Brands like Holden, Ford and Toyota became a part of our national identity and helped many of us define our individual personalities.
Top 50 Classic Cars in Australia
Australian’s passion for the motor car, and the indelible mark they have left on us individually and as a nation, stirs emotion and much debate when trying to determine the most iconic and inspired vehicles in our history. But auto writers Tony Hagon and Bruce Newton have try to do exactly that in the latest book for revheads called “Kings of the Road – 50 cars that drove Australia”.
* Toby Hagon and Bruce Newton, Kings of the Road - 50 Cars that drove Australia Pan MacMillan Australia 2018
Brands like Holden, Ford and Toyota became a part of our national identity and helped many of us define our individual personalities.
Meet the Kings of the Road. These are the cars that drove Australia - the greatest, bravest, most iconic and inspired vehicles in our history.
Every one of them has a story to tell. From the irst manufactured in Australia to the 'beast' that started the feud between Holden and Ford. The first car to cross the Simpson Desert and a 12-tonne Bushmaster that carried our soldiers into war. The 'kangaroo Chaser' inspired by a farmer's wife and named by Henry Ford himself. And the fastest, most powerful Aussie car of all.
Big rigs and pocket battleships, Tough cars for country roads. Versatile rides for city living. Road warriors and street machines. Tanks and trailblazers. Painted wagons and dreams shariots. Super utes and concept cars. Legends of the track and even a few loveable lemons.
These cars revved the engines, captured the hearts and carried the dreams of Australians.
All hail the Kings of the Road.
There's no doubt Australia was made for motorised transport.
A sparse population spread over a huge continent meant the car became intrinsic to Australian life.
It delivered personal freedom, taking is to places we could never have got to otherwise, kept us in contact and helped us make new friends.
Brands like Holden, Ford and Toyota became a part of our national identity and helped many of us define our individual personalities with vehicles such as the 48-215, the Falcon and the Landcruiser.
They're cars that have helped shape Australia culture, at times becoming better known for their advertising jingles or attachment to a TV show than how they transported people.
There have been others, such as Leyland, that tried and failed and local heroes like Bolwell, that made an impact but didn't last.
Through more than 100 years, the car has been with us, evolving as we do, becoming more sophisticated, more aspirational, more global.
Now, at a time when lifestyles are becoming more urban, the role and importance of the car continues to evolve.
The influence of the traditional sedan is waning and SUVs and pick-ups are on the rise. Electric vehicles are coming, and so is autonomy - or driverless cars.
The ride-sharing revolution means many people may not even own a vehicle in decades to come.
But whatever the future brings, it's important to celebrate what the motor vehicle has meant to Australia. We've tried to do that here, recognising 50 of the greatest four-wheeled influences on Australian life.
Popular or niche, extraordinary or quite mundane in their technology, stunning to drive or simply good enough to get you to the shops, this disparate collection all made a contribution and all are worth celebrating.
We've called them The Kings of the Road.
All hail the Kings of the Road.
"AFS specialises in classics such the Ford GT_HO, Holden Monaro and Holden Torana" says Brad Dale, Executive Director of AFS.
"What AFS can do that other mainstream lenders can't is put a price on these unique vehicle that are often 50 years of age or more" says Mr Dale.
"Our ability to value and fix on price to a particular model, enables us to finance a collectable using our standard fixed rate loan."
"For many people, buying a classic car is an emotional experience that delves into our past memories and experiences. However, given the prices that are being paid for some collectable vehicles and their scarcity, we recommend that bidders compliment their auction bidding strategy with a pre-approved loan, that way you have the confidence to bid with authority on the night and won't miss out on the car of your dreams" says Mr Dale.
"Customers can arrange car finance through AFS that ensures flexibility of choice: