Early Model Holden Club Victoria shattered by news Holden will cease to exist
Holden lovers were shattered by news the Australian icon would cease to exist by the end of the year but they have vowed to continue celebrating and enjoying the classic car.
VIC News
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Peter Corrigan said there was an air of disappointment around the Early Model Holden Club Victoria on Monday.
After purchasing his first Commodore in the 70s, the club treasurer said the announcement Holden would cease to exist by the end of the year was a sad day for Australia’s history.
“It’s the history more than anything — our cars are so old (and priceless),” Mr Corrigan said.
The Mount Waverly based club, which is dedicated to FX Holden’s made between 1948 and 1953, has long-spent weekends at car meets and charity drives.
But for the club’s 110-strong members, owning a piece of motoring gold won’t lose its shine.
“We have a monthly meeting and our club is running the state titles this year, all the clubs get together,” Mr Corrigan said.
“National Titles are every four years and they’re in a different state. Last year it was in Murray Bridge in SA.”
A fanatic, Mr Corrigan paid $12,000 for the car almost two decades ago and said the Holden name was in his blood.
“I’ve currently got three Holden’s,” he said. “My car is a 1954 special FJ Holden. It’s two tone green. I love it, there’s no cruise control and it doesn’t even have seatbelts.”
DEALERS SHOCKED
Holden dealers were shocked and disappointed, but not entirely surprised by the decision to axe the brand.
Managing director of Alan Mance Holden, Phillip Mance, said the writing had been on the wall given similar trends in right-hand drive markets overseas.
“It’s incredibly disappointing, but not unexpected,” he said.
“We all thought it was a clear possibility it might happen, but it’s probably more surprising that it’s happening quickly.”
“We only found out this morning, we had no idea of it. It’s always a bit of a shock.”
Mr Mance said that Holden, just like Ford, was an iconic brand, but one that had been “watered down a bit over the years” with the competition from Japanese and Korean-made cars.
“But they’re not as iconic as they once were,” he said.
“As a brand, you go to Bathurst and drive your Subaru up there, and get out and barrack for Holden or Ford, then jump back in your Subaru and drive home.”
“I think everyone gets a bit carried away with iconic brand labels - if it was an iconic brand it would still be here.”
Mr Mance said that the business, started by his father Alan in 1978, had already been preparing for the demise of Holden by diversifying its vehicle range.
“Over the years we’ve been hedging our bets, if you want to call it that, by having other brands,” he said.
“We’ll buy another brand.”
Another dealer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said staff had been stunned by the announcement and were “letting it all sink in”.
“We are all shocked,” he said.
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On Holden’s social media, car owner Casey Phoenix said her heart was broken.
“Holden has been such a big part of my life and I identify as a Holden girl,” she said.
“I’m devastated for myself, and everyone involved with your retail, service, development and motorsport sectors.”
“Some of my best life memories were shared with Holden, including my first car, my first performance car, hot laps at Phillip Island with the old HRT and a drive day at Lang Lang (proving ground).”