For many Australian families, Holden is more than just a car brand – it’s a part of their personal history, woven into the fabric of their lives across generations. Today, we share the story of the Thompson family, whose love for Holden has been passed down from grandfather to father to son, spanning over seven decades of Australian automotive history.
The Beginning: Jack Thompson and the FJ Holden
Our story begins in 1954 with Jack Thompson, a young mechanic in suburban Melbourne. Fresh out of his apprenticeship, Jack saved every penny he could to buy his dream car – a brand new FJ Holden Special.
“I remember the day I drove it home,” Jack, now 88, recalls with a twinkle in his eye. “It was Mist Grey with a red oxide primer bottom, and it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. My mates all said I was crazy to spend so much on a car, but I knew it was special.”
Jack’s instincts proved right. That FJ Holden became a central part of his life. It was the car he drove on his first date with Margaret, who would later become his wife. It brought their first child, Robert, home from the hospital. And it was the vehicle that carried the family on countless camping trips to the Victorian coast.
Family Artifact: Jack still has the original sales brochure for his FJ Holden, carefully preserved in a photo album alongside pictures of the family with the car.
The Second Generation: Robert Thompson and the Kingswood Era
As Robert Thompson grew up, he inherited his father’s passion for Holdens. Summer afternoons were spent helping Jack maintain the FJ, learning the intricacies of the engine and developing a deep appreciation for Holden engineering.
In 1971, now a young man himself, Robert bought his own Holden – a HG Kingswood sedan.
“Dad tried to convince me to get the Premier,” Robert laughs, “but I wanted the Kingswood. It was Monaco Gold, and I thought it made me look sophisticated.”
That Kingswood would see Robert through university, his first job, and eventually, carry him and his wife, Susan, on their honeymoon along the Great Ocean Road.
The Commodore Years: A Family Tradition Continues
As the Thompson family grew, so did their Holden collection. The 1980s saw Robert trading in the Kingswood for a VB Commodore, starting a family tradition that would see them own every model of Commodore through the years.
“Each new Commodore was like welcoming a new member to the family,” Robert reminisces. “We’d all go to the dealership together – Mum, Dad, Susan, and the kids. It was an event.”
The Third Generation: Michael Thompson and the Modern Era
Michael Thompson, Robert’s son, grew up surrounded by Holdens. His childhood memories are filled with Sunday drives in the family Commodore and helping his grandfather Jack tinker with the beloved FJ, which had become a treasured restoration project.
“Pop’s FJ was like a time machine,” Michael says. “Working on it with him, I felt connected to this incredible history. Not just our family’s history, but Australia’s history.”
In 2017, when Holden announced the end of Australian manufacturing, Michael knew he had to own a piece of that history. He purchased one of the last Australian-made Commodores – a VF II SS V Redline.
“It’s not just a car to me,” Michael explains. “It’s a legacy. It’s carrying forward what my grandfather started and what my father continued. Every time I drive it, I feel that connection.”
Preserving the Legacy: The Thompson Holden Collection
Today, the Thompson family’s Holden collection is a testament to their enduring passion:
- Jack’s 1954 FJ Holden Special – fully restored
- Robert’s 1971 HG Kingswood – maintained in original condition
- A 1986 VL Commodore Berlina – the family’s favorite family car
- Michael’s 2017 VF II SS V Redline – the last of the line
The family often displays their cars at local shows, sharing their story and their passion with fellow enthusiasts.
Restoration Tip from Jack: “The key to a good restoration is patience. Don’t rush it. Every car has its own story, and it takes time to tell it properly.”
Looking to the Future
While Holden may no longer produce new vehicles, the Thompson family’s passion remains undiminished.
“Holden will always be a part of who we are,” Robert reflects. “It’s not just about the cars – it’s about the memories we’ve made, the bonds we’ve formed, and the stories we’ll keep telling.”
Michael, now with a young family of his own, looks forward to passing on the tradition. “I’ve already started teaching my daughter about Holdens,” he grins. “She can name every model in Pop’s photo albums. I like to think that someday, she’ll be telling her own kids about our family’s Holden legacy.”
Conclusion
The Thompson family’s story is just one of many in the rich tapestry of Holden’s history in Australia. It’s a reminder that Holden was more than a car manufacturer – it was a creator of memories, a facilitator of adventures, and a thread that connected generations of Australians.
As we look back on Holden’s legacy, it’s stories like the Thompsons’ that remind us of the true impact this iconic brand had on Australian families. From the FJ to the final Commodore, Holden cars were not just modes of transport, but vessels of dreams, witnesses to life’s milestones, and now, precious keepers of cherished memories.