Richard Eggleston from the Parkes based Central West CarClub has recently purchased this 1985 RB Holden Gemini.
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Suffice to say, this model is rarely seen and some may not even recognise it as they were never really popular, with the RB unkindly suggested as representing Rubbish Bin!
That said. Richard has put a lot of work into tidying up his RB to have an immaculate example of a 1980s rarity.
Just over 16000 RB Geminis were produced in Australia with the run only lasting two years from 1985 - 1987.
"The RB was a world car for General Motors with such models as the Chevrolet Spectrum and theIsuzu I-Mark in the U.S. " Richard said.
They were only ever produced asa sedan in Australia and featured a 1.5 litre transverse four cylinder engine.
"The mainstream Gemini crowd often hate them because they're boring, they're front wheel drive and they can't do a skid " laughed Richard.
While not particularly in the hunt for an RB, Richard bought the car because of its originality, condition and price.
It had been int he one family since being sold new to an elderly couple in Port Pirie, South Australia.
"The original sales docket from February 1986 said$11600 " Richard said.
The Gemini was with its third generation of owners from the same family when Richard bought it in Adelaide this year.
"The drive home was pretty much trouble free" said Richard "until a lack of accommodation at Balranald had me setting off across the Hay plain in fading light and torrential rain."
Never quite the ideal situation with an unfamiliar vehicle, but the Gemini took it all in its stride.
Maybe Brocky was right! In an advertising campaign fort he RB Gemini in 1985 a group of drivers including the late Peter Brock drove and RB continuously for 80 days bringing up 200,000 kms of trouble free motoring.
Despite times of frustration, Richard admits that he's enjoyed the process of getting his Gemini looking and handling better and that its been well worth it.
"It may not have the power or street cred, but its got as much retro feel as an expensive Brock Commodore"he said.
He's nicknamed the car Agnes - old feeble and sometimes cranky like the Simpsons character.
If you'd like to see more of Agnes, Richard plans to have it on display at the CWCC 15th Annual Charity Show and Shine on Saturday, October 19 at Pioneer Oval in Parkes.
Come on down
Parkes Tyrepower and Mechanical in association with Parkes Antique Motor Club and Shannons presents the Central West Car Club 15th Annual Charity Show'n Shine and Market Day with the PAMC Annual Swap Meet.
This Car Show is run to raise money for the Parkes Branch of Can Assist. Gold coin donation for the public to the car show, $5 to the PAMC swap meet. Visit www.centralwestcarclub.com.
Join Us
Meetings held first Wednesday of the month at the Leagues Club at 7:30pm. Feel free to join us at 6:30pm to 7pm.
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