Ute cruise: A Holden icon rises again

For many, a ute is a symbol of freedom and fun, and this iconic model united more than 100 drivers for a weekend of cruising and celebration.

A Holden ute is an icon of Australia: a vehicle for the farm, for the wide open roads of the bush, and a symbol for all things practical and powerful.

It’s a love affair that united more than 100 rev heads at the weekend for the second annual WB Utez Run at Moama.

From as far north as Darwin and even from the southern lands of Tasmania, owners from the ages of 18 to 83 joined to showcase their beloved Holdens, centred around the Holden WB series, first released in 1980.

Event organiser Shaun Trotter said the weekend saw more than 100 WB utes, all in spectacular condition.

“They came in all colours and dressed in all different ways, from original untouched versions, modified ones, street-style utes and then the full ‘B&S’ ball kitted-out look. No one ute looked better than the other, as they all meant a lot to each owner,” he said.

WB Utez Cruise at Moama saw more than 100 passionate owners unite. Pictures: Instinct Media.

The weekend involved a car cruise and an industrial photo shoot.

WB Utez Cruise at Moama in NSW.

The ute cruise was born like many great ideas: around a campfire.

“We all ran these utes back when I was about 18, and that was the ute of choice,” Shaun said.

“We travelled all over, to B&S balls, country pubs, rodeos, that kind of thing, and went everywhere with them. It was good, easy times. I knew a lot of guys had them out in their sheds, but everyone gets busy, they can’t get off the farm and I thought well, let’s do something about it and put on an event.”

The Holden WB ute series was in production between 1980 and 1984.

WB Utez Cruise, Moama.

WB Utez Cruise, Moama.

The weekend involved a morning car cruise and a photo shoot of the vehicles.

And Shaun is already fielding calls about the 2025 event next year.

“It’s great to think that a 40-year-old, Australian made and owned vehicle can still bring so many great people all together to this day,” Shaun said.

“I don’t think we can stop now.”