The day the Prime Minister welcomed a new car
It seems unthinkable in the current political climate – 70 years ago today, then Prime Minister Ben Chifley attended the launch of what was the first locally-designed built mass-production car.
As the shiny 48-215 was unveiled at the Fishermens Bend Social Hall, Chifley weas heard to say, “What a beaut!”
That occasion led on to the development of a hugely active local manufacturing industry in the coming decades, encouraged at times by a tax regime that favoured either complete manufacturing locally, or assembly of CKD (complete knock down) kits.
For a time there, Chrysler, Ford, Holden, Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi built entire cars. CKD brands included numerous European and American nameplates.
It all came to an end in October last year, when Holden became the last local maker to close its plant. It was the end of an era.
Here is a selection of the stories we published to celebrate Holden’s achievements over the years.
Iconic Holdens
Holden utes – FX to SS-V Redline