
The last Holden car to be manufactured in Australia was sold at auction for $750,000 in January 2021. The red 2017 Holden VF Commodore was the final vehicle to be assembled, welded, and painted in an Australian auto body shop. The car was purchased by a former Holden employee who wanted to save it from obscurity. The Holden brand has since retired, ending Australia's 70-year run as a car manufacturer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date the last Holden was made | 20 October 2017 |
| Model | Commodore |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Holden VF Series II SSV Redline sedan |
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | 333542 |
| Auction sale price | $750,000 |
| Auction location | Gold Coast |
| Current location | National Motor Museum, Birdwood, South Australia |
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What You'll Learn

The last Holden car was a 2017 VF Commodore
Holden has a long history in Australia, dating back to 1924 when it became the exclusive supplier of car bodies for GM in the country. However, in recent years, the company has faced challenges, including a decline in sales and government pressure to end local manufacturing.
In 2013, Holden announced that it would cease vehicle and engine production by the end of 2017, and on 20 October 2017, the last Holden car rolled off the production line at the Elizabeth plant in Adelaide. This car, a bright red 2017 Holden VF Commodore, was the last vehicle to be assembled, welded, and painted in an Australian auto body shop.
The VF Commodore has a special place in Holden's history and was met with much fanfare. It was the last of over 7.6 million vehicles made by Holden in Australia over 69 years. The car was auctioned off in 2021, selling for $750,000 to an avid Holden enthusiast, marking an end to Holden's era of car manufacturing in Australia.
While there is some debate about whether the auctioned car was truly the last Holden Commodore, as General Motors stated that the actual final Commodore would be retained by the company for display purposes, the VF Commodore is nonetheless a significant piece of Australian automotive history.
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Holden ceased production in Australia in October 2017
Holden, the world's second-oldest transportation company, ceased production in Australia in October 2017. The last Holden car to be produced in Australia was a red Holden VF Commodore, which was assembled, welded, and painted in an auto body shop in Elizabeth, Adelaide. The car was sold at auction in January 2021 for $750,000, far exceeding its expected price of around $500,000.
The end of Holden's production in Australia marked the conclusion of a nearly 70-year era of car manufacturing in the country. Holden built more than 7.6 million vehicles over 69 years, starting with the 48-215 in 1948. The company's decision to end local manufacturing was influenced by various factors, including government pressure, a strong Australian currency, high manufacturing costs, and declining sales.
The final Holden car produced in Australia holds significant historical value and is considered a collectible item. It was purchased by a former Holden employee who wanted to preserve it and ensure it remained in the hands of enthusiasts. The car is now on display at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, South Australia, celebrating the company's rich history and paying tribute to the generations of hardworking Australians who contributed to the Holden legacy.
The closure of Holden's Elizabeth plant in October 2017 marked a significant milestone in Australia's automotive industry, with the company transitioning to imported models from Germany. The auction of the last Holden car generated substantial interest, with bidders participating in person, online, and via telephone, reflecting the enduring passion for the Holden brand among Australians.
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The car was sold at auction for $750,000
The last Holden car manufactured in Australia sold for $750,000 at auction in 2021. The bright red Holden VF Commodore was assembled, welded, and painted in an auto body shop in Elizabeth, Adelaide, in October 2017. It was the last Holden to be produced before the company ceased operations in Australia and switched to imported models from Germany.
The car was sold by Lloyds Auctions and bought by a former Holden employee who wanted to save it from obscurity and ensure it remained in Australia. The auction attracted intense interest from bidders, with the final price far exceeding expectations. The Holden VF Commodore is considered a piece of Australian history and a collectible item for car enthusiasts.
While there is some debate about whether this was truly the last Holden ever produced in Australia, with General Motors claiming that the actual final car is on display at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, South Australia, the auctioned car holds significant historical value. It represents the end of an era for car manufacturing in Australia, as Holden ended its local manufacturing and retired the Holden brand.
The sale of the Holden VF Commodore for $750,000 at auction highlights the passion and enthusiasm surrounding Holden vehicles, even after the company's exit from the Australian market. It demonstrates the enduring legacy of Holden in the automotive industry and its impact on Australian culture.
The auction of the last Holden car manufactured in Australia attracted widespread attention, with the final sale price reflecting the car's historical and sentimental value. The new owner, an avid Holden enthusiast, acquired a piece of Australian automotive history and played a role in preserving the legacy of Holden in the country.
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The car is now on display at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, South Australia
The last Holden car made in Australia was assembled in October 2017, bringing an end to Holden's 93-year history of manufacturing cars in the country. The bright red 2017 Holden VF Commodore was the last vehicle to be assembled, welded, and painted in an auto body shop on Australian soil.
The car, which was initially owned by a Holden employee, was sold at auction for $750,000 in 2021. It was purchased by an anonymous buyer, an avid Holden enthusiast, who lives on Australia's east coast.
The Holden VF Commodore is a significant part of Australia's motoring history and is now preserved for the public to enjoy. Visitors to the museum can expect to spend at least 2-4 hours exploring the magnificent exhibition, with its wide range of vehicles, from pre-1900 classics to modern units. The exhibits are well-presented, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, making it a highly recommended destination for car enthusiasts and those interested in Australia's automotive history.
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The end of Holden marks the end of Australia's 70-year run as a car manufacturer
On 20 October 2017, Holden's last Australian-made car, a Commodore bearing the serial number VIN 333542, rolled off the production line at the Elizabeth plant in Adelaide. This car was auctioned in January 2021 for $750,000, far exceeding its expected price of $500,000.
Holden's closure was attributed to various factors, including a strong Australian currency, high manufacturing costs, and a small domestic market. The brand also suffered from a lack of Australian identity due to GM's mishandling of rebadging, leading to decreased brand recognition and desirability.
The end of Holden also signalled the conclusion of an era in Australian automotive history. Holden built over 7.6 million vehicles during its 69-year tenure, with the first Holden rolling off the line on 27 November 1948. The company's legacy includes iconic models such as the Commodore, which played a significant role in shaping Australia's automotive landscape.
While the end of Holden marks a significant turning point, it also underscores the evolution of the automotive industry and the changing dynamics of car manufacturing globally.
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Frequently asked questions
The last Holden car to be manufactured in Australia was in 2017.
The last Holden model was the Commodore, also known as the Holden VF Series II SSV Redline sedan.
The last Holden car was sold at an auction for $750,000. It was bought by a former Holden employee.
Holden stopped manufacturing in Australia due to a strong Australian currency, high manufacturing costs, and a small domestic market.




















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