Not many people can claim to have founded a museum, let alone a nation's foremost museum to a cultural icon. Greatly admired local figure Neil Joiner did just that in establishing the revered Trafalgar Holden Museum. Sadly, on June 27, Neil passed away.
Like the legendary Peter Brock launching into the final straight, the museum – dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the great Holden brand – is fast approaching its 10th anniversary. With the local community's dedication and a fantastic group of volunteers, the museum is set to carry on what Neil started well into the future. The museum’s constantly evolving displays and a new extension that’s currently under construction will further complete Neil’s dream.“When we see others enjoying the collection, we get a real thrill from it too.”
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Probably the region’s number-one Holden fan, it felt natural to pay tribute to Neil by discussing his favourite vehicles. In no particular order, here they are:
The HD Holden
The museum houses a couple of ultra-low mileage HD Holdens in stunning condition. Neil was a particular fan of this model, given how it drove and the comfort the car offered the average Australian family since it first rolled off the production line in 1965.
The FC Holden
Produced between May 1958 and January 1960, the FC was a firm favourite of Neil’s. Perhaps the memory of using it for one of his daughter’s weddings swayed that choice. Beautiful cars are for making memories.
The EH Holden
Neil was among an army of Holden fans who adored the EH Holden when it arrived on the Australian motoring scene in August 1963. It might have been the sleek new lines or the idea of Holden producing its first dedicated Bathurst model that appealed to the ‘petrol head’ in Neil.
1937 Buick Special
While this big and bold Buick predates the first 1948 full Australian-built vehicle, its body was built and installed on an American chassis by Holden. The car’s beauty and formidable presence are why Neil used this classic beauty to ferry his (lucky!) grandchildren to their local debutante balls.
The 2017 WN Caprice
Among the last of the locally produced Holdens that Neil proudly owned, he loved this model for its great design, handling, comfort and safety – a long-time flagship model for the brand. Neil was an avid supporter of local manufacturing, whether it was loyally supporting local Gippsland businesses or looking broader and supporting Australian-made industries – an idea we could all reflect on and embrace.
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The Trafalgar Holden Museum is dedicated to telling the complete story of the Holden brand. More than cars, the museum tells the unexpected Holden history, including its humble beginnings in saddlery and its involvement in wartime history. Visit and support Neil’s legacy at 74 Waterloo Rd, Trafalgar.