THE TORANA COULD BE REPLACED BY AN LJ XU-1 IF THE RIGHT ONE COMES ALONG

unable to detach themselves from their loyalties, even for a moment. You will notice that the museum is packed from side to side, and it doesn’t seem as if Steve will be slowing down on Holden acquisitions any time soon. Hence our curiosity as to the identity of the sacrificial lamb in the pack. The honour of being the vehicle that will be first out the door when something better comes along goes to the VN sitting timidly in the corner. However, the single Torana — in need of restoration — should also be nervous, as it could find itself replaced by an LJ XU-1 if the right one comes along. Steve and Joy each get enjoyment from the museum in a different way; Joy has great fun creating the ethos for the museum with her vintage displays, which involves dressing and sourcing the materials for the mannequins. Steve is rather fond of the bar area, which is set up complete with bar stools, sofas, and a big screen plumbed in for all a person’s race-viewing needs. This set-up allows Steve and Joy to come down at night and enjoy the comforts while admiringly surveying the collection. Said collection also includes a rather special mural of Bathurst 2003 on the wall. Placed on the mural is a Commodore that caught Steve’s eye at a wreckers. The car was cut in half and coated in the livery that adorned Greg Murphy’s 2003 Bathurst winning car. Obviously, full-scale livery from 14 years ago is not something you just have lying around or find listed on Trade Me. Fortunately, things are different if Greg Murphy happens to be an acquaintance. Murph took it upon himself to organize sending the livery over from Australia, and even came by the museum to sign it after the half-car had been mounted to the wall. The great people at HSV New Zealand have also parted with various promotional materials and Holden-related memorabilia to add to the aesthetic of the museum. Steve would love Holden New Zealand to come on board and show some interest in the project, but, personally, we think it’s about time they got busy designing a Steve Fabish Edition Commodore to commemorate the prolific enthusiast. After reading this, you’ll hardly need any encouragement to visit the museum, but we thoroughly recommend making this Holden pilgrimage. Rest assured that Steve, the selfconfessed night owl, and the ever-hardworking Joy will be toiling away to come up with new ideas and attractions that will make you want to go back time and time again.