“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.