The much-treasured Mrs Holden’s Holden – a 48-215 model also known as the Holden FX – will be staying put at the National Motor Museum, after the South Australian Government took ownership of the historic vehicle.
Mrs Holden’s Holden (pictured) was owned by a private collector and, through a generous long-term loan, has been on display at the National Motor Museum. However, the owner’s desire to sell the car meant the State risked losing an important part of South Australia’s heritage.
Thankfully, the South Australian Government stepped in and snapped up the piece of Australian motoring history.
“I am thrilled we have been able to support the permanent public display of a significant piece of South Australia’s automotive history,” said SA Minister, Blair Boyer.
“The Holden 48-215 became the first mass-manufactured and sold car in Australia and Adelaide is the home of Holden, and its birthplace. Its origin story runs deep in our state and of course, Mrs Holden is a part of that story.
“The vehicle also reflects South Australians’ innovation and engineering skills and can inspire future generations of innovators.”
Built in Adelaide and assembled in Victoria in 1948, Mrs Holden’s Holden is one the first Holdens sold.
“Significant vehicles like this are one of the driving reasons people visit the National Motor Museum,” said History Trust CEO, Greg Mackie OAM.
The museum is host to Holden Heroes: 1948 to 2017 a retrospective that showcases 18 of the most special vehicles from Holden’s Heritage Collection thanks to a partnership with General Motors (GM).
On display is the Hurricane (1969), the unique Torana GTR-X (1970), as well as the Number One Holden (1948) and the very last Australian-made Holden, a VF Commodore Series II SS Redline (2017).
This year, GM celebrates the 75th anniversary of the release of its first all-Australian manufactured car.
“The History Trust has over 350 vehicles on display in the Museum. Many are exceptionally rare, and others simply evoke nostalgia and fond memories,” said Mr Mackie.
Mrs Holden’s Holden is now permanently on display in the National Motor Museum’s exhibition Sunburnt Country.
“I encourage you to visit the National Motor Museum in Birdwood and see this beautiful vehicle up close,” said Mr Mackie.
For more information on the National Motor Museum visit https://motor.history.sa.gov.au/.
