“DEVASTATING” is how John Goddard described Holden’s decision to cease
manufacturing in Australia from 2017.
“We’re losing another Australian icon,
that’s what I think,” John said.
General Motors, which owns Holden, on
Wednesday announced an end to their vehicle and engine manufacturing business in
Australia — leading to 2900 job losses — citing difficult trading
conditions.
Mr Goddard, the Swan Hill Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club
president said he could see the decision coming.
“When Ford said they were
going, the writing was on the wall,” he said.
As a 16-year-old, Mr Goddard’s
first Holden was a 1963 EJ.
“I started restoring it then… and I’ve loved old
cars ever since,” he said.
Today, he and wife Michelle have 12 prized Holdens
between them.
They range from a 1963 EH to a 1987 VL, but John’s pride and
joy is his 1968 Monaro GTS.
“I got my licence in a red HK Monaro, so it’s
been the dream to get one. I was 47 when I got it,” he laughed.
For more of this story, see Monday’s Guardian (December 16).
