Pictorial -- Holden History

[Crazy Paul]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620412500.jpg
Workers on a car body production line at Holden's Woodville plant 1929-30.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620412100.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620412200.jpg
Australian Prime Minister Joseph Benedict 'Ben' Chifley launching the first Holden motor car, 29 Nov 1948.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620412400.jpg
Holden VN Commodore car yard.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620412700.jpg
1995 Holden Special Vehicle (HSV) Commodore motor car leaving production plant.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620413700.jpg
FJ Holden motor car.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620413800.jpg
FJ Holden van motor car and trailer.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414200.jpg
1957 Holden FE station wagon motor car.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414300.jpg
Holden's Elizabeth plant in 1965, producing Holden HD and (bottom left) Vauxhall Viva motor cars.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414500.jpg
Final assembly of a Holden HD motor car at the Elizabeth plant in 1965.

[Crazy Paul]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620413300.jpg
Holden Commodore VN 1988 motor car.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414600.jpg
Holden HD station wagons and sedans motor cars made on assembly line at the Elizabeth plant in 1965.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620415600.jpg
- A real six-pot. The "red motor", a 149 cubic inch job in the EH Holden from 1963.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620415800.jpg
- The ute became a symbol of Australia - able to take two or three up front like a car, but a working vehicle for carrying farm and other equipment at the rear. This one is Holden's first ute, based on the FX model. Holden FX ute.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620415900.jpg
The FJ Holden motor car from 1953. FJ Holden launch at Fishermens Bend.



http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620416200.jpg
1950s FJ Holden.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620417600.jpg
A 1964 EH Holden motor car.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620417200.jpg
25 year Anniversary Holden HQ Premier at Peakhurst.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414400.jpg
Some of the models produced at Holden's plant at Elizabeth, SA.



http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620417700.jpg
The seven-millionth Holden, a 60th Anniversary VE Commodore, on the line at Elizabeth, SA.

[GM_Fan]

Cool pics. Post more if you have them,

[Crazy Paul]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620412300.jpg
(VR or VS ??) Motor car on production line at Holden automobile plant.



http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414700.jpg
Holden VL Commodore Group A Walkinshaw sedan, circa 1980.



http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620412900.jpg
Holden Commodore VC.



http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620413100.jpg
FX Holden utility .


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620413200.jpg
Holden VP Commodore sedan.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620415100.jpg
Restored 1963 Holden EH Special Station Wagon.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620413000.jpg
V8 Holden ute , the X10pn G8002, Pontiac G8 sport truck that will (now not) be exported to the United States.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620413500.jpg
Holden Monaro 1968-69.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620413900.jpg
Muscle Car Muster organiser Rob Curkpatrick in his Holden Torana SLR 5000 V8.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414800.jpg
Holden Calais V 60th anniversary

[Crazy Paul]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414900.jpg
Holden Astra Equipe 60th Anniversary special-edition


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620415200.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620416300.jpg
Holden Special Vehicles HSV W427


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620416100.jpg
Holden Colorado LT-R 4WD


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620416800.jpg
Holden SV6 Sportwagon


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620416900.jpg
Holden Caprice


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620417000.jpg
1978 Holden VB Commodore sedan


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620417800.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620418000.jpg
Seven millionth holden rolls off the production line at Elizabeth.

[PaFromFL]

My econo-car is an 4dr Saturn Astra hatchback that is a lot of fun to drive. I hope Pontiac gets a turbo-charged version from Holden or Opel, assuming a restructured Opel still cooperates with GM/Holden.http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620414900.jpg

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Thanks Paul! that was pretty cool. These cars have definately come a long ways in the appearance dept.! ;)

[-Ray-]

Awesome thread!

[99-LS1-SS]

Why didn't my car come with a model?!?!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/0620415600.jpg

[MANOFSTEEL69]

What...You actually want the Bride of Frankenstein to come with your car! Not much to look at in NC is there Brandon? lol!

[99-LS1-SS]

What...You actually want the Bride of Frankenstein to come with your car! Not much to look at in NC is there Brandon? lol!

LMAO! I actually have no witty comeback for that. You win!

[MANOFSTEEL69]

LMAO! I actually have no witty comeback for that. You win!

You'll get used to that over time! ;)

[Crazy Paul]

Why didn't my car come with a model?!?!

Just be thankful it didn't come with a Holden 149 red motor ( <---- farm machinery).

[R.Penguin]

What...You actually want the Bride of Frankenstein to come with your car! Not much to look at in NC is there Brandon? lol!
Wha? OH!, there's a face there. I didn't see that right off. Well, plenty of paper bags to go around! :p

[R.Penguin]

Does anybody else see a touch of '55 Chevy station wagon here?
1957 Holden FE station wagon motor car.

[R.Penguin]

Crazy Paul, You are a priceless addition to this forum. That is just so cool! If I emigrate to Oz, approx. how many Starbucks, McDonalds & 7-11 will I have to rob to get me a HSV 427? More than 10?

