A Matter Of Aussie Pride... [PIC]

With a strong desire to enter into international events and to demonstrate Australia's world class workmanship, three men took it upon themselves to prepare this 1952 Holden 48-215 for the grueling Glasgow to Monaco Rally. This Holden already had 6000 mi on the odometer and was prepared by Repco Research boss Charles Dean. A lot of cheating went on as they rebuilt the 2.2 liter OHV 6. It was fitted with stronger connecting rods. Larger Buick valves were inserted. The intake manifold was cut in half and bored out internally and welded back together so everything appeared stock. A 'rug rail' was welded to the B pillars behind the front seat to stiffen the chassis. A Buick speedometer calibrated in kilometers replaced the standard and a defroster and washer system was added with the fluid reserve placed near to the exhaust manifold to prevent freezing especially for the trek through the Alps. 440 cars entered; 404 stared; and 253 made it to Monaco. The Holden held its own in performance competitions like acceleration and braking. The final  course through Monaco was their downfall. They had never run the course before unlike the seasoned Europeans. They rode one lap in a VW to get some idea, but those endless hairpin turns took their toll and the Holden placed 64th. They joked that if they had done better, the judges would have torn the car apart and discovered all their little tricks. For a car that was not built for European conditions, the car did well and the drivers' reputations were made. They came home to a hero's welcome.

Here they are at the start in Glasgow in the dead of winter 20 January 1953.

On the road:

 At Monaco:

 Here's the model as it entered in Australia's freshly registered international race colors of green and gold.