The Final Roar - Holdens at the Bend: Classic Restos Series 47

This week's episode is about the 'Final Roar', a journey from the National Motor Museum in Birdswood, South Australia, to the Tallem Bend raceway known as 'The Bend', celebrating 70 years of Holden involvement in motor racing. 

It's an early start for over 150 classic Holdens who assemble at the National Motor Museum. Museum Director Paul Reece tells Fletch how GM has loaned the museum 18 of the top heritage Holdens for a display. Including several one-millionth models, concept cars and Australia's most famous concept car, the 'Efijy' inspired by the Australian-built 1953 Holden FJ. Fletch will take us through the museum display in a later episode. 

The Bend, formerly the Mitsubishi test track, converted to a motorsport park, has a 7.770 km bitumen circuit, drag racing strip, and drift racing circuit. As part of the 'Final Roar' and an official round of the Supercars Championship, turn 17 has been renamed Holden Heaven.

Fletch was out and about, speaking with several proud Holden owners, discussing their vehicles' stories.

First is Kara with a concours condition 1957 FE Holden Special named 'George' after her great grandfather, who purchased the car new back in 1957. It has been in the family ever since; at the age of fifteen, Kara took on the restoration as a school project and has kept the vehicle in meticulous condition. The FE has a powerful connection to her family, and Kara still enjoys driving it today. 

Another Classic is John and Chris's 1955 FJ Panel Van that has undergone a complete restoration. Apart from adding a couple of armrests to the doors (ex the special) for ease of opening and comfort, the panel van is in stock/original condition. It's not the first resto for these passionate restorers, and they now have a trio of FJ's, a ute, a 53' Special sedan, and the panel van. 

Rex first saw a 1964 EH Holden Premier as a teenager when a local doctor drove him, with leather upholstery and carpets, he thought it was luxurious. It inspired him to own one, not ever thinking he would get to own the Doctor's car that inspired him 40 years later. Today, 21 years later, the car has undergone a complete motor and hydramatic transmission rebuild to original specs and a respray; it's an honest and original example with a bit of rust. 

As a culmination of the celebrations, ten selected Holdens were given the honour of a lap of The Bend to the adoration of race fans. One of the cars chosen has quite a unique history. Warren purchased his 4-door HK Holden only 18 months ago. After one inspection, he had to have it. The car's history is fascinating; it was sold out of Preston Motors in Albury and driven locally for only a year before sitting in a driveway for the next 26 years. Today, it is entirely original with the signature 186 engine, venetian blinds in the rear and wheel covers. 

The car that led the 10 Holdens on the lap of honour was an absolute classic, an original 1950 FX Holden owned by Kim with his brother Gary. The day may have been weather challenged but thoroughly enjoined by everyone involved.