Holden owners participate in a 10km “dream cruise” to mark the end of an era for car manufacturing in South Australia.
Monaros, Toranas, Commodores and Sandmans will be among the iconic Australian vehicles that roar through the northern suburbs on Sunday, October 15, The Advertiser can reveal.
The history-making drive — five days before Holden’s Elizabeth factory closes its doors — will be followed by a family fun day at Central District Football Club, at Elizabeth South.
While the farewell event signals the end of 69 years of Australian manufacturing for Holden, the day aims to be a celebration of not only the cars, but also the people behind them.
Holden senior group leader Dave Depares, who started working at Holden in 1988 as a 17 year old, said he would be driving his Elizabeth-made, 2016 HSV in the cruise.
His wife Anne, who he met when she worked at the Elizabeth plant, will be behind the wheel of her 2003 Monaro.
“It is the end of an era for local manufacturing and it has been a big part of my life,” Mr Depares said.
“I think it will be a proud day. It will be good to celebrate what we have achieved over the years and showcase all of the products we’ve made.”
The cruise will start at Elizabeth City Centre and go past Holden’s vehicle operations plant on Philip Hwy, then end at the My Money House Oval at Central Districts.
It will be led by the first and last cars built in Australia: a 1948 48/215 and a 2017 VF Commodore. Thousands of cars are expected to take part. Holden executive director of manufacturing Richard Phillips said owners with vehicle models made or assembled by Holden in Australia could register to participate in the cruise from Wednesday.
“We want to hold an event that recognises the large community of people who care about the brand (and) its manufacturing heritage,” he said.
The event at Elizabeth South will feature a show ‘n’ shine competition. Register at holdendreamcruise.com.au