Holden-fan Mike Rodgers has around 50 people over to his warren-like converted shed in East Gore every year to watch the Bathurst 1000 race.
He said viewing parties used to be more fun as there was plenty of Holden versus Ford banter, but his chosen make last raced in 2022.
In 2020, General Motors retired Holden, ending its Australian manufacturing and bringing the brand’s long Bathurst legacy to a close.
For Mr Rodgers, it had always been Holden, a preference he inherited from his father.
"I have a Ford," he said.
"It’s not that I don’t like Fords. It’s just like voting Labour or National, it runs in the family. I just like Holdens."
He chose the car’s unique colour himself and pulled the car "to bits", taking out all the dents in the chrome work and replacing the engine with a 308 motor.
"It’s tidy overall. It’s as shiny underneath as it is on top," he said.
Holdens were nostalgic for him.
"It brings back memories on a Friday or Saturday, jumping in the car to go cruising," he said.
Amidst the den-like decor of vintage items, beer posters and Bathurst "legend" Peter Brock memorabilia hangs a racing jacket that belonged to Ivan Van de Water.
Mr Van de Water died in a plane crash in March and there was a moment of silence for his friend at this year’s party.
"We’ll be having one for him."
Mr Van de Water gave the jacket to Mr Rodgers on one of their many group trips to Auckland for the V8 races.
"He was a a very well-liked person," Mr Rodgers said.
There are televisions in the main room, alongside a taxidermy "jungle" another of Mr Rodgers’ hobbies, the garage and the movie room behind a hidden door.
He said for the races, they have people spread throughout the space, while they cook food and take some notice of the races and their own fantasy league betting system.
"But in the last hour, hour and a-half, people are sitting in there, watching what's going on," he said.
