Two Iconic Holden’s Take to the Track at Clipsal 500

In a unique motoring event, two of Holden’s most distinctive cars will take to the track in Adelaide’s eastern parklands during this week’s Clipsal 500 event.
Holden’s Number 1 car, the first 48-215 will be joined by world renowned Holden concept car, the EFIJY, for a unique lap of the circuit on Sunday 24th February at 1.15pm.
The track time will herald an exciting year of celebrations for GM Holden, which is marking the 60th anniversary of Australia’s own car – the Holden 48-215. On 29th November 1948, the first Australian mass produced car was born at GM Holden’s vehicle assembly plant in Fishermans Bend, Victoria. Today, Holden’s best selling car, the Commodore is assembled in Elizabeth, South Australia and continues the company’s best selling success, having been Australia’s favourite car for the past 12 years.
GM Holden’s incoming Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss, will be behind the wheel of the 48-215 on its unique lap around the Clipsal circuit while GM Holden Chief Designer, Richard Ferlazzo will pilot the EFIJY.
Richard Ferlazzo says: “This is the first time the EFIJY has been driven in public in Australia so it is a huge thrill for me and where better to give it a first drive than at one of the greatest street circuits in the world?
“The 48-215 holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians and created the passion for the Holden brand that we know today. To partner Holden’s most iconic car in its birthday year is the chance of a lifetime.”
“I encourage all Holden fans, young and old to join us trackside to witness this unique event.”
A contemporary reincarnation of the 1953 Holden FJ sedan, the EFIJY concept car has been winning accolades around the world and recently returned from an international tour which included an appearance at the Woodward Cruise in the United States and headlining the Dubai Motor Show. Its creation was a boyhood dream come true for Richard.
“When making the EFIJY dream a reality, one thing that was front of mind was that EFIJY would be a fully functioning vehicle rather than just a show pony. While its design gives the impression of movement, it’s when it’s on the road that EFIJY really comes to life.”
The Holden Number 1 car and EFIJY will be trucked directly to Clipsal on Sunday 24th February to drive the circuit (weather permitting) and will depart immediately after the historic lap to be displayed at the National Motor Museum, Birdwood until Easter.
To support the EFJIY display Richard Ferlazzo will speak at the National Motor Museum on Monday 25th February – for more information, contact the Museum on 08 8568 4000.
About the Holden Number 1 car
The Number 1 car was restored by GM Holden’s engineers for its 50th anniversary in 1998. The car was originally launched by Prime Minister Ben Chifley in November 1948 when he famously uttered the words “She’s a Beauty.”
With a 2.5 litre engine and three speed manual gearbox, over 120,000 of the 48-215 (commonly known as the FX) were sold during its lifetime. The 48-215 sedan had a launch price of $1466 and was later available as a business sedan and utility.
About EFIJY
EFIJY is a radical custom coupe shape boasting V8 Supercar power under the bonnet, Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology throughout. The ‘Soprano Purple’ paintwork highlights its curvaceous 5.2-metre body, reinterpreting the classic design cues of the iconic 1953 FJ Holden.
The technology matches the larger-than-life design cues with a 480-kilowatt, supercharged six-litre V8 engine, air-adjustable shock absorbers, touch control LCD screen and fan-cooled LED headlamps.
A long-term dream for Chief Designer Richard Ferlazzo, the EFIJY concept was developed as a collaboration with suppliers which reduced impact on the company’s heavy work schedule and ensured the highest possible quality result for the showcar.
GM Holden in 2008
2008 is a diamond year for GM Holden which will be recognising a number of key anniversaries during the year. These include the 60th anniversary of Australia’s Own Car – the 48-215, the 50th anniversary of the founding of Holden Vehicle Operations, Elizabeth, 30 years of the Commodore nameplate, 40 years since the introduction of Monaro and the General Motors centennial.