HSV's Number 1 enthusiast

Published: 25 September 2003

Pictured: HSV.

“Ultimately, this car will remain with us forever,” enthused Graeme Rutgers. He was on hand, with wife Sue, at a special handover ceremony at HSV’s Clayton headquarters to receive the keys for their #1 build HSV WK Grange – the first of HSV’s new luxury flagship model to roll off the production line and #1 of only 100 Granges to be produced in 2003.

They are prophetic words, indeed, from a man who has proven to be not only a passionate HSV enthusiast but also a passionate HSV collector. The #1 plated Grange is the 17th HSV the Rutgers’ family have purchased. Many of them (all models bearing #1 or #5 build plates) the Adelaide family keeps stored in pristine condition as highly prized collector’s items.

Purchased through City Holden Adelaide, the new Grange – finished in Phantom Black with optional 19-inch wheels, sunroof and satellite navigation – is the third to grace the family’s garage.

“I think once you’ve had one Grange they become a bit of an obsession”, said Rutgers. “We’ve had two and I really regretted selling them both so coming back for a third was easy – there’s nothing like it.”

“This particular car is a daily driver for me. It will do around 5000km and then it will be put away with the rest of the collection.”

Interestingly, Graeme Rutgers is perhaps best known as the promoter of the highly successful ‘National Holden and Ford Show’. In the age-old battle it’s clear to see where his loyalties lie.

Recommended articles

Walkinshaw Automotive Group to Partner with GM Through Creation of GMSV

18 August 2020

General Motors (GM) has today announced their new venture GMSV and is scheduled to commence trading in Australia and New Zealand in Q4 2020.

Walkinshaw Automotive Group and Premcar Combine to Assist with COVID-19 Treatment

04 June 2020

Two of Australia’s biggest automotive rivals, Walkinshaw Automotive Group and Premcar, have come together in response to the current COVID-19 situation, combining to engineer and manufacture a Constant Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine for Australian patients.

HSV Releases Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pricing

16 April 2020

HSV Confirms Chevrolet Silverado 1500

20 February 2020

HSV aims for growth through digitalization collaboration with Siemens and AMGC

14 November 2019

HSV Announces Partnership with Love Me Love You

09 August 2019