1964 Bobbin Holden - A Very Unique Aussie Special

A rare opportunity to acquire one of Australia’s most distinctive and technically fascinating homebuilt race cars — the Bobbin Holden, a true Australian Special with deep roots in postwar performance engineering.

Designed and built by Bob Caddy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the Bobbin Holden represents a bold Australian interpretation of the American Speedway Roadster. Constructed at Caddy’s well-known business, Raceway and Speed Equipment, the car captures the innovative spirit of 1950s Australian motorsport, where craftsmanship and ingenuity met competition.

Power comes from a Holden “Grey” motor extensively modified to deliver exceptional performance. With a compression ratio of around 14:1 and McGee direct methanol fuel injection, the engine produces approximately 190 bhp which is an extraordinary figure for its era. Mated to the Holden motor is a Powerglide automatic transmission – with the ability to be manually shifted for racing – providing both reliability and immediacy on track.

Suspension design is equally unconventional: both the front and rear axles use custom beam setups with coil springs and shock absorber units, giving the Bobbin its characteristic stance and road holding. Stopping power comes from power-assisted drum brakes all around, a period-correct but effective solution.

The chassis is a purpose-built speedway-style ladder frame, with the engine and transmission offset slightly to accommodate the driver — a hallmark of American speedway design. Every aspect of the car reflects an uncompromising focus on function and speed, wrapped in a simple yet purposeful aesthetic.

Although originally built for hill climb competition, the Bobbin Holden has also seen extensive circuit racing at Eastern Creek, Oran Park, and Wakefield Park, where it has continued to perform impressively in historic events. The car is both fast and mechanically engaging and in every sense of the phrase, it is a true driver’s machine.

This car is offered with comprehensive history and period magazine coverage, tracing its origins, evolution, and competition life. It has been meticulously maintained by its current long-term owner and is now offered for sale only due to retirement from motorsport.

The Bobbin Holden stands as a testament to the golden age of Australian Specials — a blend of creativity, mechanical ingenuity, and raw performance. With its authentic construction, detailed provenance, and race-ready presentation, this is a rare chance to own a genuine piece of Australian motorsport history.