Sign up with GoogleANC existed before the unions in England destroyed the auto business in England, not to mention the support for the ANC in England at the time was quite strong
-
Join the MyBroadband community
Ask a question and get free supportUnlock new privileges and see hidden discussionsWin prizes and earn reputationReduced ads -
Question of the Day: Which major South African city would you least like to live in?
First Ford, then Holden and now Toyota
- Thread starter Rouxenator
- Start date
-
- Tags
- australia closure production stop suxzor
ANC existed before the unions in England destroyed the auto business in England, not to mention the support for the ANC in England at the time was quite strong
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Exactly.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
End of an era as last Aussie car plant shuts
Adelaide, Australia - The last Australian-built car rolled off Holden's production in northern Adelaide on Friday, marking the official demise of a national industry unable to stand up to global competition.
The closure of the Elizabeth plant in South Australia is the end of an era for GM-owned Holden, which first started in the state as a saddlery business in 1856 and made the nation's first mass-produced car in 1948. The last car built was a Holden Commodore, a large Australian-designed rear-wheel drive sedan.
The brand has long been an Australian household name, with 1970s commercials singing that "football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars" were part of the nation's identity.
"I feel very sad, as we all do, for it's the end of an era, and you can't get away from the emotional response to the closure," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Friday.
Holden was marketed as "Australia's Own Car" and became a symbol of post-war prosperity Down Under despite being a subsidiary of US giant General Motors.
At its peak in 1964, Holden employed almost 24 000 staff. But just 950 were able to watch the final car leave the factory floor on Friday.
"There are a number of people who have been here since the seventies and today will be a very emotional day for some people and a very sad day," Australian Manufacturing Workers Union state secretary John Camillo told reporters.
Always on the cards
The union blamed the federal government for causing the closure by withdrawing support to the motor industry.
The death of the industry was always on the cards after subsidies were cut off in 2014. Some Aus $30 billion (R321bn) in assistance was handed out between 1997 and 2012, according to the government's Productivity Commission.
The nation's last three car manufacturers - Toyota, Ford and Holden - all announced they would cease production by the end of this year.
The last Australian-made Ford Falcon was rolled out a year ago, while Toyota closed its factory in Melbourne earlier this month.
Among their reasons was the small size of the domestic market and competition from lower-cost manufacturing sites in Asia.
"It's obviously very sad if you are an auto worker, but for the Australian economy it doesn't mean a lot," National Australia Bank chief economist Alan Oster told AFP.
"The economy is very strong at present in the services area. If you go back into the seventies, (manufacturing) was 25 percent of the labour force and roughly the same numbers in terms of GDP.
"Today's it's about seven percent and slightly less in terms of employment. It's a process that's been going on for a long time."
Some 2900 jobs have been shed by Holden over the past few years ahead of the plant's closure. The firm said Friday it would retain 350 designers and engineers and some 700 corporate staff.
Holden cars are now expected to be imported into Australia from countries such as Thailand and South Korea.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/end-of-an-era-as-last-aussie-car-plant-shuts-11637999
Adelaide, Australia - The last Australian-built car rolled off Holden's production in northern Adelaide on Friday, marking the official demise of a national industry unable to stand up to global competition.
The closure of the Elizabeth plant in South Australia is the end of an era for GM-owned Holden, which first started in the state as a saddlery business in 1856 and made the nation's first mass-produced car in 1948. The last car built was a Holden Commodore, a large Australian-designed rear-wheel drive sedan.
The brand has long been an Australian household name, with 1970s commercials singing that "football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars" were part of the nation's identity.
"I feel very sad, as we all do, for it's the end of an era, and you can't get away from the emotional response to the closure," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Friday.
Holden was marketed as "Australia's Own Car" and became a symbol of post-war prosperity Down Under despite being a subsidiary of US giant General Motors.
At its peak in 1964, Holden employed almost 24 000 staff. But just 950 were able to watch the final car leave the factory floor on Friday.
"There are a number of people who have been here since the seventies and today will be a very emotional day for some people and a very sad day," Australian Manufacturing Workers Union state secretary John Camillo told reporters.
Always on the cards
The union blamed the federal government for causing the closure by withdrawing support to the motor industry.
The death of the industry was always on the cards after subsidies were cut off in 2014. Some Aus $30 billion (R321bn) in assistance was handed out between 1997 and 2012, according to the government's Productivity Commission.
The nation's last three car manufacturers - Toyota, Ford and Holden - all announced they would cease production by the end of this year.
The last Australian-made Ford Falcon was rolled out a year ago, while Toyota closed its factory in Melbourne earlier this month.
Among their reasons was the small size of the domestic market and competition from lower-cost manufacturing sites in Asia.
"It's obviously very sad if you are an auto worker, but for the Australian economy it doesn't mean a lot," National Australia Bank chief economist Alan Oster told AFP.
"The economy is very strong at present in the services area. If you go back into the seventies, (manufacturing) was 25 percent of the labour force and roughly the same numbers in terms of GDP.
