It was a classic first date, that began like many others during the 1970s - during a long, moonlit drive in a Holden panel van.
However, Greg and Karen Fountaines’ love story hit a road bump after Greg, perhaps in an attempt to muster some liquid courage, became too intoxicated to drive the pair home.
“Well, she was buying the drinks,” said Greg, doing his best to recall the night out.
Karen was tasked with taking the young man home, who was lying comfortably in the back of his Holden EH panel van.
Despite this the Fountaines are still going strong decades later, with the couple’s love of travel directly linked to Gary’s admiration of the Holden EH model, now considered a collectable by enthusiasts.
Greg had to wait until 2004 to get his hands on another EH, a blue model from 1963, of which the pair have used extensively while travelling across Australia.
“It’s modified for power and reliability,” Greg said
“We’ve done over 100,000 miles (16, 0934.4kms) in 19 years. The only place we haven’t been to is the Northern Territory.”
The next time the Fountaines will appear with the eye-catching blue Holden will be at the 36th annual NSW All Holden Day Weekend, taking place August 3 and 4.
Event organiser Geoff Connor said the event would feature over 800 Holdens and around 20,000 spectators, making it the largest showing of Holden cars anywhere in the world.
“The display day is attended by 60 odd Australian car clubs, and we also have around 200-to-300 cars on display by non-club affiliates,” Mr Connor said.
The NSW All Holden Day Weekend will be held at the Hawkesbury Showgrounds, Clarendon, with all proceeds to local charity and support groups.