Photos: Supplied.
Drivers on the bayside on the morning of Sunday July 13 may notice a sudden upsurge in the number of schmick and shiny FJ and FX Holdens on the road. They’ll probably be on their way to the Holden Out for a Cure All Holden Day at Cleveland Showgrounds, where close to 200 of Australia’s classic cars will be on display.
Les Ross, President of the FX-FJ Holden Club of Queensland Inc., who has been involved in the club for 35 years, says that the club has a long history of fundraising for the Queensland Cancer Council.
“This event started back in the 1990s then folded for a while due to COVID and other concerns. In 2019 I thought it would be good to revive it as a one-off memorial event for several members who’d died – some from cancer – so the Redland Branch of the Cancer Council of Queensland was the obvious beneficiary,” he says. “It’s been running ever since and in one year at least we understand that we were the Cancer Council’s biggest fundraiser.”
Les says that about 200 cars are expected to enter and is hopeful of a turn up of up to 600 visitors.
“As Australia’s first car Holdens attract a lot of interest,” says Les, who’s the proud owner of a 1962 EJ.
“The Holdens on display will range from 1948 to 2017, which was when the last Holden rolled off the production line. Some blokes may use their car as a daily run-about, but in the main they’re classic special-interest cars that get a lot of love and care.”
Added attractions to the cars will be food stalls, access to the Redlands Coast Museum, and a memorabilia auction to be held at midday.
“The wife of a late member has donated his collection that includes Holden jigsaw puzzles and framed prints,” says Les. “We don’t have a professional auctioneer, but we’ve organised a lot of ‘spotters’ and blokes who’ll scream out a bit!”
