It was a sad day for Australian car enthusiasts when General Motorsport announced that Holden would be retired.
 
With the company no longer committing to produce the iconic Australian car in the future, it was left to the current custodians of Holdens to continue keeping the brand alive.
 
And clubs like Club VE have been big drivers of that.
 
Established in 2012 and affiliated with Motorsport Australia in 2013, the club once held the title of Australia's largest organisation dedicated to the Holden VE model – the car manufactured between 2006 and 2013.
 
Unfortunately due to the COVID-19, its membership decreased but it has begun its road to recovery with 40 current members.
 
And it may not be running motorsport events like it did in previous years, but there are plans on the horizon to reignite its motorsport program and its focus has been on the on car displays, including at this year’s Australian Grand Prix.
 
Serving as the perfect platform to build interest in the club, there is a good mix of cars part of its display at the Live Fast Festival, which highlights its inclusive goal of getting many people involved with the club – no matter what car they own.


“Obviously we started out as the biggest VE club in Australia, but then the VF superseded it and since then we have sort of opened up to anyone and everyone,” secretary Sonia Jaiswal said.
 
“We don’t just have Holdens part of the club, we have all types of cars – from Fords to Lamborghinis, to Chevs to the Rolls Royce – as long as you’re an enthusiast of motoring, then you’re welcome.

“That is what our aim is here this weekend. We have 14 cars on display and there have been quite a few people interested - especially in the cars that they wouldn’t normally see, like the Rolls Royce and Lamborghini.
 
“People wouldn’t expect to see them out but they offer a different drawcard.
 
“Of course we do have a good range of Holdens on display, which includes the Craig Lowndes VE Edition and a VK Brock edition.”


Although they do welcome many different types of cars, the club’s heart still beats true for Holden and the VE model.
 
“The Holden VE is special because it was the last proper Holden before it was disbanded. It was all over after then,” Jaiswal added.
 
“It’s a bit sad that Holden will cease to exist but there are still plenty of cars and plenty of clubs going around that we can keep the spirit alive and that’s all that matters.”