Ep. 25 World Tour: The History of the Australian Car Industry

Welcome to part two of the this five part World Tour. In this episode, a classic car connaisseur gives you an overview of what crazy cars were made down under! Hooroo!

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Enjoy!

[attila_the_fun]

Your attempt at an Australian accent was both endearing, hilarious, and better than most. Especially with the accurate use of the C-Bomb. You sounded just like a Boer who's been living on the north side of Brisbane for a decade or 2, which makes a lot of sense lol.

[TheKnobCalledTone.]

For a Dutch bloke, you did a pretty good job of summing up Australia's former automotive industry. Even with the minor errors/omissions that that the other Australians have pointed out in the comments feed already. Look forward to seeing more of these World Tour episodes.

[mikevale]

As an Aussie and an owner of an Aussie muscle car (Chrysler) I think from afar you did an excellent job of explaining the Aussie motor industry to the world. BIG TICK!

[eacobra]

Here in Brazil we had a similar situation. The Brazilian Aero Willys, Jeep Rural (Willys Jeep Station Wagon), Dodge Dart, Ford Maverick and Chevrolet Opala (Opel Rekord) have undergone adaptations to the national market. Ford bought Willys do Brasil and manufactured the Ford Corcel, an adaptation of the Renault 12. Chevrolet manufactured the Brazilian C10 with its own design. VW manufactured the Vw Gol, a Brazilian project. Add to that government interference and ethanol engines.

[HonourableHusband]

Ed, you’re right. The Australian automotive industry is a fascinating study. Some government intervention was highly successful, and others not. Button, at the time, was quoted as saying that in hindsight, he didn’t think Australia should have developed a domestic car industry in the postwar years at all. Sad, because there were enormous elements of creativity and exceptional design (the XD Falcons, especially, won design awards). The Australian market was unique: it demanded decently powered large cars that could tow trailers—which, contrary to the 80s/90s trend, meant keeping rear wheel drive. At the same time, Australia was a right-hand-drive market—unlike, say, the United States, one of the few other places on earth with large car, rear-wheel drive demand. This meant Australia was pretty much on its own to make right hook, rear drive cars. Impossible to export. Personally, I think what really killed domestic demand was the advent of the all-wheel-drive SUV, like the Land Cruiser, which has a distinctive history in Australia, as you know. Powerful and great for towing, they were already engineered for right hand drive versions in Japan thanks to Asian markets. That meant shrinking Australian demand for a rear drive towing vehicle of the kind which enjoyed a natural protection from overseas competition. I worked for the Australian car industry in its heyday, so if you’d like to chat, HMU. Keep up the exceptional work.

(BTW, Australians say the Bathurst One Thousand, rather than the Bathurst Thousand. No biggie.)

[allan-shephard]

As an Aussie, I loved this. I cannot believe you dropped the C-bomb in there in an Aussie accent! 3:04 Haha. Another awesome vid Ed. I always look forward to your content.

[xlx]

Being an American motorhead, I've always been fascinated by Australian cars built by the American manufacturers. You can see some family resemblance in many of them, yet they are distinctly Australian. What really peaked my interest were the Mad Max movies, showcasing some of those vehicles. One of these days, I'd love to import an Australian Falcon to the US. It would be a huge hit at the local car shows!

[bodgiesteve]

As an Australian enthusiast, and owner of a 1954 FJ Holden, I think your video was actually quite accurate. Some minor details, but very well researched. Also, the Japanese used Australia as a test bed for marketing in western countries. Also highlights the perils of government interference. Also I personally blame Mark Reuss, for dismantling the Hanenberger plan, as Holden CEO, and then dismantaling Holden, as "New GM" board member.

[piglos]

Detail point, the 48-215 was informally known as the FX, the FJ was introduced in 1953. But I love your channel, you are doing an awesome job

[ivokillerintel]

Here in argentina we had something like AMI, it was called IKA and produced from Jeeps, to Renaults and even an Alfa model, later they tried to make their own car which ended up in the company being sold to Renault

[petervanhavermaat]

Oh my God! This is, hands down, one of the best channels on YouTube. Ed seriously has the perfect balance that is Informative and Entertaining. Cheers!

[CathodeRayNipplez]

3:04 🤣 Nailed it!
And kudos for pronouncing Bathurst correctly 👍

[ando]

omg lol hands Ed a vegemite sandwich for his impersonation of us.

[collick]

Loved your comment about Australia being the "bonus track" of the world.
My father (an engineer) emigrated from the UK in the early sixties. I remember him being shocked on how technologically primitive the country was. We've come along way in sixty years.

[stevewilliams]

Greetings from Sydney. Outstanding video, you've done a great job especially from the other side of the world. Only detail I could pick was the 48/215 was aka FX, the FJ was a light facelift with different grille and tail lights, 1953 introduction.

Keep up the great work 👍

[Elecks.]

Hoping to see more about the European car industry, but not the ones we all know. More info on FSO from Poland for example. Or even more lesser known industries.

[Sloop]

I have always been fascinated by Australian cars, thanks for your video and greetings from Italy!

[stuart]

Fun fact: on early maps, Australia was known as "New Holland".

[gourisankarmandal]

With you from 40k, you deserve a million subscribers with your balance between information and humor. Greetings from India.

[RyanMoran]

Ozzie here (with a Dutch background). Excellent video - would never know you weren’t Australian yourself, as everything, including cultural references, was quite accurate! My Dutch family were a holden family - opa swore by Kingswoods and wouldn’t drive anything else. I bucked that trend and currently own a ‘70 Dodge Phoenix which is basically a rhd plymouth fury. Very much a mediocre ‘luxury’ car (it was the model that preceded the Chrysler by Chrysler)