Photo: Supplied.
The Holden is the car that was part of Australia, that featured in films and TV sitcoms and countless posters in suburban men’s dens; its demise as an Australian product was greeted with anger and sorrow, not just for the lost jobs but for the loss of something we’d come to regard as irreplaceably ours. The tenderness still lingers, especially for the iconic FJ and FX models, the snub-nosed, chrome-enhanced, instantly recognisable beauties of the years from 1948 to 1956.
The tenderness has spawned an almost cult-like following, and aficionados will have a chance to feast their eyes – and their memories – on a national gathering of the clan at the 26th biennial FX-FJ Nationals, to be held at the Cleveland Showgrounds from December 28 to 31. The display is supported by the not-for-profit Australian Early Holden Federation Inc. and hosted by the FX-FJ Holden Club of Queensland Inc. and the national secretary, Shane Krueger, is expecting a great turnout.
“It’s going to be a great weekend,” he says. “We’re expecting more than a hundred FJs and FXs and in addition, we’ve invited more than 50 other car clubs in Southeast Queensland to display their classic, vintage and muscle cars on the adjoining field. The Show & Shine on Sunday December 29 will provide some breathtaking moments for those who love classic cars.”
For those who do, $10 will give entry to the whole day, from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Special attractions will be Lloyd’s auction of a no-reserve price Holden and a chance to admire the FX Holden that belonged to Rock ‘n Roll George, a well-loved Brisbane character until his death in 2009. Don’t forget your cameras!
The 26th biennial FX-FJ Nationals will be held at the Cleveland Showgrounds from December 28 to 31, 2024.
