THE sentimental value surrounding late model Holden vehicles is likely to diminish in years to come as electric-powered transport expands in modern society.
However, the look, feel and drive of classic Holdens will remain a strong passion for many, including members of the Holdens of Age Car Club, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend.
Club president Roger Johnston said newer model Holdens may no longer hold the same collector’s item tag when electric-powered vehicles rule the roads.
“Holdens are no longer made in Australia which I think will influence vehicle value in years to come,” Mr Johnston said.
“We will lose the Australian Holden identity from here on in whether we like it or not.
“I am not sure the value carries on like it used to.”
Mr Johnston said Holden’s Australian operations were a key support resource when car clubs held events and needed information, but conceded that dialogue was now harder to come by.
Club vice-president Leigh Gilbertson foreshadowed car clubs would also be impacted if electric car technology was largely adopted.
“If everything becomes electric then car clubs will probably die out,” he said.
“These old things will not be able to run on electricity.”
Mr Gilbertson said although the horse and cart was a past form of transport, horse racing is now considered a “sport of kings.”
“Eventually the horse and cart was depleted by vehicle,” he said.
“If petrol-powered vehicles are depleted by electric, then maybe the classic cars may still remain for passionate Holden collectors.
“Hopefully the kids of the future will still be able to see something that maybe granddad had.”
Mr Johnston said the car club was slowly adapting to its next generation with the VT commodore now eligible to join.
“In our club the car has to be at least 21 years old,” Mr Johnston said.
“There are a lot of people who had a commodore for their first car.
“We are reliving our childhood at the moment as these classic Holdens were our first cars, so they will be able to do the same.”
Celebrating two decades since its formation, Mr Johnston said the club came from humble beginnings.
“I have been in other car clubs previously and you always had to travel to Melbourne or Adelaide to be involved in car shows,” he said.
“We just thought the South East needed a one-make car club so we put an add in the paper and that was it.
“We had people approach us for years, talking to us saying an all-Holden car club should have started ages ago.”
Mr Johnston said the club appealed to many people looking to relive their younger years.
“If people have never been to a car show, they are amazed and do not realise so many people share the same passion as them,” he said.
“Guys are like kids in a lolly shop walking around and looking at the cars.
“The biggest benefit is attending events and experiencing things people would not normally be able to do.”
Club secretary Lesley Johnston said reaching 20 years was a “milestone achievement” for everyone involved.
“On Saturday from 10am until 2pm we will hopefully have around 30 cars on display at Freemans Landing at the Valley Lake,” she said.
“Our guest speaker Don Loffler will sell his books down here and put on a presentation for us at our membership dinner held at the Silver Birch Hotel.
“The day is completely open to the public and we hope to see as many people as possible.”
