Melbourne, 10 July, 2012

The Hodgett brothers knew exactly what they were dealing with when they made a bid to purchase a very rare Holden FJ Stationwagon that had been dying a slow death from neglect some years ago.  The problem was, so did its owner!

The fact is GM Holden never marketed a FX nor a FJ Holden in Stationwagon form.  They did build one example, as a design exercise, and it is known that its owner has turned down offers in excess of $1 million for it!  However a specialist motor body builder, Stanley Cordell of Hampton, VIC  is known to have produced up to six FJ stationwagons and at a price of approximately 40% more than the standard sedan model, they were certainly a rarity even in their day.

When Mick and Greg Hodgett rescued the FJ, it was a hopeless wreck.  Had the passionate Holden enthusiasts not agreed to the owner’s extreme price, it is likely the car would have languished beyond repair within very few years.

Instead, following a total nut and bolt restoration by Phil Munday of KARS, the Hodgett FJ stands as one of only three known examples in the world, and arguably the best of the bunch.  This year it will stand alongside another Holden rarity at RACV Motorclassica, Australia’s premier International Concours d’Elegance.

At the complete other end of the spectrum Holden is pleased to present its 1970 Torana GTRX Concept.  One of two built but never produced, the GTRX was highly developed by Holden from concept stage, with every intention of taking the car into production.  Reflecting the wedge-shaped supercar designs of the time, it was the height of Australian engineering, featuring a fibreglass body, 4-wheel disc breaks and a top speed of 210 kph.  Regrettably, high production costs relative to Australia’s low demand for that type of cars, prevented it from becoming a reality.

Both cars can be seen in their full glory at this year’, RACV Motorclassica to be held at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, Australia on 26^th -28^th October 2012.  This year’s event will also feature special tributes to Sir Jack Brabham, the 100^th Anniversary of the Victorian Motor Show and the 60^th Anniversary of Lotus.  The climax of the event will be the Collector Car Auction on Sunday 28^th.  For more information visit www.motorclassica.com.au.