"Today's it's about seven percent and slightly less in terms of employment. It's a process that's been going on for a long time."
Some 2900 jobs have been shed by Holden over the past few years ahead of the plant's closure. The firm said Friday it would retain 350 designers and engineers and some 700 corporate staff.
Holden cars are now expected to be imported into Australia from countries such as Thailand and South Korea.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/end-of-an-era-as-last-aussie-car-plant-shuts-11637999
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Holden's Australian Legacy - Drive.com.au
[video=youtube_share;TgaY3ZkqGEw]https://youtu.be/TgaY3ZkqGEw[/video]
[video=youtube_share;TgaY3ZkqGEw]https://youtu.be/TgaY3ZkqGEw[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Aussie Greats: seven decades of car production
As Australia's car production era comes to an end, we celebrate some of the finest machines made Down Under
The lines of Australia’s final car production plant have now ground to a halt.
Holden, the country’s final car producer, will follow Ford and Toyota’s lead by moving production elsewhere. Given Holden, which has been owned by GM since 1931, has been making cars in the country for seven decades, it seemed fitting to look back at some of the finest cars that have been made in Australia.
Would you add any cars to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
1948-1953 Holden 48-215
Not many car brands can claim to have got off to a rolling start, but Holden, with its domestically-developed 48-215, did just that. The model was celebrated for its excellent towing ability, comfortable ride and impressive fuel economy – all traits that made it a better overall car for Australia than the previously strong selling Austin A40. Such was its popularity that more than 120,000 were produced.
1968-1969 Holden HK Monaro
One of the most striking Holdens produced is this, the HK Monaro. Borrowing a typically ‘60s pillarless coupé design from the Opel Commodore, the HK was affordable but extremely desirable for the fashion-minded driver. The top of the range GTS 327 had a four-barrel 5.3-litre Chevrolet V8 engine that produced 249bhp and drove tyres complete with red bands. The fact the model was a Barthurst winner in ’68 cemented its place in the Holden hall of fame.
1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Pursuit Special
Arguably the most iconic non-Holden Aussie car there is; it's Mad Max's '73 Ford Falcon XB GT. As menacing as it is famous, the car was a 1973 model, and was six years old when the film came out. Shame that the supercharger thrusting from its bonnet wasn’t operational during filming, but its on-screen presence is second to none.
1975-1978 Holden LX Sunbird
At a glance, the LX Sunbird was just a facelifted version of the LX Torana. But look deeper – or take a ride – and the technical advances it offered become clear. Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS) is the name of the then radically improved chassis setup introduced with the 1975 model. With it, the pre-update car’s roly poly handling was gone, swapped for a sharper, more appropriate stance that finally suited its macho exterior. The ’78 VB Commodore that followed used it’s own take of RTS and quickly became a Holden icon, setting the brand on a path that ensured many more performance legends would be produced.
1978-1980 Holden VB Commodore
Think this looks familiar? That’s because the VB Commodore was heavily based on the Opel Senator aka Vauxhall Viceroy, borrowing its stylish front end and combining it with the more compact rear of the Opel Rekord. It was at its best with a Nissan-sourced six-cylinder. You could say the car was Australia’s cherry-picked global product, but it also had genuine Aussie genes thanks to a comprehensive local re-engineering.
1987 Holden VL Commodore Touring Car Championship racer
Holden was already famous for its racing at home, but on the world stage the name was still fairly low scale. Cue the opening round of the 1987 World Touring Car Championship where former Ford racer Allan Moffat entered a VL Commodore, finished in Rothmans livery, with fellow Aussie John Harvey. The unlikely entrant was only beaten across the line by six factory-supported BMW M3s, but then later awarded the win when the German squad were found to be running with lightweight panels – against regulations. The Commodore wasn’t able to follow up its WTCC win with anymore silverware, but its surprise performance at the opening international race means it stacks up, albeit behind a long list of domestic championship successes, as one of Holden’s most impressive motorsport achievements.
1997-2000 Holden VT Commodore
The success of the best-selling Commodore, which was produced in 303,895 units, was key for the birth of many great hot Holdens. The VT Commodore led to the HSV-developed VTII GTS in 2000, which channelled an E39 BMW M5-embarresing 402bhp to its rear wheels thanks to the 5.7-litre supercharged V8 up front. The two-door V2 Monaro also owed much of its existence to the Commodore. The VT was a sales success and the forebear to other great things.
1997-present Supercars racers
Australia's answer to the BTCC uses 'Supercars' - 5.0-litre, V8-engined muscle cars, often based on road-going saloons like, unexpectedly, the Volvo S60, Mercedes-AMG E63 and Nissan Altima. It's been going since 1997, although only since 2013 have cars been able to enter which aren't, you guessed it, Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores.
2007-2017 Holden HSV Maloo
Chances are you think of a 'ute when you think of an Australian car, and no 'ute is better known in the UK than the HSV Maloo. A handful have been brought to the UK, mostly as Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo-badged variants. Thank God for badge engineering.
