If you ask members of the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club how special Holdens are, you’ll be told a variety of different answers, each one overflowing with praise, pride, and passion.

From tales surrounding beloved family vehicles and special memories of long-distance road trips to first car ownership experiences and the history associated with champion motor racing driver Peter Brock, their love for the iconic Australian car manufacturer, widely recognised by its symbolic red lion badge, is set to be celebrated later this month when the club hosts Motorfest 25.

A popular annual attraction which features a huge line-up of classic and vintage vehicles including race cars, motorcycles, trucks, and vans, this year, the event will highlight a unique range of Holdens while showcasing and sharing their history with attendees.

From early model FJ, EH, and HK series to more modern commodores and utes, Holden has made a substantial impact on the automotive landscape through the years, and after their production in Australia ceased in 2021, members of the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club are determined to ensure their legacy is not forgotten.

As the proud owner of a 1953 FX Holden sedan (nicknamed Daisy), member of the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club Laurie Fitzpatrick said Motorfest 25 is an opportunity for the next generation of car enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a proud chapter of Australia’s history.

“I think everyone recognises Holdens,” he said.

“I also have a long and proud association with them, and they’re classically Australian.

“You either had a Ford or a Holden when you first started learning to drive and Holdens were very popular choices for first cars because there were so many of them available.

“They’re great cars, and I think just about everyone has a Holden story to tell, so we certainly feel that’s worthy of a celebration at Motorfest 25.”

After the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Fold Mustang at Motorfest 24, they agreed the time had come to turn the headlights on an Australian legend in 2025.

Geoff Howard, who owns a 1990 VN Commodore Sedan, said its important Holdens are remembered and celebrated.

“When Holden production stopped a few years ago, Australia lost a big part of its history,” he said.

“These sort of events, they help to keep that history and those memories alive.”

Motorfest 25 will be held at Jabour Park, South Grafton, from 8am on Sunday, August 17, with the official opening to take place at 9am.

Entry will be via a gold coin donation, and all proceeds raised from the event will be donated to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 13 August 2025.