Holden concept car scoops US awards
31 October 2006
Garth Montgomery
A HOLDEN designed concept car has taken top honours for prestigious motoring awards in the US, it was announced yesterday.
The Efigy is a modern tribute to Australia’s iconic FJ Holden and was selected by judges as Hotrod Of The Year by US bible Hot Rod Magazine.
Holden designers created the car especially for the 2005 Australian International Motor Show where it was the show highlight. The Efigy also featured at the Melbourne Motor Show in February.
The radical, pillarless coupe featured a supercharged 6.0 litre V8 engine resting on a Chevrolet Corvette underbody.
The US Hot Rod magazine described the car as "probably the most beautiful concept car ever to come from an automotive manufacturer."
Magazine editor Rob Kinnan acknowledged that not all concept cars are intended for production.
"It was obvious here, however, that this was a pure hot rod built by true gear heads who just happened to work for a new car company," he said.
Holden's chief designer, Richard Ferlazzo, who led the EFIJY project, said: "The car has created quite a bit of interest in the states, which is great recognition for our team.
"It's not immediately obvious, but this sort of interest also helps to promote the capabilities of the GM Holden organisation in a wider field."
