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Time Business News
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
From Valiants to Kingswoods: The Aussie Cars That Met the Torch
Australia once had a strong and unique automotive identity. Models like the Chrysler Valiant and the Holden Kingswood were more than just cars. They were part of family life, road trips, trade work, and everyday travel. Today, many of these vehicles no longer cruise the streets. Instead, they sit rusting in backyards or have already met the cutter's torch at local wrecking yards. While these cars might be gone from the roads, their stories remain. This article looks at how some of Australia's most iconic vehicles ended up in wrecking yards and how the scrapping process played an unexpected part in preserving their legacy. In the 1960s through to the early 1980s, Australian-made cars were at their peak. Holden, Ford, and Chrysler dominated the streets, each offering models tailored to local conditions. The Holden Kingswood, introduced in the late 1960s, became a symbol of dependability and working-class pride. It was the car of choice for tradesmen, taxi services, and even police fleets. The Chrysler Valiant, first produced in Australia in 1962, brought a bold look and strong engines. Its powerful six-cylinder and V8 engines made it stand out, and it earned a loyal following. Ford's Falcon line also stood tall, offering both family-friendly wagons and high-performance sedans. These vehicles were built for Australian conditions—long distances, rough roads, and harsh weather. But despite their strength, time caught up with them. By the 1990s, imported vehicles began replacing local models. Japanese and European brands offered better fuel economy and more modern features. The cost of building cars in Australia also rose, pushing manufacturers to close local plants. By 2017, the last Australian car rolled off Holden's production line. As time moved on, models like the Kingswood and Valiant became harder to maintain. Parts were scarce, and younger drivers sought newer styles and technologies. Without collectors or restorers to rescue them, many ended up in scrap yards. Wrecking yards across Australia began to fill with the remains of vehicles that once held national pride. These yards, often seen only as metal graveyards, unknowingly became museums of lost engineering. They stored hundreds of forgotten models, many of which held great sentimental or historical worth. Some wreckers kept older models for parts requests. Others simply scrapped them when prices for scrap metal were high. In this way, countless Kingswoods and Valiants were crushed, melted, and turned into new products, erasing physical traces of Australia's automotive past. Yet, these yards also preserved certain models for years, allowing mechanics, restorers, and enthusiasts to salvage doors, grilles, engines, and badges. These items are now seen as collectables or restoration material for classic car fans. Even when sentimental value was forgotten, the material worth of these cars remained. Vehicles built in the 60s and 70s used a large amount of steel and copper. A Kingswood shell could weigh over 1,200 kg. When scrapped, each kilogram of metal added to a yard's income. With steel prices ranging from 10 to 30 cents per kilogram in Australia, each car could bring in hundreds of dollars. Parts such as radiators, brake systems, or transmissions added extra value when sold separately. This balance between sentimental loss and material gain defined much of what happened to Australia's car icons. Not every car that entered a wrecker's yard was crushed on arrival. Some wreckers took the time to assess what parts could still be useful. In many cases, they stored items like Valiant dashboards, Kingswood badges, and factory wheels for resale. These parts now appear in online listings and swap meets, bought by enthusiasts rebuilding their old vehicles. For some, it is about restoring childhood memories. For others, it is a way to keep part of Australia's car history alive. One small yard in New South Wales, for example, became known for holding rare Holden parts, serving restorers from all over the country. In recent years, more awareness has grown around preserving old vehicles. Classic car shows, social media pages, and collector clubs have played a role in spotlighting the value of older models. However, this shift came too late for many cars, already reduced to scrap. Some removal services today still handle these classic models. While most are beyond repair, the collection process still involves a visual check to spot rare or unusual features. One such service, Scrap My Car Canberra, has collected a wide range of older vehicles over the years, including models that are no longer commonly found. Through these pickups, certain rare components like grilles, badges, and wheels have been set aside and later reused or sold to classic car enthusiasts. This approach gives some parts of these vehicles another chance to be part of a rebuild or display, rather than ending up lost in scrap. For many Australians, seeing a Kingswood in a wrecking yard is like seeing part of childhood fall away. These cars were part of school runs, road trips, weekend cricket games, and workdays. Their sounds, smells, and feel were tied to a specific time. Once scrapped, that connection is harder to revive. While some owners keep their old vehicles stored in sheds or garages, others have no choice but to let go. Whether through rust, registration issues, or space limits, the decision often ends with a call to a wrecker. Modern scrapping processes are more structured than in the past. Laws in Australia now require wreckers to drain fluids, remove batteries, and handle tyres separately. These steps protect soil and waterways from harmful waste. Older models often carry asbestos in brake parts and seals, which must also be handled carefully. This has made the dismantling of cars from the 1970s and 80s more complex. While the scrapping of these cars has environmental impacts, it is also a method of recycling old materials into new forms. From Valiants to Kingswoods, Australia has said goodbye to many iconic vehicles through the torch of the wrecker. While these cars may no longer drive the streets, they still hold a place in the nation's memory. Wrecking yards, while known for dismantling, have quietly preserved slices of history by storing, selling, or salvaging parts that carry meaning far beyond metal. As the years go on, fewer of these cars remain. But each badge rescued, each panel restored, and each part reused is a small way of keeping that legacy alive. In the story of Australia's cars, even the torch leaves a mark worth remembering. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Focus Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Focus Malaysia
