Holden Model History

Australia · founded 1856

Australia's own car — General Motors' local subsidiary from 1931, builder of the Commodore and Monaro, retired by GM in 2021 after 164 years.

Models

48-215 (FX / FJ)

The first car wholly manufactured in Australia — launched by Prime Minister Chifley on 29 November 1948 to national celebration.

Full-size car · 1948–1956
Kingswood

Holden's mainstream family car of the late 1960s and 1970s, sold in HK through HZ form until the Commodore took over.

Full-size car · 1968–1980
Monaro

Holden's celebrated two-door performance coupe — an Australian muscle-car icon across two distinct eras (1968–1977 and 2001–2006).

Muscle car · 1968–2006
Torana

Holden's compact of the late 1960s and 1970s — a lightweight Bathurst legend, especially the GTR XU-1.

Compact car · 1967–1980
Commodore

Holden's defining model — Australia's best-selling car for decades, built locally from 1978 to 2017, and the basis of the HSV performance line.

Mid-size car · 1978–2020
Gemini

Holden's compact of the late 1970s and 1980s — the Australian version of the Isuzu Gemini / GM T-car platform.

Compact car · 1975–1987
Camira

Holden's first front-wheel-drive car — the Australian J-car, replaced by the Holden Apollo (rebadged Toyota Camry) in 1989.

Mid-size car · 1982–1989

Other makes