Time-lapse restoration: 1978 Holden One Tonner

    Rich Fowler3 April, 2024

    holden one tonne

    This is as close to car porn as we're willing to publish. If you're anything like us, then watching an abandoned car lovingly brought back to life in a time-lapse video makes for captivating viewing - especially if it's an Australian icon like the mighty Holden One Tonner.

    The Holden One Tonner wasn't a single model but a nickname for a series of practical utility vehicles (utes) built by Holden from the 1950s to the early 2000s. These utes were based on existing Holden cars, but with a tough tray bed instead of a boot.

    This one-tonne (1000kg) capacity made them popular choices for tradespeople, farmers, and anyone needing a vehicle for work and play.

    The One Tonner became a symbol of Australian practicality and hard work, and today these classic utes are highly sought-after collector's items.

    Rich Fowler

    Writer

    "If it moves and makes a noise, count me in. That pretty much sums up my lifelong passion for motoring and motorsport history. Rich has worked in various roles in the digital and motoring media world, starting his career at Autosport and also working at Auto Action, Motor, and as the founder and publisher of Motorsport Retro. 

    Most recently, Rich successfully launched Collecting Cars in the Australian market, growing the brand from 0 to $150 million in sales in just 3 years."

    More inEntertainment

    FJ Holden hanging from bridge

    50-year mystery solved: Who hung an FJ Holden from an Adelaide footbridge?

    The perpetrators of an infamous University of Adelaide Prosh Day prank which saw an FJ Holden suspended from a footbridge have finally been revealed.

    LOtus 25

    Hot Lap: Ride On Board In A Lotus 26R

    With a name like Horatio Fitz-Simon you'd expect him to be quick! Ride on board with this young up and coming historic racer in a Lotus 26R at the recent Velocity Festival in Sonoma.

    Lamborghini Countach Production Line

    Here's How The Lamborghini Countach Was Built By Hand

    The Countach turns 50 this year, and Lamborghini has shared some images and footage from the archives of the final example being made.

    More inAussie

    1976 Holden Torana LX SS

    Aussie auction special: Collecting Cars has over a dozen icons up for grabs

    It's not every day you see this many classic Aussie muscle cars up for grabs, but Collecting Cars has a smorgasbord of lots available right now.

    VB Holden Commodore SL/E

    Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden VB-VH Commodore SL/E (1978-83)

    The Commodore SL/E was the top-spec Commodore prior to the HDT models and came with everything from a 3.3-litre straight-six to a 5.0-litre V8.

    1999 Nissan Skyline (R34) GT-R V-Spec

    October Auction Recap: Aussies Spent More on Number Plates Than Cars

    As auction houses worldwide engage in battles to set new record prices, the only serious money being spent locally has gone on number plates.

    Get The Latest

    Sign up for the latest in retro rides, from stories of restoration to community happenings.

    By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.