2013-2017 Holden HSV Gen-F
Australia’s engineering talents can at least bow out on a high, because the HSV Gen-F, Holden’s last hot model, is also one of its best. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 packing 577bhp and 546lb ft of torque, the four-door muscle car can go pound for pound with the Mercedes-AMG E63 S but for a much lower price. The car’s HSV-tuned magnetic dampers mean it’s got the agility to match, making this arguably the best all-round machine to have come from the Lion-badged car maker’s home soil. The W1, the run-out special, was brought to the UK as the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R. And we drove one.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/anything-goes/aussie-greats-seven-decades-car-production
As Australia's car production era comes to an end, we celebrate some of the finest machines made Down Under
The lines of Australia’s final car production plant have now ground to a halt.
Holden, the country’s final car producer, will follow Ford and Toyota’s lead by moving production elsewhere. Given Holden, which has been owned by GM since 1931, has been making cars in the country for seven decades, it seemed fitting to look back at some of the finest cars that have been made in Australia.
Would you add any cars to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
1948-1953 Holden 48-215
Not many car brands can claim to have got off to a rolling start, but Holden, with its domestically-developed 48-215, did just that. The model was celebrated for its excellent towing ability, comfortable ride and impressive fuel economy – all traits that made it a better overall car for Australia than the previously strong selling Austin A40. Such was its popularity that more than 120,000 were produced.
1968-1969 Holden HK Monaro
One of the most striking Holdens produced is this, the HK Monaro. Borrowing a typically ‘60s pillarless coupé design from the Opel Commodore, the HK was affordable but extremely desirable for the fashion-minded driver. The top of the range GTS 327 had a four-barrel 5.3-litre Chevrolet V8 engine that produced 249bhp and drove tyres complete with red bands. The fact the model was a Barthurst winner in ’68 cemented its place in the Holden hall of fame.
1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Pursuit Special
Arguably the most iconic non-Holden Aussie car there is; it's Mad Max's '73 Ford Falcon XB GT. As menacing as it is famous, the car was a 1973 model, and was six years old when the film came out. Shame that the supercharger thrusting from its bonnet wasn’t operational during filming, but its on-screen presence is second to none.
1975-1978 Holden LX Sunbird
At a glance, the LX Sunbird was just a facelifted version of the LX Torana. But look deeper – or take a ride – and the technical advances it offered become clear. Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS) is the name of the then radically improved chassis setup introduced with the 1975 model. With it, the pre-update car’s roly poly handling was gone, swapped for a sharper, more appropriate stance that finally suited its macho exterior. The ’78 VB Commodore that followed used it’s own take of RTS and quickly became a Holden icon, setting the brand on a path that ensured many more performance legends would be produced.
1978-1980 Holden VB Commodore
Think this looks familiar? That’s because the VB Commodore was heavily based on the Opel Senator aka Vauxhall Viceroy, borrowing its stylish front end and combining it with the more compact rear of the Opel Rekord. It was at its best with a Nissan-sourced six-cylinder. You could say the car was Australia’s cherry-picked global product, but it also had genuine Aussie genes thanks to a comprehensive local re-engineering.
1987 Holden VL Commodore Touring Car Championship racer
Holden was already famous for its racing at home, but on the world stage the name was still fairly low scale. Cue the opening round of the 1987 World Touring Car Championship where former Ford racer Allan Moffat entered a VL Commodore, finished in Rothmans livery, with fellow Aussie John Harvey. The unlikely entrant was only beaten across the line by six factory-supported BMW M3s, but then later awarded the win when the German squad were found to be running with lightweight panels – against regulations. The Commodore wasn’t able to follow up its WTCC win with anymore silverware, but its surprise performance at the opening international race means it stacks up, albeit behind a long list of domestic championship successes, as one of Holden’s most impressive motorsport achievements.
1997-2000 Holden VT Commodore
The success of the best-selling Commodore, which was produced in 303,895 units, was key for the birth of many great hot Holdens. The VT Commodore led to the HSV-developed VTII GTS in 2000, which channelled an E39 BMW M5-embarresing 402bhp to its rear wheels thanks to the 5.7-litre supercharged V8 up front. The two-door V2 Monaro also owed much of its existence to the Commodore. The VT was a sales success and the forebear to other great things.
1997-present Supercars racers
Australia's answer to the BTCC uses 'Supercars' - 5.0-litre, V8-engined muscle cars, often based on road-going saloons like, unexpectedly, the Volvo S60, Mercedes-AMG E63 and Nissan Altima. It's been going since 1997, although only since 2013 have cars been able to enter which aren't, you guessed it, Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores.
2007-2017 Holden HSV Maloo
Chances are you think of a 'ute when you think of an Australian car, and no 'ute is better known in the UK than the HSV Maloo. A handful have been brought to the UK, mostly as Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo-badged variants. Thank God for badge engineering.