[PolRoger]

Nice post... good to see a little pictorial history of Holden Motors. I like that '68-'69 Monaro.

[PolRoger]

Is the late model Holden Caprice the one they sell in China as a Buick? I think they should bring it here to the States and offer it as a Buick too... Nice!

[Crazy Paul]

Here's the cross reference chart for different badging in different countries.
It's only up to date for 2008. Buick isn't on there.

http://www.holden.com.au/corporate/about-holden/exports/vehicle-exports

[Crazy Paul]

Chinese Buick Info here :

http://forums.biante.com.au/showthread.php?t=9243

[R.Penguin]

Just be thankful it didn't come with a Holden 149 red motor ( <---- farm machinery).
The big Cat has an awesome heritage! Also continues to befuddle many local "luxury import" owners. The consensus is "that car looks so much better than my Lexus, Acura, BMW, Mercedes, etc". I don't even want to know what it is or what it cost. Sounds mean as hell tho'.

"Who makes it?" Australian Company.
"What is it?" Australian import.
"What company?" Holden.
"How did you get it?" Off a boat from Australia.
"Is there really a V8 in that thing?" Are you deaf?
"Is it fast?" Yup.

[PolRoger]

Here's the cross reference chart for different badging in different countries.
It's only up to date for 2008. Buick isn't on there.

http://www.holden.com.au/corporate/about-holden/exports/vehicle-exports

Thanks for the links... I didn't mean to be propagating some erroneous information. I still think the Caprice would make a nice Buick.

[01350ta]

Great old pics. Bring back a lot of memories. My family(including myself) have owned many of these cars over the years.

[ashaal]

Is the 'Chevy' Colorado a chevy or holden?

[El.Diablos.G8]

Crazy how it all started in a island. Hopefully they bring the holden branch here to the USA

[timg8]

Crazy how it all started in a island. Hopefully they bring the holden branch here to the USA

They might have about 1100 immediate dealer franchises :woohoo:

[Panzer Leader]

Yep these are the ones I saw in the first gulf war in Saudi. As the dealer explained there, "These are much too good for you Americans to have." As far as the Lexsus, Infiniti, Acura crowd, they all look alike. And the interirs remind me of a mobile brothel. The Holdens on the other hand speak of pure down to business "driving excitment." [I]Remember that catchy phrase? It is functionally designed, clean and to the point. Yes like a Bimmer or even a Porche. If illegal aliens can come in, why can't I get a Holden.

[Panzer Leader]

I knew it, OZ is really Atlantis!

[JAM]

Great old pics - brought back many memories. Any pics of G8's coming off of the assembly line?

JAM

[Crazy Paul]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/28-Holden-Logo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/36-Holden-Logo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/48-Holden-Logo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/72-Holden-Logo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/94-Holden-Logo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/Holden-Logo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/HOLDEN.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/commodore-logo-320.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/commodore-logo-321.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/logo-320.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/logo-321.jpg

[bradshow]

Awesome pictures CP and even better on the logo's......right click, save as, lol


Oh and I'm sorry but the Holden VL Commodore Group A Walkinshaw sedan, circa 1980 is horrid, lol.

[Crazy Paul]

Oh and I'm sorry but the Holden VL Commodore Group A Walkinshaw sedan, circa 1980 is horrid, lol.
No need to be sorry. I think that's the one people call "The Plastic Pig".

[Crazy Paul]

Great old pics - brought back many memories. Any pics of G8's coming off of the assembly line?
JAM

This is all I have.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/2008_pontiac_g8_oth_fe_11_717.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/G8-Adelaide-44.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/G8-Adelaide-86.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/G8-Adelaide-58.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/PontiacG8-US3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/PontiacG8-048b.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/Holden-G8-Announce-212.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/Holden-G8-Announce-183.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/Holden-G8-Announce-167.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/Holden-G8-Announce-160.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/Holden-G8-Announce-159.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/PontiacG8-US2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/G8/PontiacG8-US1.jpg

[Chewy]

No need to be sorry. I think that's the one people call "The Plastic Pig".

BUT.... for 1980 it's pretty decent compared to what we had here for domestic cars.

Chris

[bowtiefan]

Great pictures, Paul! Thanks for sharing them. I remember seeing this thread sometime ago and the updates with the evolving logos and G8 pictures are very nice.

As for other Commodore VE production pictures and info, I picked up a neat book on ebay.au called "Autobiography, The inside story of Holden's all-new VE Commodore". It's by Peter Robinson. I think anyone that owns a G8 would find this book of interest even though it was published before G8 production and the G8 is not referenced in the book.

[Eidolon]

I love the logos, especially the silhouettes. You know you have a good design when you can highlight the curves and accents of the design and those highlights alone will catch the eye.

[Panzer Leader]

Those last pictures were really sad ones to see. There are some really nice old Holden hood and grille emblems.

[landsarmstrong]

Very cool Thanks
I did buy a hard back book 2 years ago on the Holdens

[texn884]

They have come a long way baby. Holden rules, keep making what drivers want and go well beyond expectations.

