Holden vs. Ford: The Bathurst Rivalry That Defined Australian Motorsport

Few rivalries have captured the essence of Australian motorsport quite like the battle between Holden and Ford at the Bathurst 1000. For over fifty years, these two automotive powerhouses went head-to-head in wheel-to-wheel combat on the unforgiving slopes of Mount Panorama, creating a legacy defined by speed, precision, and fierce competition.

But the rivalry didn’t end at the track, it spilled into the streets, dealerships, and even the living rooms of Australia. Families were split, friendships were tested, and communities bonded over the pride of backing either the Red Lion or the Blue Oval. It became part of the nation’s identity, an ongoing saga that extended beyond the asphalt and into everyday life.

Despite Holden’s absence in recent years, their fierce rivalry with Ford continues to resonate. It’s a reminder of the epic duels and unforgettable moments that shaped an entire generation of motorsport enthusiasts. From the roar of a Torana GTR XU-1 hunting down a Falcon GT-HO to the dramatic, side-by-side finishes that left fans gasping, Holden and Ford pushed each other to the absolute limit, both on and off the track. It was never just about who crossed the finish line first, it was about pride, loyalty, and the sheer thrill of competition.

As we look forward to this year’s Bathurst 1000 with the new Gen3 Supercars era, the Holden vs Ford rivalry remains a touchstone of Australia’s racing heritage. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the most unforgettable moments that fueled the epic brand divide and made Mount Panorama a true battleground for these two legends of the track.

A Battle Born on the Mountain

The Holden vs. Ford rivalry at Bathurst began in the 1960s and quickly became the backbone of Australian motorsport. Holden’s powerful V8 engines and Ford’s high-performance machines have since gone toe-to-toe in a series of epic confrontations that have shaped the identity of Bathurst. Each decade has seen its fair share of drama, triumph, and heartbreak, with victories often determined by mere seconds.

Showdown Moments: Holden vs. Ford: Bathurst’s Greatest Rivalry

1969: The Birth of a Rivalry

The rivalry between Holden and Ford at Bathurst truly began in the late 60s, when both manufacturers locked horns for the first time on the mountain. The sight of Holden’s Monaro GTS 350 taking on Ford’s mighty Falcon GT-HO is still etched in the memories of those who witnessed the sparks fly that year.

1972: Peter Brock’s First Win

A young Peter Brock put Holden on the map with his maiden victory in the Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1. With this win, Brock would go on to become known as the King of the Mountain, racking up a record nine wins at Bathurst and solidifying Holden’s place in the history books.

1977: Ford’s Famous One-Two Finish

The 1977 Bathurst race is a legend in its own right. Ford’s domination was on full display as Allan Moffat and Colin Bond took a one-two finish, crossing the line side-by-side in the ultimate display of teamwork and dominance that would become one of the most iconic moments in Bathurst history. For Ford fans, this was a race to remember forever.

1984: Brock’s Commodore Victory

Peter Brock once again captured the crowd’s attention with a stunning victory in the Holden VK Commodore. This was no ordinary win, it was a statement that Holden wasn’t going anywhere. Brock’s ability to outdrive his competition in an era when the race was fraught with mechanical failures and extreme pressure was nothing short of legendary.

1994: Ford’s Return to Glory

In a race that will be remembered for its nail-biting finish, Ford’s Dick Johnson and John Bowe took victory in the EB Falcon, bringing Ford back to the top after a challenging period. This race was a turning point for the Iconic Blue Oval, reigniting their rivalry with Holden.

2006: Lowndes’ Emotional Win

Craig Lowndes took an emotional win for Ford in 2006, the first since the death of his mentor and friend, Peter Brock. It was a symbolic moment that brought both camps together in mutual respect and admiration for one of Australia’s greatest drivers. Lowndes’ victory reasserted Ford’s prowess on the mountain and rekindled the rivalry with Holden in the modern era.

2010: Holden’s Triple Crown

Holden’s domination in the 2010s reached a high point with three consecutive wins, spearheaded by Garth Tander and Will Davison. The sheer consistency and performance of Holden’s drivers and teams kept Ford on the back foot, adding fuel to the rivalry.

2022: A Memorable Farewell

The Holden vs Ford rivalry reached an emotional peak in 2022, when Holden claimed a memorable farewell victory at the Bathurst 1000. Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander steered the Red Bull Racing Holden Commodore to an incredible win, marking Holden’s 36th and final Bathurst triumph before the brand’s departure from Supercars. It was a fitting tribute to a brand that has been intertwined with Australian motorsport for decades

Which Side Are You Backing?

With Holden’s exit from the series and the arrival of the Chevrolet Camaro to compete against the Ford Mustang in the new Gen3 era, the Bathurst 1000 is entering a new chapter. But for many fans, the memories of the great battles between Holden and Ford will always define the mountain.

With this in mind, we leave you with the simple question:

Do you stand with the Holden Legacy or support Ford’s iconic Mustang Supercar?

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1976 Ford Falcon XB HORN GT
Worth $265,000

Featuring:

Original matching-numbers 351ci Cleveland V8 engine
4 speed manual transmission
Factory 9” differential
McLeod Horn options including front & rear spoiler & side stripe
Horn style staggered 14/15” Jelly bean wheels
Brand new BF Goodrich white lettered tyres
Factory Blue Steel with Silver GT stripes
Factory style interior in Chamois coloured vinyl
GT steering wheel & dash

1977 Holden A9X Torana
Worth $515,000