2013-2017 Holden HSV Gen-F
Australia’s engineering talents can at least bow out on a high, because the HSV Gen-F, Holden’s last hot model, is also one of its best. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 packing 577bhp and 546lb ft of torque, the four-door muscle car can go pound for pound with the Mercedes-AMG E63 S but for a much lower price. The car’s HSV-tuned magnetic dampers mean it’s got the agility to match, making this arguably the best all-round machine to have come from the Lion-badged car maker’s home soil. The W1, the run-out special, was brought to the UK as the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R. And we drove one.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/anything-goes/aussie-greats-seven-decades-car-production
FiestaST
Honorary Master
A Final Factory Tour with Holden - Drive.com.au
[video=youtube_share;lmYhdXzkt5k]https://youtu.be/lmYhdXzkt5k[/video]
[video=youtube_share;lmYhdXzkt5k]https://youtu.be/lmYhdXzkt5k[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
[video=youtube_share;_uFYW5tMoeg]https://youtu.be/_uFYW5tMoeg[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Used car buying guide: Vauxhall Monaro
Fancy a big, strong V8 engine powering, often overpowering, the rear wheels of an Aussie-born coupé? We report on the no-nonsense Vauxhall Monaro
The closure of the Holden plant in Australia last year is a blow for not only the workers but also fans of the bonkers muscle cars that, via Holden Special Vehicles, emerged from it.
In recent weeks, the last of the UK’s allocation of the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R saloon and VXR8 Maloo pick-up have been sold.
So where now is a lover of HSV’s brand of back-to-basics, rear-drive brawn to get their kicks? A spankers 2009-reg VXR8 will set you back around £33,000 but you don’t have to spend that. For just £6500, you could be in its forebear, a 2005-reg Monaro 5.7i V8 coupé (also called the CV8).
Admittedly, it has done almost 145k miles but it has full service history and, at least in photos, looks tidy. Its simple, all-alloy, small-block Chevrolet engine (codenamed LS1) should still be producing close to 328bhp and a still more impressive 343lb ft. You want more? Consider the rarer and more powerful VXR version with 376bhp and 376lb ft. Assuming you can keep the back wheels under control, it does 0-62mph in 5.4sec compared with the CV8’s 6.0sec.
Both models were launched in 2004. With their six-speed manual transmissions, simple suspension and, apart from traction control, absence of driver aids, they were an antidote to more sophisticated fare such as the Mercedes CLK 55 AMG and BMW M5. Fourteen years on, this simplicity is serving them well as used motors, although sourcing body panels and major bits is becoming harder. Fortunately, Monkfish Performance and other specialists such as LSX V8 (it breaks Monaros for spares too) should be able to supply that elusive component.
In 2005, a facelifted version of the Monaro arrived with air scoops in the bonnet, a more aggressive nose and twin tailpipes. The CV8’s power rose to 344bhp and the VXR dumped the 5.7 in favour of a 6.0 V8 (codenamed LS2). It was related to the LS1 but produced 397bhp and 390lb ft and the 0-62mph sprint fell to 5.1sec.
The following year, 2006, was the Monaro’s last, and to mark the occasion, a supercharger was added to the 6.0 VXR to create the limited-edition VXR500. It packed 479bhp and 500lb ft. It might have been theMonaro’s final year but sluggish sales meant that some cars weren’t registered until 2007.
Today, many Monaros have been through the hands of enthusiasts keen to sharpen their car’s responses. So long as the work has been expertly done, you should have no worries. Things to be more concerned about are transmission noise and rust: rusty suspension, rusty pipes, rusty chassis legs and rusty panels.
Inevitably, with only around 550 Monaros remaining and very few for sale at any one time, prices are being eased up by cries of ‘rare classic!’.
Be careful, since prices for the later VXR8 6.0 saloon of 2007 start at £15,000, about what you’ll pay for a nice Monaro. On the other hand, the Monaro is the prettier car.
How to get one in your garage:
An expert’s view - MARC WALE, FOUNDER, MW PERFORMANCE: “We’re an independent Vauxhall VXR centre, so we see Monaros in all conditions. Rarity, ageless looks and that charismatic V8 are whatthe model has going for it. The all- aluminium pushrod engine is durable, reliable and easy to maintain. Bad points are the clunky transmission, increasing scarcity of new parts and the rising price of used bits.
What rustproofing there is doesn’t protect it from our wet and salty winters, either. And, let’s be honest, the handling isn’t the most sophisticated. It can be very tail-happy, so check for accident damage. All that said, find a good one at a reasonable price, look after it and watch its value climb.”
Buyer beware…
ENGINE - Generally trouble-free. Throttle bodies on some 6.0-litre cars are known to fail. The radiator is prone to leaking on the driver’s side. Fuel pipes rust badly. Service intervals are 10,000 miles.
TRANSMISSION - Check for noises, oil leaks and sticky operation. Spigot bearings at the rear of the crank can fail (listen for whirring), damaging the gearbox’s front bearing.
