Holden may be gone, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of Aussie car enthusiasts.
For over 70 years, this iconic brand produced some of the most beloved vehicles in Australian history, from family-friendly sedans to high-performance muscle cars.
As we bid farewell to Holden, let's take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the top 10 models that left an indelible mark on our roads and our culture.
- Holden Torana (1967-1980)
- Compact and sporty, the Torana was Holden's answer to the emerging small car market
- Available in sedan and hatchback body styles
- High-performance models like the GTR and A9X became Aussie muscle car legends
- Holden Kingswood (1968-1984)
- The quintessential Aussie family car, perfect for road trips and weekend getaways
- Spacious and comfortable, with room for the whole clan
- The HQ model (1971-1974) is widely regarded as one of the best Holdens ever made
- Holden Monaro (1968-1977, 2001-2006)
- Holden's first coupe, blending style and performance
- The HK Monaro GTS 327 (1968) was Australia's first homegrown muscle car
- The modern CV8 Monaro (2001) revived the nameplate for a new generation
- Holden Sandman (1974-1979)
- The ultimate Aussie panel van, perfect for beach trips and camping adventures
- Based on the Holden Kingswood and later the Commodore
- Became an icon of Australian surf culture and the "panel van craze" of the 1970s
- Holden Ute (1951-2017)
- The quintessential Aussie workhorse, born from the need for a vehicle that could work hard and play hard
- Based on various Holden models over the years, including the Commodore
- The SS and SSV models offered sports car performance with the practicality of a ute
- Holden Caprice (1990-2017)
- Holden's flagship luxury sedan, offering premium features and comfort
- Popular with executives, politicians, and as a hire car for special occasions
- The WM Caprice (2006-2013) was the first Holden to be exported to the US as a police vehicle
- Holden Statesman (1971-1984, 1990-2010)
- A full-size luxury sedan, positioned above the Commodore
- Known for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and premium features
- The HQ Statesman (1971-1974) was a favorite among politicians and VIPs
- Holden Commodore (1978-2020)
- Holden's best-selling model for over 40 years, and an Aussie icon
- Available in sedan, wagon, and ute body styles
- High-performance models like the SS and HSV became legends on the street and the track
- Holden FJ (1953-1956)
- The first Holden to be wholly designed in Australia
- Iconic styling with a distinctive grille and rear fins
- Represented Holden's transition from a post-war upstart to a true Aussie institution
- Holden 48-215 "FX" (1948-1953)
- The first mass-produced car designed and built entirely in Australia
- Launched in 1948, marking the beginning of Australia's automotive industry
- An enduring symbol of Holden's ingenuity, determination, and the Aussie "can-do" spirit
A Tribute to an Aussie Icon
From the humble 48-215 to the mighty Commodore, Holden's legacy is one of innovation, resilience, and a deep connection to the Australian way of life.
These 10 models represent the best of what Holden stood for: reliable, practical cars that could handle anything the Aussie roads could throw at them, with a healthy dose of style and performance thrown in for good measure.
As we say goodbye to Holden, let's celebrate the memories and the moments that made this brand such an integral part of our national identity.
Whether you owned one yourself or simply admired them from afar, there's no denying the impact Holden had on Australian car culture. So, here's to you, Holden – thanks for the memories, and for the rides of our lives.
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Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
