Why some old Holdens could soon have the same status as Ned Kelly’s armor

A number of vintage Holdens up for auction face an export ban if they are granted ‘protected’ cultural status.

Lloyds Auctions plans to put the vehicles under the hammer in a larger classic car auction on Sunday.

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But the federal government says some of the Holdens – worth millions – could be classified as Australian protected objects.

The protected status prohibits the export of objects of significant importance to Australia.

Other objects enjoying equal status include sacred Aboriginal artifacts, pieces of Ned Kelly’s armor and Victoria Cross awards given to war veterans.

Lloyds chief operations officer Lee Hames said the collection of vintage cars, which includes the Holdens, is worth tens of millions of dollars.

“We have informed all foreign bidders and interested parties that they may face challenges in exporting some of these special classics,” he said.

Australian protected objects are divided into two classes, Class A and B, the latter being exportable with government approval.

Class B objects include objects of historical importance and art.

Holdens were no longer made in Australia in 2017 after failed negotiations between owner General Motors and the then Abbott government.