The gearbox’s main output shaft seal canleak. Failure of the clutch slave cylinder requires gearbox removal to replace. Centre propshaft rubber can fail. The diff pinion seal leaks if the oil breather pipe is kinked.
STEERING, BRAKES AND SUSPENSION - The power steering pump is prone to failure on high-mileage cars and its pipes corrode badly. The steering fluid cooler is easily damaged by road debris. The steering rack can leak fluid. Poorly protected rear brake pipes rust badly. The front dampers are prone to rapid wear. Alignment issues are common so check the tyre wear.
CHASSIS AND BODY - Front chassis legs, rear suspension and the leading underside edge of the bonnet rust but floorpans and sills are generally okay. The car’s long overhangs are prone to grounding. Poor body repairs are common and some panels are impossible to source.
INTERIOR - Check the carpets are dry (door seals can fail) and ensure the seats don’t slide during braking and acceleration.
Also worth knowing:
Bought the Monaro of your dreams? Right, get your wallet out again. Here’s what you need to do to it: undersealing (around £700), LS7 clutch upgrade (£1000), lowering springs (£500 fitted), quick rack (£450 fitted), Ripshifter to overcome that sluggish change (£285 fitted), Polybushes to sharpen the suspension (£150 fitted).
How much to spend:
£6500-£9995 - From early high-mileage (circa 150k) 5.7i CV8s with service history, to tidy, facelifted 06-reg cars with 60k miles for £9995.
£10,000 - £13,995 - Low-mileage 2006-reg facelifted 5.7i CV8s. Also, a 2005-reg 6.0i VXR with 55k miles for £12,950.
£14,000-£19,995 - Best 6.0i VXRs with full history, many with gearbox and suspension mods.
£20,000+ - Supercharged VXR500, if you can find one.
One we found:
VAUXHALL MONARO 6.0i VXR, 2005/55, 55K MILES, £12,950 - This car has a full service history and recent work includes new drop links, water pump and fuel cable, and refurbished alloy wheels. It also has a variety of intelligent mods and the seller admits he’s open to offers.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-vauxhall-monaro
Fancy a big, strong V8 engine powering, often overpowering, the rear wheels of an Aussie-born coupé? We report on the no-nonsense Vauxhall Monaro
The closure of the Holden plant in Australia last year is a blow for not only the workers but also fans of the bonkers muscle cars that, via Holden Special Vehicles, emerged from it.
In recent weeks, the last of the UK’s allocation of the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R saloon and VXR8 Maloo pick-up have been sold.
So where now is a lover of HSV’s brand of back-to-basics, rear-drive brawn to get their kicks? A spankers 2009-reg VXR8 will set you back around £33,000 but you don’t have to spend that. For just £6500, you could be in its forebear, a 2005-reg Monaro 5.7i V8 coupé (also called the CV8).
Admittedly, it has done almost 145k miles but it has full service history and, at least in photos, looks tidy. Its simple, all-alloy, small-block Chevrolet engine (codenamed LS1) should still be producing close to 328bhp and a still more impressive 343lb ft. You want more? Consider the rarer and more powerful VXR version with 376bhp and 376lb ft. Assuming you can keep the back wheels under control, it does 0-62mph in 5.4sec compared with the CV8’s 6.0sec.
Both models were launched in 2004. With their six-speed manual transmissions, simple suspension and, apart from traction control, absence of driver aids, they were an antidote to more sophisticated fare such as the Mercedes CLK 55 AMG and BMW M5. Fourteen years on, this simplicity is serving them well as used motors, although sourcing body panels and major bits is becoming harder. Fortunately, Monkfish Performance and other specialists such as LSX V8 (it breaks Monaros for spares too) should be able to supply that elusive component.
In 2005, a facelifted version of the Monaro arrived with air scoops in the bonnet, a more aggressive nose and twin tailpipes. The CV8’s power rose to 344bhp and the VXR dumped the 5.7 in favour of a 6.0 V8 (codenamed LS2). It was related to the LS1 but produced 397bhp and 390lb ft and the 0-62mph sprint fell to 5.1sec.
The following year, 2006, was the Monaro’s last, and to mark the occasion, a supercharger was added to the 6.0 VXR to create the limited-edition VXR500. It packed 479bhp and 500lb ft. It might have been theMonaro’s final year but sluggish sales meant that some cars weren’t registered until 2007.
Today, many Monaros have been through the hands of enthusiasts keen to sharpen their car’s responses. So long as the work has been expertly done, you should have no worries. Things to be more concerned about are transmission noise and rust: rusty suspension, rusty pipes, rusty chassis legs and rusty panels.
Inevitably, with only around 550 Monaros remaining and very few for sale at any one time, prices are being eased up by cries of ‘rare classic!’.
Be careful, since prices for the later VXR8 6.0 saloon of 2007 start at £15,000, about what you’ll pay for a nice Monaro. On the other hand, the Monaro is the prettier car.
