How the Holden disappearance will impact the value of different models

The announcement that the Holden brand had been axed left many Aussies shocked, but for a few lucky car owners this news could mean big things.

Disappointment over the news the iconic Holden brand would be axed in Australia was felt across the country yesterday, but for a few lucky Aussies it could mean they are now sitting on a goldmine.

After the shock of the announcement by General Motors (GM), the US company that owns the brand, settled there was one question on every Holden owner’s lips: Will the value of Holden cars go up?

Since the news sales websites have been flooded with people trying to sell their Holdens but the axing of the bran doesn’t mean that every car will suddenly go up in value.

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Holden vehicle owners will continue to be taken care of for the next ten years. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Editor of Unique Cars magazine, Guy Allen, said there are specific Holden models that will likely go up in value as a result of the brand no longer being made.

“There was a time when Toranas were just a common car on the road but thanks to time, and possibly a fair amount of rust, they are now highly collectable,” Mr Allen said.

“Prices, of course, vary from model to model, but certain Holdens are the subject of high demand and increasingly high prices.”

He said there will likely be a ripple effect across various Holden models as demand for particular cars increase over time.

“Don’t expect your banged-up Commodore to suddenly pay off the mortgage, but do understand that Holden has a special place in the hearts of many Australians,” Mr Allen said.

“That, combined with the forces of (no more) supply and demand, will create some powerful forces in the highly competitive collectibles market.”

At the moment one of the most valuable Holden models is a Torana A9X Hatchback, which can fetch around $300,000.

Early Monaro GTS models can have a similar value, with many priced from $250,000 to $300,000.

A Commodore VK ‘Blue Meanie’ can go for $150,000 or more.

Holden Torana A9X Hatchback’s can fetch around $300,000.

A the dust from the Holden axing settles other models will also likely become increasingly sought after.

Holden’s interim chairman and managing director Kristian Aquilina revealed yesterday what the brand’s disappearance will mean for customers who own one of their models.

General Motors (GM), who own Holden, made the shock announcement on Monday they will no longer make right hand drive cars for Australian roads and that the brand will disappear at the end of the year.

Mr Aquilina said he wanted to assure customers “we stand by our cars”.

“The doors don’t close tomorrow or today,” Mr Aquilina said at a press conference on Monday afternoon, adding that there were currently 1.6 million Holden cars owned across Australia.

“We will continue to provide sales support for at least the next 10 years.

“Those owners want the insurance around spare parts, warranties repairs and recalls. We will honour all of those, even our recent seven-year free servicing offer.”

Mr Aquilina said that the company will be “happy” to take customer orders on an ongoing basis until “the last Holden is sold”, adding that process would take several months.

Recalls will also be handled if they arise.

“Today’s announcement will be felt deeply by the many people who love Holdens, drive Holdens and feel connected to our company which has been with us for 160 years and is almost ubiquitous in our lives,” he said.

The move comes just three years after local manufacturing ended with the shuttering of the Holden plant at Elizabeth in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

Late last year the company also announced it would stop selling its most iconic car, the Commodore.

The company released its first all-Australian built car in 1948.

Holden’s financial services operations, which provided finance for purchasers, as well as the ultimately short-lived rental service Maven, will also be wound down, as will design and engineering operations.

As many as 800 jobs are expected to go in the move.

Originally published as How the Holden disappearance will impact the value of different models