Fans devastated after Holden cuts ties with Australian market

Holden fans have been left in limbo after hearing the iconic piece of Australian history would be wiped from the country’s future car market.

HOLDEN fans have been left in limbo after hearing the iconic piece of Australian history would be wiped from the country’s future car market.

Car clubs, revheads, and enthusiasts were heartbroken over the decision – which comes just two months after General Motors announced it would stop production on the four-door Commodore – with many unsure of the futures of their cars with servicing and parts a major concern.

Holden announces it is leaving Australia, job losses

Holden’s retirement: What it means

Brisbane Holden fan Darryl Lonergan, 68, who owns five different models including one of the last Calais’, said it was a devastating day.

“My dad had Holdens and that was the way it was – whatever your dad had, that’s what you followed,” he said.

“Given all the stories that GMH and the advertising they had when they announced they’re going to stop building the Commodore and they said ‘we’re here for the long run, we’re not going to run away’ and now it’s all gone, finished.

“It’s a big part of a lot of people’s lives.”

Mr Lonergan said it was also concerning how long the servicing and parts will be available for.

“It’s a sad time, it was bad enough when they stopped building the commodore but we thought we’d still have a bit of a link to them but that’s all going to go,” he said.

Monaro Club of Queensland life member Darryl Lonergan. Picture: Richard Gosling/AAP

“I’ve spoken to a couple of my mates and we’re all devastated, it’s so so sad.

“I read a story about a journalist who went to pick up an FJ with his father when he was four or five years old and he still remembers it and how they were lamenting at the time that it was the end of English cars in Australia and I guess now the wheel has turned full circle and this is the end of the Australian cars now.”

The Monaro Club of Queensland said they were deeply saddened by yesterday’s announcement.

“Many of our member families have been loyal Holden owners for generations, to them the loss of this iconic Australian motoring brand is heartbreaking,” a spokesman said.

“The Monaro Club of Queensland has shared a powerful relationship with Holden for more than three decades.

“Holden is woven deep into the fabric of who we are, it’s our heritage as motoring enthusiasts and as Australians – the Holden lion will continue to live on in our hearts.”

Darryl’s cars:

1. 1973 HQ GTS Monaro Coupe

2. 1973 HQ GTS Monaro Sedan

3. 2003 VY Holden 1 Tonne Utility

4. 2016 VF Series 2 SV6 Ute

5. 2016 VF Series 2 Calais V