The History Trust of South Australia acknowledges the First Nations peoples of South Australia, whose connection to country and living cultures began in time immemorial and continues to the present. We affirm our commitment to advancing reconciliation.
The date is 20 October 2017. The last siren sounds at the Holden factory, Elizabeth. Earlier that day, the last vehicle rolled off the production line – a red VF Series II Commodore Redline SSV. There have been speeches, press interviews, hugs and tears. Finally, around 1700 men and women pack up their tools and leave through the gates one final time, marking the end of Holden production in Australia forever.
The effects of this loss rippled throughout the motoring industry, from designers and mechanics to collectors and enthusiasts, yet perhaps nowhere more so than in South Australia, where Holden was born and bred. From humble beginnings in King William St, to steadily growing plants at Birkenhead, Woodville, and Elizabeth, Holden shaped South Australian industry, design, people, and place. Each site closure, whether in favour of expansion or reduction, was felt not only by employees but by their families, neighboring businesses, and the surrounding suburbs. For many, Holden was more than just a job, brand, or factory; Holden was an identity.
Through archival materials, historic objects, and personal interviews, Holden and Me reminds us how our automotive heritage has the power to shape our identity - whether as employees, communities, or consumers – often for the duration of our lives.
This website is best explored on a larger screen or tablet.
This website was supported by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant (LP170100860) undertaken in partnership between the University of Adelaide, Monash University, National Library of Australia, General Motors Australia and New Zealand PTY LTD, and the National Motor Museum.
It is based in part on the exhibition Holden and Me: Treasures from a Working Life, curated by Michaelangelo Bolognese, Jennifer Clark, and Carolyn Collins. It is also inspired by the exhibitions Holden Heroes: A Retrospective 1948-2017 and [re]assembled: Australia's Automotive Manufacturing Journey, both currently on display at the National Motor Museum.
Many thanks
to all Holden and Me participants, for telling their stories and lending their images and objects.
to the State Library of South Australia, for facilitating access to the Holden Collection.
Holden and Me: Online project team
Curatorial and content creation: Jennifer Clark, Carolyn Collins, Emma Haddy
Curatorial assistance: Paul McCarthy, Lucy Thiele
Education resources: Gabriella Centofanti
Garage and object photography: Sam Roberts
Logo and header design: Super Studio
Take down statement
If you are concerned that you have found material on this website for which you as a copyright owner have not given permission, or that relates to other specific matters, you have the right to send us a takedown request. Please email enquiries@history.sa.gov.au
All information on this website is believed to be correct at the time of publication.
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