As agreed with Leith at the time of auction, here is my review of Issue 1 of Just Holdens Magazine.

I have just read the first issue of "Just Holdens Magazine" and it is a good thing. It is not perfect, but is a good read and will, hopefully, only get better.

At first glance, it appears to cover such a wide range of Holden related topics that it is difficult to work out where it will sit in the plethora of Holden related car magazines in your newsagent. However, after having a bit more of a think about it, it covers just about every Holden related story that I am interested in, and it means that I may only have to buy one magazine rather than 3 or 4 on a regular basis.

The subject matter ranges from an FE Wagon that has been restored to "better than new" condition to an HZ work panel van to upcoming models from HSV to Motorsport to a Road Test of Holden's new Tigra Convertible.

The Tigra Road Test held some special significance for me as Mrs Qute has recently purchased one (and I agree with Warren Turnbull, they are a good drive).

The Road Test isn't a traditional Road Test in the Wheels or Motor tradition. It is more like a comprehensive test drive or about ½ way between the Wheels/Motor Road Tests and their "Recently Driven but not tested" stories. It would make me want to find out more about a model or warn me what to expect when driving one.

I particularly liked the story regarding the A9X that is racing in the US. Those types of stories are unusual in mainstream magazines and, not being a motor racing magazine buyer, I usually miss out on them. The story on the Muscle Car Masters meeting could have been a LITTLE longer but maybe room was at a premium in the magazine.

The story on the Effigy gave me more of an insight into the car and the Torana XU-1, HSV-girl and the Collector stories were just the right length and written in such a way that they held my interest all the way through.

The information on the V8Supercars racing from last year was a very good summary and there was some information on the drivers in this year's Championship.

The 3 or 4 Photo Features were also a welcome surprise.

There was a "Tech" story (on stroking an Ecotech V6 from 3.8 to 4.3 litres), a couple of stories on displays (QLD All Holden Day and Adelaide's All Monaro Day) as well as competitions and a pleasingly small-ish amount of adverts.

The ads were mostly for Eastern States' businesses and Rare Spares was well represented in the advertising space and the "Showroom" (New Products) section. Holden took up the whole back page with an advertisement for genuine Holden mag wheels. I have never seen Holden push their mag wheels before (maybe I haven't bought too many car magazines in the last 6 or 7 months either), so it was a bit of a surprise to see this ad.

A couple of car posters in the middle virtually completes the content.

Grumbles? Only one or two.

They need to get a MUCH better Proof Reader. The number of lines of text in the wrong spot and the amount of spurious text was way too high for my liking. I don't necessarily expect it to be perfect in this matter, but there is certainly room for improvement.

The adverts were biased towards late/current model cars (with the exception of Rare Spares). I know this is reality as there are many more products/businesses feeding a much bigger market in late model parts. I don't really know why I expected more advertisements for services and bits for old(er) Holdens. Maybe it was because the magazine aims to cater for both the new car and old car fraternity.

If you have an interest in Holden, I'd recommend you give "Just Holdens Magazine" a go. Most of us have on old Holden or two as well as a newer one that is our daily driver. You will find good, informative and entertaining information that is relevant to your interests in this magazine.

Will I be buying future editions? You betcha.


Cheers...Dave

Dave

I talked (ie email conversed) with Warren about the proof reading, and even offered to help. What happened apparantly was his wife proof read his portions, and they were perfect prior to editing (ie fitting on pages, around pictures etc) and that

Hi Dave,
Having found the Holden magazine in the newsagency one day, and reading it cover to cover, I join your enthusiasm and say that this mag hits the nail on the head. The review of the VT Clubsport R8 was pleasing, I own one.

One point - I bough

That's good news Leith, I haven't been able to locate a copy of Issue2 in WA...

Cheers...Dave

Thanks Warren, I thought I'd missed it...

Cheers...Dave

Hi all,
Well I too enjoyed this mag (issue2) I have read it several times cover to cover, but am perplexed about how I get a copy of issue of 1, I have been to every newsagent within a 30km radius and asked about back issues. I have emailed the mag and