Jack Rawnsley RIP

Cast your mind back to post-war Australia and the creation of the Holden 48-215. It’s the car that heralded a new Australian automotive era and it launched a lifetime of childhood memories for generations as the Holden brand took hold in the nation’s psyche.

So it is with great respect that we honour Jack Rawnsley who passed away earlier this week. The 99-year-old was the sole survivor of the 48-215 project and with him Holden loses a part of its soul.

May he rest in peace.

Holden Pays Tribute To The Late Jack Rawnsley

Holden has paid tribute to Jack Rawnsley, the last remaining engineer to have worked on the very first Holden – the 48-215 – who passed away yesterday aged 99.

Mr Rawnsley will be remembered as one of a small team of Holden’s best engineers sent to Detroit in 1945 to develop the foundations for “Australia’s Own Car”.

Upon his return home in 1948, he was responsible for ensuring the car designed, engineered and built in Australia was tailored for the country’s harsh local conditions – something that Holdens have been known for ever since.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said Mr Rawnsley was considered Holden royalty by employees past and present.

“Jack and his colleagues were true pioneers and paved the way not just for Holden’s success, but the Australian automotive industry as a whole,” Mr Devereux said.

“With Jack’s sad passing we lose a cherished link with our past.

“But a daily reminder of his extraordinary work is his legacy of designing, engineering and manufacturing the best possible cars for Australian motorists.”

Holden extends its deepest sympathies to Mr Rawnsley’s daughter Brenda, son John, extended family members and friends.