This is the 1969 Holden Hurricane, a one-off prototype that was easily one of the most advanced cars of its time. In the year 1969, gas was 35-cents a gallon, The Beatles gave their last ever public performance together, and the average cost of a home was around $27,000. There was also the Apollo 11 Moon Landings, the creation of the Woodstock Music Festival, and many other notable events. All the while, another intriguing story was developing over in Australia during the same year, the creation of the Holden Hurricane. Holden (formerly known as General Motors-Holden) was a former Australian automobile manufacturer founded in 1856 as ‘J.A. Holden & Co’ by James Alexander Holden & Sir Edwin Holden. The Hurricane was their first ever concept vehicle, and it was revealed as a rear-wheel drive mid-engined sports car packed with a ton of futuristic elements way ahead of it’s time. The design for this vehicle came from Ken Genest under Don DaHarsh, and the Hurricane was initially developed under the code name ‘RD 001’ (Research & Development 001). The Hurricane was equipped with a rear vision TV screen connected to a closed-circuit TV camera which allows for wide-angle rear vision, air conditioning with thermostatic controls, a foam-padded interior, a fully independent front and rear suspension, an electronic digital speedometer and a fiberglass body that incorporates a hydraulic powered canopy that can tilt up and forward to allow for passenger entry. In 1988, the Hurricane was re-discovered and brought out of the Holden training centre. In the year 2006, a group of Holden designers started to refurbish and essentially bring the car back to life. The restoration of the Hurricane was eventually completed by 2011, and it’s first revival took place at the 2011 Motorclassica classic car show in Melbourne. Today, the car is kept in the @nationalmotormuseumau in running condition!
How many made? 1 of 1.
Engine: 4.2L Holden-built V8 - 262bhp
Debut: 1969 Melbourne Auto Show
Top Speed: N/A
0-60: 5.3 seconds (claimed)
Photo Credit: @_that_cargirl, @melbourneexoticsupercars
Research: @rarecarsonly