Which old Holden is your favourite?
Australia Post is releasing a new set of stamps that take a nostalgic look back at five of the iconic car models that made the Holden brand an Australian household name.
The new stamps will feature "Australia's Own Car" the 1948 Holden 48-215 sedan; the luxurious 1963 Holden EH Premier; the fast and flashy 1968 Holden HK Monaro GTS 327; the 1971 Holden HQ Kingswood Ute, a favourite of farmers and tradies; and the 2006 Holden VE Commodore SS V, from the highest-selling Holden car model series.
Australia Post's Nicole Sheffield said the new stamp issue would appeal to car enthusiasts and stamp collectors, but also to the broader Australian public.
"Through our stamp releases, we're in a unique position to highlight and honour important Australian icons and this stamp issue recognises the incredible impact that Holden had on the Australian cultural fabric," she said.
"For generations, Holden vehicles were a constant presence in key industries, such as farming and law enforcement and a much-loved part of many Australian households."
Marc Ebolo, managing director of GM Australia and New Zealand echoed similar sentiments with regards to the issue.
"These five stamps feature iconic vehicles which encapsulate the passion people have for the brand, whether they be past employees who helped develop these vehicles or those who purchased them," he said.
"It's an absolute privilege to have this incredible heritage recognised in such a way by Australia Post."
Over the course of six decades, Holden constructed more than 7.6 million vehicles for Australia and the world and continues to provide aftersales service, support and parts to the 1.6 million Holdens still on the road across the country.
The five $1.10 stamps are available now with additional products including a first day cover, stamp pack, maxicards and a minisheet. Medallion covers will be available from April.
The stamps and associated products are available for purchase at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last.
Which old holden is your favourite?
Aaahh!! the old FC Holden, my first car. She was red and white and I called her Betsy. I bought it in '71 and drove it for around 15 years. Yep, that would be my favourite.
THE BALLAD OF THE ‘P’ PLATER
I feel sorry for P Platers - I used to be one too.
Ok, it was a while ago. - How long? - Well here’s a clue.
The radio was playing well-loved hits like “Maggie May”
When I first got my license and went motoring that day.
My ‘57 Holden had chrome so shiny bright
that when the sunbeams hit it you were blinded by the light.
Its seats were made of leather and its sides had strips of chrome
to frame the blood-red panels; it became my second home.
That car had personality it had to have a name.
A female name for preference, so Betsy it became.
I felt proud as punch when driving round in that old car,
with a big red 'P' Plate sign that you could see from miles afar.
I loved to go out driving and thought others felt the same
but they honked and yelled obscenities as down the road I came.
I was sadly disappointed but ignored the nasty trend.
I was 10 foot tall and bulletproof when Betsy was my friend.
I think that the chrome plating on the bumper hurt their eyes
but the 'P' Plate’s what they hated. Well, that’s all I can surmise
‘cause the swearing dropped considerably and everything improved
When I’d driven for about a year and the 'P' Plate was removed.
I’m in my latter years now; that old car I once enjoyed
with its shiny chrome and 'P' Plate has no doubt been long destroyed.
The car that I drive now has seats of fabric-covered foam.
Its plastic moulded bumper is without a trace of chrome.
I reckon if a 'P' Plate were introduced to it
this car would throw a tantrum and its motor would just quit.
There’s a pretty darn good chance that it would even hide the key
If I tried to stick its bumper with a big red letter ‘P’.
I really miss old Betsy, this new car is not the same,
just like a thousand others, doesn't even have a name.
Old Betsy was a 'Special' this one's just called an XV
and it's bossy and intrusive not so special - not to me.
I've always had a Holden except for an aberration in 2002 when I got a Ford BA. They may not be the best car in the world but personally I've always loved them. A true Holden girl.
Had a Holden Statesman for a couple of years, a gas guzzler, sold it to a young entrepreneur
:) I can well imagine how proud he was Charlie.
The first Holden 48-215 sedan off the production line.
HQ Monaro for me. My first car was a HQ Belmont, because even then, Monaros were well out of my price range. Or maybe I should say my dad's – he bought me my first car! Wish I still had it ...
I do really like FC Holdens, too. I'd love to have one of them one day.