How to get one in your garage:
An expert’s view - MARC WALE, FOUNDER, MW PERFORMANCE: “We’re an independent Vauxhall VXR centre, so we see Monaros in all conditions. Rarity, ageless looks and that charismatic V8 are whatthe model has going for it. The all- aluminium pushrod engine is durable, reliable and easy to maintain. Bad points are the clunky transmission, increasing scarcity of new parts and the rising price of used bits.
What rustproofing there is doesn’t protect it from our wet and salty winters, either. And, let’s be honest, the handling isn’t the most sophisticated. It can be very tail-happy, so check for accident damage. All that said, find a good one at a reasonable price, look after it and watch its value climb.”
Buyer beware…
ENGINE - Generally trouble-free. Throttle bodies on some 6.0-litre cars are known to fail. The radiator is prone to leaking on the driver’s side. Fuel pipes rust badly. Service intervals are 10,000 miles.
TRANSMISSION - Check for noises, oil leaks and sticky operation. Spigot bearings at the rear of the crank can fail (listen for whirring), damaging the gearbox’s front bearing.
The gearbox’s main output shaft seal canleak. Failure of the clutch slave cylinder requires gearbox removal to replace. Centre propshaft rubber can fail. The diff pinion seal leaks if the oil breather pipe is kinked.
STEERING, BRAKES AND SUSPENSION - The power steering pump is prone to failure on high-mileage cars and its pipes corrode badly. The steering fluid cooler is easily damaged by road debris. The steering rack can leak fluid. Poorly protected rear brake pipes rust badly. The front dampers are prone to rapid wear. Alignment issues are common so check the tyre wear.
CHASSIS AND BODY - Front chassis legs, rear suspension and the leading underside edge of the bonnet rust but floorpans and sills are generally okay. The car’s long overhangs are prone to grounding. Poor body repairs are common and some panels are impossible to source.
INTERIOR - Check the carpets are dry (door seals can fail) and ensure the seats don’t slide during braking and acceleration.
Also worth knowing:
Bought the Monaro of your dreams? Right, get your wallet out again. Here’s what you need to do to it: undersealing (around £700), LS7 clutch upgrade (£1000), lowering springs (£500 fitted), quick rack (£450 fitted), Ripshifter to overcome that sluggish change (£285 fitted), Polybushes to sharpen the suspension (£150 fitted).
How much to spend:
£6500-£9995 - From early high-mileage (circa 150k) 5.7i CV8s with service history, to tidy, facelifted 06-reg cars with 60k miles for £9995.
£10,000 - £13,995 - Low-mileage 2006-reg facelifted 5.7i CV8s. Also, a 2005-reg 6.0i VXR with 55k miles for £12,950.
£14,000-£19,995 - Best 6.0i VXRs with full history, many with gearbox and suspension mods.
£20,000+ - Supercharged VXR500, if you can find one.
One we found:
VAUXHALL MONARO 6.0i VXR, 2005/55, 55K MILES, £12,950 - This car has a full service history and recent work includes new drop links, water pump and fuel cable, and refurbished alloy wheels. It also has a variety of intelligent mods and the seller admits he’s open to offers.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-vauxhall-monaro
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Australia’s once iconic Holden Commodore axed after 41 years
Australia’s Holden Commodore in its previous guises was once an iconic rear-wheel sedan that also formed the basis of South Africa’s Chevrolet Lumina SS and the US market’s Chevrolet SS, both V8-powered brutes that provided plenty of good old fashioned bang for the buck.
But from the end of 2020, the Commodore nameplate will be no more, Goauto.com.au reports, but truth be told the Commodore has already been dead since 2017 when production of the Australian-designed rear-driven model ended just as the country’s entire car manufacturing industry was grinding to a halt.
Rather than let it go out with a blaze of glory, however, GM then decided to import a rebadged version of the front-wheel-drive Opel Insignia and the result has been a sales disaster, with GM expecting to shift just over 8000 units this year.
This is a far cry from its heyday, when the Commodore was Australia’s best-selling car by far, even hitting the 94 000 mark in 1998, according to CarAdvice.
www.iol.co.za
Australia’s Holden Commodore in its previous guises was once an iconic rear-wheel sedan that also formed the basis of South Africa’s Chevrolet Lumina SS and the US market’s Chevrolet SS, both V8-powered brutes that provided plenty of good old fashioned bang for the buck.
But from the end of 2020, the Commodore nameplate will be no more, Goauto.com.au reports, but truth be told the Commodore has already been dead since 2017 when production of the Australian-designed rear-driven model ended just as the country’s entire car manufacturing industry was grinding to a halt.
Rather than let it go out with a blaze of glory, however, GM then decided to import a rebadged version of the front-wheel-drive Opel Insignia and the result has been a sales disaster, with GM expecting to shift just over 8000 units this year.
This is a far cry from its heyday, when the Commodore was Australia’s best-selling car by far, even hitting the 94 000 mark in 1998, according to CarAdvice.