[Crazy Paul]

James Alexander Holden

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/crap/Whoisit.jpg

[Napalm]

Interesting history. I have always wondered about some of those.

Incidentally isn't the Holden Calais also the opel/Vauxhaul calais and VXR, and now the Buick Regal. Holden also makes the Chinese Buicks IIRC.

I really would love to see a Holden Vauxhaul transition Buick Riveria

[Crazy Paul]

Interesting history. I have always wondered about some of those.
Incidentally isn't the Holden Calais also the opel/Vauxhaul calais and VXR, and now the Buick Regal. Holden also makes the Chinese Buicks IIRC.
I really would love to see a Holden Vauxhaul transition Buick Riveria

I guess it is a little confusing.
Holden Commodore webpage with pics of entire model range.
http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/commodore#/overview

Holden Calais model range with pics.
Calais is still the standard 2915mm wheelbase (same as G8) but has more luxury features added.
http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/calais#/overview

Holden Caprice model range with pics
Caprice is longer (3009mm wheelbase) than normal Commodore sedans & has more luxury features.
http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/caprice#/overview

HSV take something like a Calais spec Holden and change lots of parts to produce something like the Clubsport,GTS,or Senator.
http://www.hsv.com.au/e3/home/
Now if they take the Clubsport, remove HSV badges and add Vauxhall badges, add a red foglight on the back.....then there is your Vauxhall VXR8 ready to go on a boat to the UK.
http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/microsite/vxr/#/cars/vxr8/

HSV also take something like the Holden Caprice (long wheelbase) and change various parts to make the HSV Grange.

The Holden Caprice is rebadged as the Chevrolet Caprice for the Middle East and has been popular there since 2007.
The Chinese Buick "Park Avenue" is I think fully assembled in China, made from the Holden Caprice and formely Holden Statesman parts bin. They add very unique front grille and interior trim panels not seen on anything else (thankfully).

[texn884]

Hi Paul, How may G8's did Pontiac make in 2008 & 2009?

And what CI size engine is the 6.0?

Just some question I have for you.

[Crazy Paul]

Hi Paul, How may G8's did Pontiac make in 2008 & 2009?
And what CI size engine is the 6.0?
Just some question I have for you.

The number 36,000 is bouncing around in my head....could be wrong, I'd have to research that properly.
364 cu/in

[texn884]

Wow you are good I was thinking 30-40K and a little over 350 cu/in.

Thanks again Paul.:thumbsup:

[Crazy Paul]

Some really old cringeworthy vids.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-mG69dfrHM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp2XUyQ5lv4


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL0vHe8188k


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3ykeRFsDnk


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeWbMY6pduI


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEG_1NSV4zY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxC2yMSAMj4

[texn884]

They have sure come a long ways Paul. Looks like the Kingswood was a sweet ride.

[Crazy Paul]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/419750-peter-briggs-holden2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/418833-peter-briggs-holden.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/419853-peter-briggs-holden3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/420848-peter-briggs-holden5.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/Old%20Holdens/421281-peter-briggs-holden4.jpg

FOR sale. Sixty-five year old Holden. Colour grey. Presently undriveable. Asking - $2,000,000 ono.
No, Peter Briggs isn't dreaming.
The Perth businessman and car collector is selling Australia's oldest Holden and believes it could fetch $2 million on the international market.

Built two years before the company started production of the 48-215 FX model in 1948, the grey sedan is a hand-made prototype that was used as a test car.
Mr Briggs, who owns the York Motor Museum, bought it in 1980 for his collection and is now downsizing.
``Actually, I don't know how much it's worth,'' Briggs, who has recently trimmed his vehicle collection down to about 75 cars from 140, said.
``What value do you put on a car that is the oldest Holden, that is handmade, that is the only one of its type in private hands, that is still running and represents the origin of a highly successful and domestic car industry?''

The record price for an Australian-made car is $920,000, set in 2008 for a 2002 Monaro HRT 427 one of only two made by HRT and the only one road registered.
Another car, a 1948 48-215, was the 46th Holden ever made and had an asking price of $1.2 million but wasn't sold.
``This car is older and immeasurably more important than either of these cars. It formed the foundation of the Australian automotive industry we know today,'' Briggs said.
``Given what it is, I don't think $2 million for a collector or a museum is too expensive.
``Based on the prices of the other Holdens, mine will be the first Australian car to crack a million dollars.''

The car, still with its original registration number of KJ 400, was the first of two cars built in Australia by hand at Holden's then GMH Victorian facility. The other car was destroyed.
It precedes three built in the US and shipped to Australia for evaluation. Only one, now in the National Museum of Australia, remains.
``The body was filled and shaped with lead. I found that out when it was weighed. It is hundreds of kilograms heavier than production cars,'' Briggs said.
The car is temporarily undriveable, needing repair to its mechanical cable brakes.

If it's not for you, then $2 million will buy 54 brand new Holden Series 2 Commodore SV6s or 57 Holden Special Edition Thunder Utes.