“It was basically every household. You’re either a Ford family or a Holden family,” says one participant, while another points out that this rivalry was “intrinsic to the Australian idiom.”
Sadly, while these two Australian institutions were battling each other, they overlooked a looming threat from Asia: affordable (and well-made) Japanese and Korean cars. This was just one of the reasons that led to the demise of the Australian car manufacturing industry; brands like Toyota and Mitsubishi also shuttered local production there.
But let’s remember the rivalry for what it was: a golden era of Australian motorsport that inspired innovation and was full of drama on and off the circuit. Out of it grew some of the most exciting racing ever seen, and as the cars got better, so did the races.
During the Bathurst 500 era, the everyday Joes watched their vehicles – humdrum Falcons and Toranas – duke it out for top honors. This instilled a sense of pride in existing customers and brought new clients. As they say, win on Sunday, sell on Monday.
