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By
EWAN KENNEDY
25 August 2008
Just
in time for Fathers’ Day comes the most comprehensive book on
the history of Holden ever published. A big statement? Perhaps,
but try reading ‘Special: The Untold Story Of Australia's
Holden’ for yourself before then let me know if you disagree
with my bold statement.
John
M. Wright has been a motoring journalist and car historian for
decades. He has also lectured in universities, worked in the tough
world of automotive marketing, and runs triathlons in his spare
time. And his ability to minimise the contents of a bottle of red
wine are legendary wherever he goes. Best of all is his way with
words, this man can take the driest of subjects and make it
interesting and readable – and Holdens are hardly dry material.
Eccentric
he may be, but Wright is a serious man when it comes to uncovering
the facts. So much so that he is currently completing a PhD on the
history of the Holden car. Research done for that important
project adds greatly to the impressive depth of his book.
In
‘Special: The Untold Story Of Australia's Holden’ Wright
writes about the rights and wrongs previously published, and too
often accepted as gospel, on the history of Holden.
He
comes up with the startling theory that but for Adolf Hitler
‘The Australian Car’ may never have eventuated. He argues that
Opel, the German division of General Motors, designed an
affordable car for the people of Germany. The Opel was eventually
beaten by the car that became the Volkswagen, but quite a few
aspects of the design remained and were later translated into the
machine that eventually became the Holden 48-215.
This
book is packed with technical information on Holdens, hardly a
surprise, but there are also many interesting, well-developed
insights into the men behind the project. Their personalities,
strengths and frailties are made clear and add immensely to the
appeal of the book.
Best
of all, this is as much a social history of Australia as it is the
story of the iconic car. Readers who grew up in the years
preceding World War II will find plenty to nod and smile about.
And those of us who came later will learn a lot about what made
our country what it is today.
‘Special:
The Untold Story Of Australia's Holden’ is available at
specialist motoring bookshops and selected general book stores.
Published by Allen and Unwin, it has a recommended retail price of
$35.00.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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