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RET
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« on: May 23, 2011, 05:28:18 PM » |
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There are barn finds and there are barn finds. The second of the three Detroit built 48-215 prototypes has turned up in Victoria. It's unrestored, original and still runs! Discovery of missing link in Holden history: a special FX masterpiece (SMH Drive).  BEHIND a small white garage door at the end of a neat, geranium-lined concrete driveway in inner Melbourne sits a grey, nondescript sedan.
Bought for a song from the estate of a former Holden worker, the first clue that it was the missing link in the evolution of the modern Australian automobile was a number ''2'' stamped on a plate under the bonnet.
Aficionados thought the GM Prototype Holden No. 2, one of three shipped from the US in 1946 to develop the first Australian family sedan, was lost forever. But it was one of several old Holdens bought by Damon Donnelly's father, Peter, for about $15,000 two years ago in a job lot from a deceased estate.
''We didn't know what it was,'' Damon Donnelly says. ''She's pretty rough. I don't know if she's been indoors all the time, but there's only a bit of surface rust, so she's in good condition.'' Most Holden enthusiasts will be aware of the story of prototype #1, which had a fairly unlucky existence until it was purchased and lovingly restored by the Strongman family. It is now owned by the National Museum. Photos abound in Holden histories of the prototypes, which carried the licence plates "JP-480", "JP-481" and "JP-482". For the second one to now turn up is nothing short of amazing. If only it had been discovered before Jack Rawnsley passed away earlier this year. I'm sure he would have loved to learn it was still around. Follow the link above for more photos and the full story. You may also want to wear a bib... |
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snuff69
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« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2011, 05:46:52 PM » |
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That's pretty amazing after so long, you would have thought someone would have discovered what the car was before this. I wonder if he'll take a cheque  |
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customFC
nsw-club
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Ask me about microwaving cats for fun or profit.
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« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2011, 09:37:28 PM » |
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The video is a bonus.
What a fantastic car to be found after all these years.
I wonder what else was in the job lot.
Regards
Alex
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RET
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« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2011, 07:52:03 AM » |
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Hmm. Thanks for the link, Steve.
There's not much left in the rubble of that thread to make much sense of, but it was obviously fairly acrimonious. It all seems very unfortunate.
RET
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EffCee
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« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2011, 11:31:07 AM » |
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What a pity that the owner does not want to seem to allow it to be put forward to be verified that it is the 2nd prototype.
As RET said, very unfortunate
Keith
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Canberra, ACT F4+  |
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fe-ambo
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« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2011, 03:31:00 PM » |
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What an amazing piece of history to have in the garage. I wonder if he'll take a cheque In the first link he says he wants $1.2 million which if its is number 2 sounds like a bargain. Cheers Paul |
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Dave88
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« Reply #7 on: May 24, 2011, 07:20:31 PM » |
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What an amazing piece of history to have in the garage.
In the first link he says he wants $1.2 million which if its is number 2 sounds like a bargain.
Cheers
Paul
This car has caused a lot of controversy between historians and on other forums. For $1.2 million I know I'd be wanting a car that could be absolutely guaranteed as being the genuine article  |
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Paul In Ireland
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« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2011, 07:56:48 PM » |
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Methinks he is trying to hype it a bit. But if he really was serious, let some experts at it for an hour or 2 to verify and then... BANG!! ....$2m or to the highest bidder at somewhere like Shannons. I think the way he has acted would put off someone and that he is trying to pull a fast one or something similar. People are strange animals  |
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The International FE FC Fleet of Ireland
Education is where you read the fine print. Experience is what you get when you don't.
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fastjbav6
wa-club
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OK start her up !
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« Reply #9 on: May 30, 2011, 02:01:42 PM » |
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Very interesting.  $1.2 million and its parked in a garage.  I hope it has security and the car has an immobiliser.  |
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Yellow Knight
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GreyFC
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« Reply #10 on: May 31, 2011, 02:24:33 PM » |
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Did anyone notice the Oil Filter? That dosn't seam original
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OldGMHolden
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« Reply #11 on: May 31, 2011, 03:59:55 PM » |
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I'm not surprised at the addition of the oil filter, but what sort of person would replace the GMH bonnet lettering with HOLDEN, and not bother to fill or even paint the old holes (which don't look like 63 years old.)?
Maybe it's just to accentuate the old holes to further the intrigue?
Anyhow, I would buy it except I've no money.
Gaz.
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Shayne
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Just Cruisin'
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« Reply #12 on: May 31, 2011, 10:14:41 PM » |
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I'd buy it except my wife would go crook if I brought another project home... |
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Old Holdens Never Die Because Fools Like Me Keep Them Going
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FCRB26
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« Reply #13 on: June 01, 2011, 05:11:18 AM » |
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Imagine trying to explain to the wife why you paid so much when its the same as a 10 grand one.....
And also imagine the enthusiats whinging that you hadnt placed a bolt in the right position or the battery wasnt period ect i have a army jeep that gets picked on as its an aftermarket wiring harness they shit me.
Pete
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Penguin
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I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
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« Reply #14 on: June 02, 2011, 08:57:29 PM » |
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It'd be fun to lower it and put fatties on it . That'd make 'em squirm a little bit. |
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Ed
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« Reply #15 on: June 03, 2011, 09:43:40 AM » |
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nah it needs a chop a V8 and we can ebay the tags...
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in the shed
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Johns
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« Reply #16 on: June 05, 2011, 06:07:54 AM » |
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I'm with Ed. Section it, canted quads on the front,frenched rears, rolled pans. Sweet as...........
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Now that I've got the beige with the grey, I'm looking for the cream, the bone, the ivory and the off white
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Gman
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« Reply #18 on: May 17, 2023, 08:59:16 AM » |
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Gman
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« Reply #19 on: May 17, 2023, 09:32:56 AM » |
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