holden end of an era Page 54

“End of an era” isn’t just headline fluff—Holden stopped building cars in Australia in October 2017 when the Elizabeth, SA plant shut, and the badge itself was retired by GM in February 2020. Dealers kept the lights on for service, warranty and parts support for at least 10 years, so your lion-badged pride isn’t orphaned. The muscle lives on in collectors’ garages: GTSR, Monaro and spicy utes went skyward, while everyday Commodores and Cruzes remain attainable for mere mortals. HSV morphed into Walkinshaw projects and GMSV now sells remanufactured Chev Silverados and the Corvette to scratch the V8 itch. A bittersweet finish to a very Aussie story—less factory siren, more nostalgia at Cars & Coffee.