Holden axed by GM: ‘Sad end to a once great brand’; enthusiasts share memories

Holden enthusiasts have shared fond memories of their favourite models, from the trusted Torana to the unforgettable Kingswood.

Holden enthusiasts have shared memories of their favourite models as GM announced the iconic brand would be no more by 2021.

From the Torana, Kingswood and Monaro through to the Commodore and Astra, generations of Australians have owned — and loved — their Holden.

Drivers took to social media to honour the car company, motoring journalist Paul Maric labelling the decision “a sad end to what was once a great brand”.

R.I.P Holden. A sad end to what was once a great brand. More coming on this shortly, but at this stage it looks like GM is done with right-hand drive vehicles. What was your favourite Holden? Few pics of my VP below for nostalgia. Preliminary details: https://t.co/9P9lBFGVc6 pic.twitter.com/IjtArv6IbG

— Paul Maric (@PaulMaric) February 17, 2020

Finance journalist Ross Greenwood said Holden’s demise was a “classic example of a troubled, distant head office not understanding or caring about a proud, respected local brand”.

The end of @holden_aus in Australia is a classic example of a troubled distant head-office not understanding or caring about a proud, respected local brand. pic.twitter.com/HRVdsYSDLJ

— Ross Greenwood (@Ross_Greenwood) February 17, 2020

A 1963 EH Holden provided “many great memories” for one family.

Here's me as a youngin on the families 1963 EH Holden. So many great memories in this car. 2 adults, 6 kids, 1 farting dog on many long trips. Carsick, yep, but holidays to the beach, yeah! So sad. #holden #memories #ripholden pic.twitter.com/Hq2k6lssx0

— Jacqui Bonner (@jbmandm) February 17, 2020

Ben Nightingale, who works for Ford’s DJR Team Penske, said his very first car is “part of who I am”.

I work for the premier blue oval team in Supercars racing, love what I do and who I work for. But, for a very long time my heart lay with Holden. I still have my first car. I will always own this car. It's part of who I am. Such a sad day. #putoutyourholdens #holden pic.twitter.com/bhjoRbJ1XZ

— Ben Nightingale (@BRNightingale) February 17, 2020

Another wrote it’s a “tough pill to swallow” days out from the start of the Supercars season, which begins in Adelaide on Thursday.

Damn.

We all knew that this day was coming. But days out from a season opener at Supercars is a tough pill to swallow.

We’ve lost an Australian icon. One my grandfather’s love for was inspiring. Enough to make me switch sides.

This day, is a sad day. #holden pic.twitter.com/oqlh6F57qa

— Brent Montgomery (@BrentMontgome20) February 17, 2020

A 1985 Jackaroo took another Holden owner “all around the country in 2009”.

My '85 Jackaroo turbo diesel took me all around the country in 2009. I'll never forget the adventures, nor the mission brown interior. Thank you #Holden pic.twitter.com/abkkZ25OYT

— The Prince of Peugeot (@cherkorollo) February 17, 2020

Labor MP Tim Watts said it was “a sad day for Australia”.

A sad day for Australia #holden pic.twitter.com/zscJLNGdTK

— Tim Watts MP (@TimWattsMP) February 17, 2020

Paul Syvret compared its demise to a “death in the family”.

“I actually feel physically ill … Holden has been part of my life since I held my first set of car keys 35 years ago,” he wrote.

My first #Holden was a beaten up (and souped up) Torana. My last was/is literally one of the last. She's a keeper. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/KSDx9AX374

— Paul Syvret (@PSyvret) February 17, 2020

Ben Chifley would be beside himself... #Holden #auspol pic.twitter.com/m9WkJN07Hd

— Michael Smyth (@MichaelSmyth_) February 17, 2020

#Holden gone. The car, same colour, I learned to drive in at Bathurst. Local copper asked my dad if I could drive. Said yes. So he signed the form, no test. 3 speed column shift, pic.twitter.com/x0jDd6dF4W

— Simon Chapman AO (@SimonChapman6) February 17, 2020

GM has confirmed local design and engineering operations would finish by the end of next year, after considering their options, ongoing business was not viable.