The remarkable story of General Motors Holden

Discover the fascinating history of General Motors Holden, from its humble beginnings as a leather supply store to its key role in World War II. Founded in 1856 in Adelaide, Holden started as a saddlery before transitioning into the automotive industry in 1898. 

As the Great Depression hit, it became a subsidiary of the United States corporation, General Motors; and under its new transnational management it became one of the dynamic engines driving the war economy in 1940-45, a mobilisation that some think to have been Australia’s most important contribution to victory against Japan.           

Image: Holden & Frost premises on Grenfell Street, Adelaide PRG 631/2/1452