One of the last Australian-made Holden Commodore police vehicles has come to its final stop, with a ceremony held in Belconnen today.
For 44 years, Australian-made Holden Commodores have been used by police officers in the ACT, but the silver 2018 SSV Redline was the last in operation before it was retired last month.
The iconic status of the vehicle has meant there would be no more fitting home for it than the AFP Museum, said ACT Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentlemen, who was on hand to welcome the car to its new home.
“As a long time car lover, I am thrilled that we can commemorate a fantastic Australian-made vehicle by displaying it in the AFP Museum where it will be enjoyed by generations to come,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The Holden Commodore was a vehicle built for Australians, by Australians, and has served our police force well for many decades.”
Chief Police Officer ACT Neil Gaughan, who drove a Holden Commodore in his first roles in ACT Policing, said the car held a special place in the hearts of many Australians and Australian police officers.
“It was a vehicle that could handle the harsh driving conditions of the country, from the straight highways of the Nullarbor to the winding roads of the Snowy Mountains. It was a vehicle built to handle Australia’s unique climate and road system,” CPO Gaughan said.
The AFP leases its vehicles through SG Fleet, which donated the Commodore to the AFP Museum when it reached the end of the lease arrangement last month.
SG Fleet’s Federal Government contracts manager Kenrick Winchester said SG Fleet has been a proud partner of the Australian Federal Police and ACT Policing for the past nine years.
“The donation is a great opportunity to help preserve a piece of Australian motoring history,” Mr Winchester said.
Senior Constable Greg Harlovich was the primary driver of the Commodore. He said that he was lucky to have been allocated such a great Australian-made vehicle.
“I was genuinely sad to have to hand this car back, but I am pleased to know it will be around for others to view long after I finish my career,” Senior Constable Harlovich said.
ACT Policing will also permanently retire the Tango-51 radio call sign allocated to the vehicle as a mark of respect for the last vehicle of its type and its long-time driver. The vehicle will go on display at the Museum of Australian Policing in Acton when it opens.
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