Retro Stories by David Burrell When the XR Falcon was released in September 1966 it established the dimensional and packaging template for locally built sedans and wagons that only disappeared when the final Holden Commodore rolled off the production line in October 2017. It was a big, affordably priced, powerful, six-seater, Australian family sedan and […]
Retro Stories: David Burrell
Sketch to Street: David Bentley and the Austin Tasman/Kimberley – Part 1
by David Burrell The Australian Motor Heritage Foundation is privileged to showcase some of the automotive design work of David Bentley, who worked in the design studios at British Motor Corporation Australia (BMCA) and its parent company, the British Motor Corporation (BMC), in the UK, during the 1960s. In this five-part series, David will share […]
The HD/HR Holden Coupe that never was
Retro Stories by David Burrell One of the magazines in AMHF’s 12,000+ collection is the January 1967 edition of Australian Motor Sports and Automobile (AMSA). AMSA is largely forgotten these days. Launched in 1946 it was called Australian Motor Sports, with a focus on racing. During 1960 “and Automobile” was added and the content widened […]
The Brougham: Was it really that bad?
Retro Stories by David Burrell Was Holden’s 1968-71 Brougham really that bad a car? According to some folk it is. You only have to read automotive blogs, magazines and books to realise that the Brougham is a convenient stick with which to beat GMH. I’ve always liked the Brougham. Maybe it is because our next-door neighbour […]
Holden Manufacturing Heritage Centre: A Must See
To visit the HMHC, please contact the Centre directly via [email protected] ——————— Retro Stories by David Burrell The newly opened Holden Manufacturing Heritage Centre, in Elizabeth, SA, is fast becoming the venue for Holden enthusiasts, and others, to celebrate automotive milestones. Two recent events commemorated the 75th anniversary of the 48-215 Holden and the 70th […]
David Burrell
Introducing Retro Stories author After an international business career David established Retroautos® magazine to celebrate automotive history, especially the design of cars. Debuting in print in 2010, Retroautos® is now online on the Shannons Club website. David has published four Design to Driveway books which showcase some of Australia’s iconic cars and those who designed […]
Valiant VIP: When Chrysler beat Holden
Retro Stories by David Burrell Remember the Valiant VIP? It was Chrysler Australia’s luxury car from 1967 to 1971 and designed to compete with Ford’s highly successful Fairlane and, later, Holden’s long-booted Brougham. The first VIP appeared with the VE Valiant range in October 1967. Try as they might, Chrysler Australia could not hide the […]
