Holden Heroes: 1948 to 2017 a retrospective was officially unveiled today, showcasing some of Holden’s finest and most important machines.

The National Motor Museum has partnered with General Motors to secure the exhibit, which includes both the first and last Holden vehicles to come off the production line in Australia.

Education Minister John Gardner officially opened the collection today.

“We are proud to be showcasing some of Australia’s most significant motoring history right here in the Adelaide Hills and I want to congratulate the National Motor Museum and General Motors for making it happen,” said Minister Gardner.

“While many feared the loss of these crucial pieces of Australian and South Australian history, it is fantastic news that we are able to showcase these iconic vehicles for future generations and preserve their cultural importance.

“It is fantastic to see these vehicles here in South Australia, the spiritual home of Holden where the business was established in 1856.

“South Australians now have a unique opportunity to come and see this amazing collection all in the same place at the same time, and I encourage everyone to come and see them on display.”

Greg Mackie OAM, CE of the History Trust of South Australia, welcomed the unveiling.

“The retirement of Holden sent ripples of sadness through many parts of Australian life, as we feared the loss of a cultural icon,” said Mr Mackie.

“Some of these fears are now laid to rest, as we see General Motors is committed to ensuring that these significant vehicles stay in Australia are on display to the public as a collection for the first time.”

General Motors Managing Director Australia / New Zealand Marc Ebolo said South Australia is a special place for Holden.

“Holden thanks the National Motor Museum for helping us display this significant group of our heritage collection all together for the first time,” said Mr Ebolo.

“The exhibition is a trip down memory lane for some of the finest production and concept cars Holden has made, all proudly in Australia.”

National Motor Museum Director Paul Rees said the vehicles told the tale of Holden’s history in Australia.

“In 1948, Prime Minister Ben Chifley launched the first fully Australian-made car, the Holden 48/215, proclaiming ‘she’s a beauty!’,” said Mr Rees.

“There were soon Holden car factories and sales outlets all over Australia and at the pinnacle was Holden’s world class manufacturing plant at Elizabeth. It was at Elizabeth that the last Australian-made Holden was built in 2017.

“Both these Australian icons are now on public display – together for the first time, at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood.”

The vehicles on display at the National Motor Museum as part of the Holden Heroes exhibit are:

• 1948 Holden 48-215 Sedan (First Saleable Holden)
• 1963 Holden EJ Sedan Premier (1 Millionth vehicle)
• 1968 Holden HK Brougham (2 Millionth vehicle)
• 1969 Holden Hurricane
• 1971 Holden Torana GTR-X
• 1981 Holden VC Commodore SL/E Sedan (4 Millionth vehicle)
• 1998 Holden Concept Monaro
• 2000 Holden Utester
• 2000 Holden Sandman Van
• 2001 Holden VX Commodore SS (6 Millionth vehicle)
• 2002 Marilyn Convertible Monaro
• 2002 HRT427; 2003 Holden SSX
• 2003 Holden Torana TT36
• 2005 Holden EFIJY
• 2008 Holden VE Commodore Sedan (7 Millionth vehicle)
• 2008 Holden Coupe 60

2017 Holden VF Commodore Series II SS Redline (Last locally Manufactured Holden)