Australia’s once iconic Holden Commodore axed after 41 years
It could be argued, however, that the Commodore (which was SA's Lumina SS) was effectively killed years ago.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
End of an era: Holden to be retired | CarAdvice
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Holden axed in Australia as General Motors gets out of right-hand-drive globally
The Holden brand will be retired at the end of this year, selected showrooms may stock a limited range of Chevrolet vehicles under new General Motors Specialty Vehicles badge.
Holden will be axed in Australia at the end of 2020 – just three years after the end of local manufacturing and the lowest monthly sales since it was established in 1948 – as US car giant General Motors gets out of right-hand-drive markets globally.
Although Holden had been posting record low sales – which led to the end of the Commodore and Astra models late last year – the announcement has still come as a shock to industry veterans now the brand has lost its final lifeline.
General Motors will also close its Melbourne design studio and test track at Lang Lang on the south-east outskirts of Melbourne. Approximately 600 of the 800 jobs will be lost, with all being awarded redundancies. The remaining workforce of 200 people will take care of Holden's ongoing service and warranty commitments for up to 10 years.
Holden management informed head office staff and dealers about midday today. An official media statement from Holden is forthcoming.
www.caradvice.com.au
The Holden brand will be retired at the end of this year, selected showrooms may stock a limited range of Chevrolet vehicles under new General Motors Specialty Vehicles badge.
Holden will be axed in Australia at the end of 2020 – just three years after the end of local manufacturing and the lowest monthly sales since it was established in 1948 – as US car giant General Motors gets out of right-hand-drive markets globally.
Although Holden had been posting record low sales – which led to the end of the Commodore and Astra models late last year – the announcement has still come as a shock to industry veterans now the brand has lost its final lifeline.
General Motors will also close its Melbourne design studio and test track at Lang Lang on the south-east outskirts of Melbourne. Approximately 600 of the 800 jobs will be lost, with all being awarded redundancies. The remaining workforce of 200 people will take care of Holden's ongoing service and warranty commitments for up to 10 years.
Holden management informed head office staff and dealers about midday today. An official media statement from Holden is forthcoming.
Holden axed as GM gets out of right-hand-drive | CarAdvice
Holden will be axed in Australia at the end of 2020 – just three years after the end of local manufacturing and the lowest monthly sales since it was established in 1948 – as US car giant General Mot ...
www.caradvice.com.au
FiestaST
Honorary Master
General Motors scraps Aussie car brand Holden
General Motors announced Monday it would scrap struggling Australian car brand Holden, with engineering, design and sales operations to be wound down in the coming months.
The more than 150-year-old company created Australia's first local mass-produced vehicle and was a dominant brand in the country for decades, becoming a cultural touchstone Down Under.
'Agonising decision that we didn't take lightly'
In 2017, it followed Ford and Toyota in moving production offshore, marking the end of car manufacturing in the country.
GM's senior vice president of international operations, Julian Blissett, said about 600 people would lose their jobs in the coming months as a result of ending the brand in Australia and New Zealand.
www.wheels24.co.za
General Motors announced Monday it would scrap struggling Australian car brand Holden, with engineering, design and sales operations to be wound down in the coming months.
The more than 150-year-old company created Australia's first local mass-produced vehicle and was a dominant brand in the country for decades, becoming a cultural touchstone Down Under.
'Agonising decision that we didn't take lightly'
In 2017, it followed Ford and Toyota in moving production offshore, marking the end of car manufacturing in the country.
GM's senior vice president of international operations, Julian Blissett, said about 600 people would lose their jobs in the coming months as a result of ending the brand in Australia and New Zealand.
General Motors scraps Aussie car brand Holden | Life
General Motors announced it would scrap struggling Australian car brand Holden, with engineering, design and sales operations to be wound down in the coming months.
www.wheels24.co.za
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
- Joined
- May 27, 2008
- Messages
- 17,460
- Reaction score
- 19,141
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Sad sad.
According to my old Car magazines Holden vehicles were sold in SA for a number of years, mostly in the 70's.
According to my old Car magazines Holden vehicles were sold in SA for a number of years, mostly in the 70's.
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
- Joined
- May 27, 2008
- Messages
- 17,460
- Reaction score
- 19,141
I had a family relative that lived in Sandton in the 1970's, who owned one of these 1969 Holden HT Monaro GTS 2-door coupes - a black one with white racing stripes. It was an amazing muscle car to go in for a ride on the highway back then, as a teenage petrol-head!
She also had a 1968 Chevy Camaro SS as well - a red convertible with black leather - she drove it around for years in Johannesburg with its California licence plates still on it.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
GM pulls the plug on Holden brand in right-hand-drive cull
General Motors is set to discontinue its historic Australian brand Holden as it pulls the plug on right-hand-drive production. This will effectively see the company pull out of Australia, New Zealand and Thailand part of a strategy to exit markets that don't produce adequate returns on investments.
