In the 1850s, James Alexander Holden set up a saddlery and leather business in Adelaide, which transformed into a thriving car body manufacturing business and eventually became the sole local manufacturer of car bodies for General Motors, USA. General Motors purchased Holden in 1931, rescuing it from financial woes caused by the Great Depression.

In 1944, the Chifley government invited General Motors, USA to collaborate with General Motors-Holden’s to build a family car for Australian conditions. After several years of prototyping and testing, the first car wholly manufactured in Australia was revealed on 29 November 1948, at Fishermans Bend, Victoria. The Holden 48-215, which became known as the “FX”, was an economical yet stylish mid-sized sedan, hard-wearing for Australian conditions and an instant hit with the public. The production of “Australia’s Own Car” was a source of national pride and welcomed as a move away from a dependence on primary industries.

By 1958, Holden had captured what was to be its highest market share – a staggering 50.3 per cent of national car sales. By 1969, despite strong market competition from the Ford Falcon, around two million Holden cars were sold. From 1970s to 2008, another five million vehicles were added to Holden’s production tally. On the race track, Holden cars amassed 34 wins at Mount Panorama and 21 Australian Touring Car (Supercars) championships. Holden cars also have a long history as “workhorses” for various industries, from farming to law enforcement.

Holden ended its Australian manufacturing operations on 20 October 2017, after constructing more than 7.6 million vehicles for Australia and the world. In February 2020, it was announced that the Holden brand would be retired by 2021 and enter a new era as a certified service and parts provider to the 1.6 million Holdens still on the road. This stamp issue presents some iconic car models that helped to make Holden a household name.