IS IT JUST US OR DO OTHERS find it ironic that after killing off the Holden brand, General Motors is celebrating Holden history – the end of the Holden Race Team earlier this week, and now the iconic Aussie Holden Ute?
Almost 70 years ago, an Australia icon was born. Well, that’s according to Holden. By our reckoning, the Ford all-steel coupe utility, designed by Lew Bandt, beat Holden to market by a substantial margin, arriving in 1934, 17 years before the first Holden ute.
But back to Holden’s story: Good looking, yet rugged, versatile and durable, the Holden ute was a workhorse that evolved into a thoroughbred; a hard-worker, with a laid-back attitude – a symbol of the Australian way of life.
In 1951, the first ever Holden Ute rolled off the production line, giving birth to an icon that spans multiple generations and has engrained itself into our culture.
From the much-loved FJ Holden Ute, to the final VFII, every model went on to make its own colourful and character-filled contribution to the legend that is the Holden Ute. After 70 years of evolution, the Holden Ute will forever remain linked to its heritage by the lion emblem it proudly displays. Gone, but not forgotten.
To celebrate this anniversary and the contribution the Holden Ute has made to both Australia and New Zealand, and to highlight Holden’s on-going commitment of support to its 1.6 million customers still on the road today – Holden is creating the TribUTE
TribUTE is a re-imagined and re-defined VE Series 2 SSV Redline Ute, powered with a Chevrolet Performance 6.2 litre, 525 horsepower LS3 V8 and backed by a T-56 Super Magnum Heavy Duty 6 Speed Manual.
GM Level-3 Track Capable Spec FE3 suspension, upgraded front and rear cross-drilled Brembo brakes behind staggered 20-inch wheels will ensure it stops and turns just as well as it goes!
Holden Genuine and ACDelco Parts will be used by a Holden Certified Service Outlet and GM Certified Collision Repairer to turn this car into something truly unique.
The best part about TribUTE: Holden is giving it away.
The winner of TribUTE will also get the keys to the car at a private handover event with Supercars Legend Craig Lowndes.
To enter, have your Holden serviced at a Holden Certified Service Outlet or Purchase ACDelco oil through the GM Trade Parts program.
Terms & Conditions apply. Full terms and conditions can be read here. Permit Numbers: (ACT) TP20/01333, (NSW) TP20/00364 (SA) T20/1174.