Swapping high heels for Holdens, Bundaberg’s Brandie Hickmott was proud to display her 1975 Holden HJ 1 tonner at the All Holden Car Show.
Brandie’s love for cars started at the tender age of four, as she adored watching her father tinker with the engines, but it wasn’t until later in life when the phlebotomist realised she too held a passion for cars.
On Saturday, Brandie was one of the many Holden enthusiasts to take their pride and joy along to the 2021 All Holden Car Show, hosted by The Bundaberg Early Holden Club.
It was five years ago when Brandie decided it was time she hung up her high heels and followed her dream of restoring “old school” vehicles.
“I had to restore her, I’ve done everything bar the paint as I am no good with a spray gun,” Brandie said.
“My interest started when I was four years old, as I was always under a bonnet with Dad.
“She was quite a lot of work to be honest, she came to me all pulled apart.
“All the running gear, the chassis has been redone – the whole lot.”
The 1975 HJ 1 tonner is the second car Brandie has brought back to life, and she said it had become so much of an addiction she joined the local club.
“I just love it, absolutely love it, I like it looking old school, 80s-old school,” she said.
“I would love to see more women come along and doing this sort of thing.
“It’s a passion that once you get into it – it is hard to get away.
“And honestly I have now stopped buying shoes!”
Bundaberg Early Holden Club president Rob Bickmore said for almost four decades the All Holden Car Show had drawn enthusiasts from across Queensland to the Bundaberg Region.
The car-loving crowd came to cast their eyes over examples of some of the best engineering and manufacturing Australia has had to offer in motoring.
“We have 82 cars in for judging this year, which isn’t too bad,” Rob said.
“Judges look at three categories: paint and body, mechanics, and interior.
“We have 50 plus members, and this is the biggest event for us and there is always a good turn out.”
Rob said the All Holden Car Show attracted all types of Holdens, from some that were highly modified to others in their original condition, as if they rolled off the production line just yesterday.
Bruce and Jeannette Phillips are dedicated Holden enthusiasts who have presented a variety of Gemini models at the All Holden Show for the last 30 years.
Bruce said spending the day at Bundaberg’s All Holden Car Show was the ideal way to celebrate their 38th wedding, and it was like a “second honeymoon”.
“We live in Hervey Bay and travel up here especially for this car show,” Bruce said.
“It’s the friendliest car show we have ever been to, and that is one of the reasons why we keep coming back year after year.”
- Previous report: All Holden Day draws car fans from across Queensland
