The untold story of the first Holden utilities

Description

This presentation by Don reveals the surprising German background to the design of the first Holden utilities; the origin of the one and only prototype Holden utility; the privilege one farmer enjoyed of having publicity photographs of a Holden utility taken in secret on his property well before the public unveiling of the utility; and details of who was the first to take delivery of a Holden utility. 

Strong promotion of the new utility took place where it mattered most - in the showrooms of dealers around Australia
Loffler, D. 2010, Still Holden together. Adelaide : Wakefield Press

Hero image: FJ Ute outside the factory at a Holden plant, 1953 GM Holden Ltd. BRG 213/28/2/14

Don Loffler

Don is a retired teacher of Latin, chemistry and German. He has written nine books illustrating the history of the first ten Holden models, and one book featuring old family photographs of all makes of car sold in the 1940, 50s and 60s. 

Born in Kapunda, South Australia, he gained an Arts degree and two Education diplomas from the University of Adelaide. His late wife, also a graduate with similar degrees from the same university, was his inspiration in the initial years of his book writing and the tradition is now maintained by his adult son Michael and daughter Helen.

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