Steinborner Automotive dealer principal Jarrod Steinborner and new car salesman Ben Rasmus are hoping to give a fond farewell to Holden this weekend. PHOTO: Sam Bradbrook
GAWLER will say goodbye to a local landmark on Saturday, with Steinborner Automotive set to take down its Holden signage.
Local car lovers will have the chance to take a photo with their Holden’s at Steinborner’s dealership on Murray Street this weekend, before the company takes down the famous lion badge from its premises.
Steinborner dealer principal Jarrod Steinborner said he hoped to send off the Holden brand with a bang.
“This event is a celebration of Holden’s significance to Gawler,” he said. “It’s been a big part of our lives, of the northern suburbs and the people of South Australia’s lives.
“Rather than being just doom and gloom and saying there’s going to be no new ones available; we want to say thank goodness for the seven million that have been sold and the beautiful cars we still have.”
General Motors announced in February the Holden brand would be discontinued entirely after 164 years of existence.
The brand is synonymous with the north, with Holden’s Elizabeth manufacturing plant employing thousands of locals between 1963 and its closure in 2017.
General Motors has pledged to continue support for Holden vehicles via servicing and parts manufacturing for around 10 years.
Steinborner Gawler is set to continue for the time being as a used car dealership, with its mechanic services also to remain open.
Mr Steinborner said, as a car enthusiast, he was still shocked and saddened by Holden’s collapse.
“I was born into the industry and into Holden, so it’s been a big part of my life,” he said.
“It’s not going to be a part of the next generation, that’s the harder part for us, the next generation aren’t going to have the same experience with cars.”
The event will be held on Saturday, with car owners encouraged to register prior to attending so they can snap a picture of their car in front of the famous Holden sign.
Steinborner new car salesman Ben Rasmus said the event will start at 12.30pm.
“We’re inviting people who want one last opportunity to get a photo of their cars with the Holden sign, which is a big thing,” he said.
“It’s going to be a sad day, but also a really joyous day as well.
“So far we know there’s going to be some significant cars, some drag cars, race cars and some Peter Brock tribute cars.”
To register for the event, email Mr Rasmus at Benr@steinborner.com.au.
