Rev Head – Who Me?

In the week between Christmas and New Year Bathurst hosted the FX & FJ Holden National Rally. 

It is held biennially and this year’s was the biggest ever, with over 200 vehicles in attendance from every state and territory other than the Northern Territory.  You get that when things are held in Bathurst.  A certain Mt Panorama is a bit of a draw card.

I had seen a few cars in town on the Friday, but hadn’t planned on going to town in the Saturday.  However, Mick was in town, heading off on a bike ride with some mates, and called me to suggest that I’d better go and have a look.  Good fellow, isn’t he.  Also, it’s a bit back to front, don’t you think, the husband telling the wife she should go and look at a car display?  Anyway, I’m very glad that he did call and that I did go and have a little look.

Some friends were coming to our place for lunch, so I only had a bit over half an hour to have a look around.  However, I kept running into people I knew and got talking – not like me at all, so time was getting away.  I ended up making a phone call to say I’d be late and spending an hour and a half, and could have spent even more time.

So, this is what was on show.  The original Holden was the FX.  It has the long grille. By the way, they weren’t known as an “FX” at the time.

Whereas, the FJ has the shorter grille.   Mick and I very nearly bought a  cream FJ ute, but discovered lots of rust and bog in it before we signed the deal, so it didn’t happen. I must say that it was a lovely thing to ride along in.  I digress……

There were sections for original restored vehicles, slight modifications: (by the way, most of this row were from Tasmania)

Street Custom.

Wild Custom

And finally, Radical Custom.  I bet you’ve never seen an FJ look like these before.

It was truly amazing what people have done. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m glad that all the variations were included, not just those restored to original.

I don’t know anything about engines, but look at this.

An original engine. – lots of room under the bonnet.

One of the many versions of updated engines – no room under the bonnet.  There’s just no comparison.

However, these were my favourites – just call it a girl thing.

Wouldn’t it be fun heading off in one of those for a holiday.

The rally was a wonderful thing for Bathurst.  There were old Holdens around town for a week, which was lovely to see.  Our local Historic Car Club members were out in force having a look as well.  It is a real treat for us to have the opportunity to see so many beautiful cars on our doorstep.