Holden ended its local manufacturing operations in South Australia in 2017 after 69 years, but the brand was still selling importing rebadged cars from abroad.
"The Holden brand will be retired from sales in Australia and New Zealand and local design and engineering operations will wind down by 2021," General Motors said in a statement.
GM President Mark Reuss, who once ran the Australian operations, said the company explored options to continue Holden, “but none could overcome the challenges of the investments needed for the highly fragmented right-hand-drive market, the economics to support growing the brand, and delivering an appropriate return on investment,” he said in the statement.
The company had "taken the difficult decision" based on "global priorities," Julian Blissett, GM's International Operations senior vice president, said in the statement.
Thai factory sold to GWM
GM also plans to sell its Rayong factory in Thailand to China's Great Wall Motors and withdraw the Chevrolet brand from Thailand by the end of this year.
However, this decision may well end up being good news for workers as Great Wall Motors said it intends to expand in Southeast Asia using the plant in Thailand as its base.
GM said it had analysed the business case for future production at the Rayong plant, but low utilization of its capacity and low sales volumes “made continued GM production at the site unsustainable.”
www.iol.co.za
General Motors is set to discontinue its historic Australian brand Holden as it pulls the plug on right-hand-drive production. This will effectively see the company pull out of Australia, New Zealand and Thailand part of a strategy to exit markets that don't produce adequate returns on investments.
Holden ended its local manufacturing operations in South Australia in 2017 after 69 years, but the brand was still selling importing rebadged cars from abroad.
"The Holden brand will be retired from sales in Australia and New Zealand and local design and engineering operations will wind down by 2021," General Motors said in a statement.
GM President Mark Reuss, who once ran the Australian operations, said the company explored options to continue Holden, “but none could overcome the challenges of the investments needed for the highly fragmented right-hand-drive market, the economics to support growing the brand, and delivering an appropriate return on investment,” he said in the statement.
The company had "taken the difficult decision" based on "global priorities," Julian Blissett, GM's International Operations senior vice president, said in the statement.
Thai factory sold to GWM
GM also plans to sell its Rayong factory in Thailand to China's Great Wall Motors and withdraw the Chevrolet brand from Thailand by the end of this year.
However, this decision may well end up being good news for workers as Great Wall Motors said it intends to expand in Southeast Asia using the plant in Thailand as its base.
GM said it had analysed the business case for future production at the Rayong plant, but low utilization of its capacity and low sales volumes “made continued GM production at the site unsustainable.”
GM pulls the plug on Holden brand in right-hand-drive cull
The General Motors disinvestment drive continues as the company announces plans to exit Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
General Motors axes Australia's Holden brand
Historic marque retired after more than a century of vehicle production, with 600 job losses expected
The Holden brand will be axed by parent company General Motors (GM) by the end of 2021, ending the storied Australian brand’s 164-year history.
The company, founded in Melbourne in 1856, has been owned by GM since 1931. It dominated the Australian and New Zealand car markets for decades, but its market share slipped dramaticlly in recent years and it began to post heavy losses. In 2017, GM shut down Holden's manufacturing operations in Australia, leaving the firm selling a mix of imported and rebadged Opel and GM machines.
www.autocar.co.uk
Historic marque retired after more than a century of vehicle production, with 600 job losses expected
The Holden brand will be axed by parent company General Motors (GM) by the end of 2021, ending the storied Australian brand’s 164-year history.
The company, founded in Melbourne in 1856, has been owned by GM since 1931. It dominated the Australian and New Zealand car markets for decades, but its market share slipped dramaticlly in recent years and it began to post heavy losses. In 2017, GM shut down Holden's manufacturing operations in Australia, leaving the firm selling a mix of imported and rebadged Opel and GM machines.
General Motors axes Australia's Holden brand | Autocar
Historic marque retired after more than a century of vehicle production, with 600 job losses expected
www.autocar.co.uk
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
- Joined
- May 27, 2008
- Messages
- 17,460
- Reaction score
- 19,141
Holden's 164-year story: How a beloved Aussie brand turned to dust - The Age
After revealing its very first all-Australian car in 1948, Holden will be no more by the end of 2020. We look back at the iconic brand's history.
Read the full article here:
www.theage.com.au
After revealing its very first all-Australian car in 1948, Holden will be no more by the end of 2020. We look back at the iconic brand's history.
Read the full article here:
Holden's 164-year story: How a beloved Aussie brand turned to dust
After revealing its very first all-Australian car in 1948 and becoming a staple for families around the country, Holden will be no more by the end of 2020. We look back at the iconic brand's 164-year history.
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
- Joined
- May 27, 2008
- Messages
- 17,460
- Reaction score
- 19,141
Supercars reacts to GM retiring Holden - speedcafe
www.speedcafe.com
Supercars reacts to GM retiring Holden
Supercars has responded in the wake of Holden's demise Supercars has responded to General Motors' announcement today that it will
www.speedcafe.com