Mr Summers, like many of the 70-odd members of the Melbourne chapter of the FX/FJ Holden Club, has a passion for the car that has seen him cross the country in pursuit of the Australian icon.

Mr Summers bought his car in South Australia about five years ago. "I've always loved them; I've got three of them now. They were the first totally Australian-made car and the first car the working man could afford."

The FX Holden, with its 2.15-litre, six-cylinder engine, was built between 1948 and 1953, while the FJ was built between 1953 and 1956.

Next month, the FX/FJ Holden Club will host fellow Holden enthusiasts from across Victoria for the state's FX/FJ car show. It will be the first time the show has come to Melton.

Melton resident and club president Ray Jones, the proud owner of a 1952 FX ute, said FX/FJ owners would come from all over to show off their cars, which ranged from completely original to those that have been overhauled and modified.

Mr Jones bought his ute for $1000 in 1977 and says there's no way he'd part with it. "It gets into your blood. In the early days I used to drive Chevrolets. The FX and FJ are a bit more economical."

The FX/FJ car show will be at Melton's harness racing centre, Tabcorp Park, on Sunday, October 4. Entry is by gold coin donation, which will go to charity.

For more information, call Ray Jones on 97437141.