The Holden Story

The Holden brand is famous for manufacturing the first all-Australian car. The Holden badge, and brand is an Australian icon with humble beginnings. In 1856 J.A Holden & Co started their saddlery business in Adelaide, South Australia. By 1913, the company was producing complete motorcycle car bodies.

It was in 1914 that Holden produced its first complete custom-made car body and then went on to produce large-scale car bodies. General Motors Australia (GMA) was actually formed in 1926 and it was two years later, the 'lion and stone' emblem was first used.

By 1931 GMA had merged with HMBB to form General Motors-Holden's (GMH). It was then that Holden produced its very first ute, followed by the first coupe-utility in 1934. In 1936, Holden opened new headquarters at Fishermens Bend in Melbourne.

In 1942, Holden became the first company to produce internal combustion engines on mass and it was in 1945 that Holden took up the Australian Federal Governments invitation to manufacture the first all-Australian car.

It was the year 1948 when Prime Minister Ben Chifley launched Australia’s first locally manufactured motor vehicle – the ‘Holden’. The 100,000th “FX” Holden rolled off the production line in 1953 – the “FJ Holden” followed in 1956. By this time, 250,000 new Holden’s had been produced.

1957 was a big year for Holden – the first station wagon was produced modelled off the FE sedan, and Holden had now produced one million car bodies. Operations also commenced at Lang Lang proving ground. The FC Holden in the following year marked five hundred thousand new Holdens now produced – followed by the one million mark with the EJ in 1962.

The EH Holden of course followed - the EH remains one of Holden's most famous models with it's beautiful straight lines and the ever-reliable red motor...

View a huge range of EH Holden parts and accessories here...

1966 marked seats belts fitted to all Holden models. The Torana followed in 67’ with one hundred thousand new Holden models now exported. The HK Holden range delivered Australia's first sports coupe, the iconic HK Monaro - the year was 1968. Holden also introduced the energy-absorbing steering column to Australia that year.

In 1969, Holden opened Australia’s first automotive safety design test centre at Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria. It was also the year Holden exhibited the “Hurricane” experimental car – the first Australian-made V8. The two million car mark was also hit with the production of the HT Holden. The 3 millionth Holden produced occurred with the HJ Holden in 1974.

In 1978, the Commodore era began with the VB Commodore, and in 1981, Sir Laurence Hartnett drove the four millionth Holden off the production line – it was the VC Commodore. By 1983, Holden had built its 200,000th engine, and had exported 250,000 engines by the end of that year.

It was in 1990 that Holden cracked the 5 million mark – it was the VN Commodore. The VN Commodore retained its title of Australia's most popular car in 1991. The following year, another first for safety in Australian made cars with the introduction of ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) on the Commodore. It was in 1993 that airbags began being fitted to Holden vehicles.

In 1994 a new corporate identity was unveiled under single banner of 'Holden'. That same year saw the VR Commodore top the Australian passenger car market. Then came the legendary 3800 ECOTEC V6 engine in 1995.

The revolutionary all new VT Commodore was launched in 1997 – the VT took out ‘Wheels Car Of The Year’ that year. 1998 was another year to celebrate for Holden with the commemoration of fifty years since the launch of Australia's very own car, the 48-215. Special limited edition VT models were produced.

The WH Statesman and Caprice turned heads in 1999. Holden then began exporting WH models to the Middle East were they were proving very popular.

The year 2000 was of Holden’s biggest yet. Holden played a major role in the Sydney Olympics as the events official automotive partner – special limited edition Olympic models were released, the TS Astra version was particularly sort after. It was also the year the VU Holden Ute was launched, as well as the announcement of plans to establish a new V6 engine plant at Fishermans Bend in Victoria. 2000 also saw the Commodore crowned as Australia's top-selling car for the fifth year running.

The 2000’s have seen an explosion of new models and innovations Holden. 2001 saw the XC Barina and Zafira compact wagon launched, the six millionth Holden produced at Elizabeth, and a safety award from Windscreens O'Brien. 2001 also saw Holden rated fourth among Australia's top one hundred companies in the Fairfax Good Reputation Index.

That year, the Monaro was launched at the Sydney Motor Show, the XC Barina received the prestigious ‘Wheels Car Of The Year’ award, Holden and Kidsafe announced their partnership in conducting the first-ever national child restraint safety inspection program, and Holden won Australia's top-selling car for the sixth year in a row.

Holden set an all-time sales record for an Australian car manufacturer in 2002. The Holden Commodore was also Australia's top seller for seventh consecutive year. The VY Commodore and ute was born, the Cross8 All-wheel-drive production prototype was unveiled at the Melbourne Motor Show, as well as the ‘crossover’ sports hatch SSX at the Sydney Motor Show.

It was at this time that Holden also became a strategic partner in General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology Company, this meant that Holden taking a 42.1% stake in the global company. The Monaro also won the Australian Design Award in the Industrial Design Category, and also a special accolade from the Design Institute of Australia in the Industrial Design Selection.

2002 continued with the commencement of Holden’s child restraint research and test program in conjunction with Monash University Accident Research Centre. Holden also announced their major export program to United States and prepared 18,000 Monaro units for the Pontiac GTO export. The all-wheel-drive Cruze, and an all new Combo van was also launched.

2002 also saw Holden recognised as most trusted automotive manufacturer by Readers Digest, and, the Holden Racing Team (Mark Skaife & Jim Richards) won the V8 Supercar Bathurst 1000.

In 2003 plans were announced to employ one thousand extra people at Vehicle Manufacturing Operations in Elizabeth, South Australia.

To be continued...

Bid now on cars and motor bikes on eBay

Buying a New Holden?