Feature Article
A Uniquely Australian Car: The Ute
Much has been written since Holden, and then Ford announced their respective closures, and indeed Bathurst has been in an almost endless farewell loop since then. Differing perspectives were offered when reviewing the demise of the Australian automotive, and related manufacturing industries; the economic ramifications, and changes to the labour market. And, at a more emotional level, we have lamented the gradual erosion of the Holden-Ford rivalry and an end to a uniquely homegrown automotive history. No longer will cars designed and made in Australia continue to race at these iconic tracks, and from a cultural perspective, gone is a microcosm of Australian identity.
In terms of motorsport, the similarity between the V8 Supercars and the Commodore and Falcon on which they are based couldn’t be more different now. Driven by massive advancements in race technology, the similarities no longer run beyond the body panels. I would argue that the ‘hotrod’ versions of the Holden and Fords of the 70’s and 80’s more closely resembled their race-going brethren of the time than they have of the last 20-30 yrs. But that may be more an indication
of how motorsport technology and budgets have grown. Indeed race technology has a way of filtering down into domestic cars over time.
At the time of writing, of Australia’s 10 top-selling cars, four of these are mid to large-sized 4x4 Utes, the Hilux and Ranger are one and two on the list. Even with a hastening move to hybrid and electric, these cars continue to command the attention of the Australian car-buying market. Perhaps it is the dual nature of these vehicles, workman-like and versatile. The pandemic has also had a hand in increasing the demand for these variants combining everyday practicality with the ability to facilitate weekend getaways and taxies for weekend kids' sports.
Many countries and many manufacturers produce a ute, and offer dual cab, crew cab, and single cab versions of muscular, somewhat derivative trucks, more akin to the American ‘pick-up’ than the Ute. No one however is offering what Australia has or did, a Ute born out of a car body, a ‘coupe-ute’ if you will. Resulting in driving qualities similar to a car rather than a small building.
With this in mind, I'd like to make a case that the Ute is the most iconic Australian contribution to the global car industry. It has defined our approach to car design, and become synonymous with trades, Ute musters, bogans, and the performance scene. It is true that the construction of a ute with car-based chassis ute never really gained traction in the USA, with consumers preferring the larger pick-up style truck, as opposed to the car-like qualities offered by our Holden and Ford load-carrying variants. Australia may not have invented the ute, but we embraced it. It was a car that could handle long distances, dust, heat, carry livestock and farming equipment, and still drive to church on Sunday. Holden and Ford managed to build sporty, muscular, heavy-duty, utilitarian, luxury and budget variants all based on one platform, evolving from family sedans.
Has the Australian Ute ceased to exist, or will there be another variant? A hybrid or plug-in electric? There are issues with our Ute design; big engine, no weight in the back coupled with a live rear axle makes for an equally engaging and terrifying ride. With no dual or crew cab passengers are limited. Less ground clearance combined with a lower payload further restricts practicality. At this point, I feel I may have convinced myself that the pick-up is better.
However, the demise of the Australian Ute has had a greater impact than the mere fact that we were the only population to truly embrace it. It also symbolises the death of originality in the Australian automotive industry. The Ute was the last bastion of our truly outrageous, carefree spirit.
Consider for a moment the 304kw Commodore Ute - a rear-wheel drive car with absolutely no weight in the back, not to mention the positively insane Supercharged HSV version with 435kw. Remember they are relatively modern cars. What about the Ford XB from 1973-76 with 193kw? Granted a brand-new Hyundai i30N puts out more power, and cleanly I’ll add. But the XB weighed less, had rear drum brakes a live-rear axle, with no complex driver aids to keep you honest.
So the Australian Ute, was truly unique, made by us for us. It fit our needs and most importantly its manufacture was driven by public demand. And perhaps ironically its demise has been driven by waning public interest. You may not have owned a Ute or desired one. Maybe you considered them symbolic of a culture you didn’t belong to. Nevertheless, the Ute will remain an emblem of the Australian automotive industry. A car that combined utility with an attractive design aesthetic; it could be a workhorse or sports car or both. Looked muscular and could chew up long distances in the Australian summer. In many ways the mullet of the car world. With this in mind here are some selections of influential, interesting, and/or innovative Australian Utes (HSV, FSV, FPV, and Tickford examples excluded), images to follow, links provided in the interim (finding some of these vehicles is hard to say the least now)
2014 Ford XR6 Turbo
Like gin and tonic, the reliable and robust Barra powerplant is mated with a Turbo. A perfect match. Bridging the divide between those that love displacement and those that love tuning. https://www.carsales.com.au/ford/falcon-ute/price/2014/xr6-turbo-400373/
2016 SSV Holden
Simple yet muscular lines with no division between cab and tray, combined with modern handling. And a reasonably refined and well-appointed interior for an Australian car of this period. https://www.carsales.com.au/holden/ute/price/2016/ss-v-redline-430904/
1971 XY Falcon 4X4
Only 432 were built, but a car ahead of its time - defining feature of Australian design ingenuity and originality. https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/news/2001/1971-ford-falcon-xy-4x4-for-sale
1997 Ford Falcon XH V8 Series 2
Return of the V8 and apex of the XR series, and with those iconic recessed eadlights. Surprisingly this was based on the XD Falcon architecture from 1982. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1998-ford-falcon-xr8-xh-ii-manual/OAG-AD-20933049/?Cr=1
1972 Holden HQ
It’s a HQ, enough said! Holden’s most successful model at the time. Only rust could kill these. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/holden/kingswood/ute-bodystyle/
2007 Holden Crewman
Pretty ugly, not really a great idea, and has an atrocious back seat with worse fuel economy. It makes the list because it's different, and forward-thinking whilst simultaneously being entirely out of date before it went on sale. https://www.carsguide.com.au/holden/crewman/price/2007