Be kind and helpful, but do be careful
ON May 28, Facebook user Afifi posted what he had experienced several years ago while driving back from Kedah to Kuala Lumpur. After refueling in Penang, he was approached by a Caucasian woman holding a piece of cardboard with the words 'To Kuala Lumpur' written on it. In his car was a friend and they decided to pick up the hitchhiker, but it turned out to be the most unpleasant long trip home. Either she had not taken a bath for a long time or her clothes had not been washed, her stench was overpowering. Afifi swiftly opened the windows wide for ventilation. He then began some friendly small talk but her replies were condescending, such as asking him whether he had ever heard of her country or even been overseas. Afifi, who has travelled to 30 countries, recalled renting cars for weeks and had never resorted to hitchhiking for road trips. Tired of such unpleasant exchanges, he decided to discontinue and switch on the music. But she complained it would disturb her sleep, and later said the car was hot and requested to close the windows and switch on the air-conditioning, and complained again when it was not cold enough. After she fell asleep, it was quiet and peaceful until she woke up to complain that the sound from notification to his phone had disrupted her napping. Having had enough, he then discussed with his friend to drop her off at the next toll plaza, but was advised against it. She woke up before reaching the city and requested to be dropped off at a train station, and so she was driven to KL Sentral. While getting off, there was not even a word of thank you from her. All I can say is that it serves as a good lesson, and who knows it could have been even worse. In 1974, I picked up a young Caucasian couple in Penang and dropped them off in Kuala Lumpur. Earlier, I made an overland tour for two foreign tourists to Penang driving a Holden Kingswood licensed as a limousine taxi and used as a tour car, and I was a tourist guide. Tired of talking and familiar with tourists, the trip was silent from Penang until I reached Ipoh where I decided to treat them to lunch at the famous Lee How Fook restaurant. While dropping them off at Kuala Lumpur, they remained cautious, still unsure what my real intention was. I had none and did not expect anything in return, only doing what I could to help. I did not need to be accompanied to drive long distances, and normally return to Kuala Lumpur the same day after sending tourists to Singapore or Penang, without spending overnight anywhere on the return trip. It was no mean feat because it was along the old meandering trunk road full of bends where driving is slow behind lorries and overtaking is often risky, as the North-South Expressway had yet to be built. Then, I could drive very long hours without a break for toilet, tea or rest. In 1996, while driving to Port Dickson, I noticed a couple with many children walking alongside the highway and stopped my car ahead of them. I told the Indonesian-looking man that I could send them to the next town, but he nonchalantly requested a destination very much further away. Sensing danger, I pretended that I had got out of the car to check for something kept in the boot, opened and closed the lid quickly, then drove away. Walking along a highway in the middle of nowhere was just a ploy to trap motorists and take advantage of those who stopped to help. In our daily life, we must be careful of those asking for favours, be they strangers, coworkers or neighbours. Some of them may be more scheming than you think. They may start with small favours to condition your mind so that you will not think twice to help them again the next time. It is also a trick used by scammers and con men by initially asking and returning something of low value as promised to gain your confidence. Later, they will strike and disappear with something of much higher value, such as a considerable amount of money or not returning your car. However, we ought to be kind and ready to give others a smile, be polite and remain courteous. We should always try to be helpful and help whenever we can, without overextending ourselves or looking forward to being appreciated. Otherwise, we may live to regret it. ‒ June 3, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Iluminasi
Perth Now
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
This Perth wedding's aesthetic is the definition of chic
Jessica Mason, 26, and Branden McGrath, 27 Jess and Branden's wedding was a highly anticipated event among their family and friends — not surprising given the couple had already been together for 10 years. Wanting their big day to be a true reflection of them, the pair opted to include an array of personalised details, such as photos of their decade-long journey together. Another highlight was Jess and her father Craig travelling to the wedding in Craig's vintage 1972 HQ Holden Kingswood. With a simple and elegant black and white aesthetic, the wedding — which was attended by 85 guests — was 'the most perfect day', according to Jess. Jess wore an Essence of Australia gown, while Branden was dressed by Britton's Formal Wear. Credit: Kevin McGinn When and where The civil ceremony and reception was held at Ambrose Estate at Wembley Golf Course on January 11, 2025. Attire Jess' gown was by Essense of Australia from True Society by Tuscany Bridal. Branden wore a tuxedo from Britton's Formal Wear, paired with a Tissot gold watch that Jess gave him as a wedding gift. Honeymoon The couple enjoyed a week-long holiday to Bali immediately after the wedding, and are currently planning their 'official' honeymoon: a trip to the United States. Both the ceremony and reception were held at Ambrose Estate. Credit: Kevin McGinn Jess and Branden were together for 10 years before saying 'I do'. Credit: Kevin McGinn The couple with their bridal party. Credit: Kevin McGinn They followed their wedding with a honeymoon to Bali. Credit: Kevin McGinn
