Ford and Holden are the most well-known car brands in Australia. Both quintessentially Aussie, their flagship Commodore and Falcon models have created rivalries that still exist today, with some families even being known as one or the other.
But outside of these well-known models, there are some models that, while you may have seen them out on the road, you may not be so familiar with.
Our favourite lesser-known Ford and Holden car models
Ford Cortina GT
Imagine a stock-standard, fairly bland yet reliable British-looking car. What has probably popped into your head is the Ford Cortina.
First originating in the 1960s, the Cortina came in a range of different models. The Cortina GT version was made to fill the void between the regular Cortina and the top-of-the-range Lotus Cortina. The GT took the original Cortina body and streamlined it a bit. Made it look sleeker. Cooler.
But it was on the race track where it gained its popularity. The Ford Cortina GT 500 was unique to Australia, and was the car that Ford took to victory at the Armstrong 500 at Mount Panorama.
Achieving this success in 1965, this transformed the Cortina GT into a cultural icon.
For its time, of course.
Holden Gemini
The Holden Gemini was born in 1975. The original Gemini TX series was available in a four-door sedan S and SL range, featuring a 1.6L engine and four-speed transmission, and a two-door SL coupe version.
When it burst onto the scene, the Gemini SL sedan was voted Wheels’ Car of the Year, firmly cementing its place in Australiana, and becoming a favourite in Holden families around the country.
Besides the TD wagon model, its compact look didn’t change much over the years, and still retained a sleek, sporty appearance.
That is, until the 1985 Gemini RB SLE series was released. Perhaps the designers thought they were modernising it. Perhaps they were saving space. But the Gemini RB eschewed the original slope and clean lines for a shortened, boxy look. The boot looked stubby, and the front end looked stretched—almost apologetic.
A swift decline in sales led to its demise, and the Gemini was discontinued in 1987, being replaced with the Holden Astra.
Ford Capri Convertable
The Ford Capri only enjoyed a short run in Australia, from 1989 to 1994.
But while the model was new to Australia at this time, it wasn’t a new car. The Capri model was actually a revival of the European Ford Capri from the 1960s (which explained its somewhat European styling).
Initially designed for export to the US, the Australian Ford Capri was designed as an entry-level convertible, a budget-priced soft top. Featuring a 1.6L Mazda engine with 61kW of power, it was made with the aim of cruising, rather than performance.
But, unfortunately, it became known for its design floors rather than its looks. Poor quality materials meant that the soft top was prone to leaks, and poor reliability coupled with front-wheel drive made it less than popular with car enthusiasts.
While the 1992 model was updated with a turbocharged engine, it was too little, too late. Only 66,000 were made, most destined for the US, with just under 10,000 cars being sold in Australia.
But despite this, it still remains a favourite in the hearts of some loyal followers who just want an affordable, early-90s-looking ride that lets them feel the wind in their hair.
Holden Royale
The Holden Royale was first introduced in 1981 as part of Holden’s VH line. Designed to be their top-of-the-range model, it was a New Zealand exclusive with similar specifications to the VH Commodore SL/E.
But where it differed was the engine—and not in a good way. The first Holden Commodore Royale featured a Starfire 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, found to be somewhat underwhelming, to put it lightly. Colloquially, it was known as having the best body matched with the worst engine.
Speaking bluntly, the Royale retained this title throughout its reign, where the badge remained in rotation all the way up to the 2004 VZ Commodore, after which it was retired.
Ford Falcon Sprint
The Ford Falcon Sprint is a truly international car. Different models pop up in countries all over the world, each with their own unique look, feel, and personality. And while definitely not as stylish as its US counterpart, the Australia’s 1993 Ford Falcon ED Sprint made up for its looks with its power.
Coming hot on the heels of Ford’s 25th Anniversary Falcon GT, the Falcon Sprint was designed as a ‘family’ sports car. Still a sports car, but without the high-end bells and whistles. It took the powertrain and running gear of the GT, shaved off 80kg in weight, and delivered a faster package, achieving 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Falcon Sprint is a rare gem for collectors, yet the badge has mostly fallen off the radar. That is, until Ford produced their final ever FG-X Falcon, which resurrected the Sprint badge for its XR6 and XR8 models as its swan song.
Looking for hard-to-find parts? Find them at our Holden and Ford wreckers in Perth
Every collector has their own particular passion. So whether you’re after second hand auto parts for Gemini, or replacements for your Capri, our team can help you find them.
Get in touch with our experienced team of auto wreckers in Perth, and we can help you start your search to track down parts for these more unique models.